FAQs About Laser Vision Correction

What is laser vision correction?
What are the benefits?
Should I wait for a better procedure?
Am I a candidate?
When can I get it?
How long is the procedure?
What kind of laser is used?
Is it painful?
What is the recovery like?
What are the risks?
What is the cost?
How important is the choice of a doctor?
What do I need to do to get started?
What happens before the procedure?
What happens after the procedure?

Q: What is laser vision correction?
A:Laser vision correction (LVC) is a surgical alternative to glasses and contact lenses. This procedure combines the use of the precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea or front refracting surface of the eye. The excimer laser is able to sculpt the cornea by breaking its molecular bonds without causing damage to the deeper or surrounding corneal layers. Two commonly performed procedures were developed using the excimer laser, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). LASIK is the more commonly performed procedure worldwide due to its faster visual recovery time and less pain. LVC corrects the eyes by reshaping the cornea whereas glasses and contact lenses only correct the sight deficiency. The goal of LVC is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses in cases of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Back to list.

Q: What are the benefits?
A: An improvement in lifestyle is the greatest benefit. Everyday activities may be hindered by the time and effort spent fussing with contact lenses and glasses. After LVC, most patients have little to no reliance on glasses and contact lenses. Eyesight corrected with LVC can be better than 20/20 in some cases, and according the FDA, 95% of LVC patients see 20/40 or better. 20/40 vision means driving without the use of glasses, swimming, waking up to a clear view of the clock. LVC is not for everyone, nor a cure for all. It is important to discuss with your doctor the realistic results one can expect.

Back to list.

Q; Should I wait for a better procedure?
A: In this industry, new technology is a given. You as a patient will always be bombarded with "latest and greatest" claims, but Dr. Feldman has proven the laser to be the best thing for vision since glasses. The key to a successful procedure is your evaluation. If you're not a candidate, she'll tell you, because Dr. Feldman is only interested in the best results possible. If there is too much risk involved with your eyes, your best results may come from not having anything done at all.

Back to list.

Q: Am I a candidate?
A: To determine whether you are a good candidate, schedule a free consultation to discuss your prescription and vision goals with Dr. Feldman. Here are some of the qualifications for candidacy:

• -1 to -16 diopters of myopia (nearsightedness)
• +1 to +6 diopters of hyperopia (farsightedness)
• .75 to 4 diopters of astigmatism
• at least 18 years of age
• stable prescription
• willing to discontinue soft contact lenses for a minimum of three days before surgery
• willing to discontinue hard or rigid type contact lenses until stabilization of eyes before surgery
• no eye or systemic abnormalities that affect healing

Back to list.

Q: When can I get it?
A: All LVC procedures are performed by Dr. Feldman. For your trust and comfort, you will meet the surgeon during the consultation. Dr. Feldman feels this step is important as she would not trust her own eyes to a surgeon she had not personally met.

Back to list.

Q: How long is the procedure?
A: Unbelievably, the procedure for both eyes takes less than 10 minutes, from the time the numbing eye drops are given, through the laser reshaping. What takes the most amount of time is preparing each patient thoroughly for the benefits and risks of the procedure and the preoperative examination, which usually takes 2-3 hours.

Back to list.

Q: What kind of laser is used?
A: The excimer laser Dr. Feldman uses is manufactured by VISX. Over 80% of all laser vision correction procedures in the U.S. are performed using VISX lasers. While other lasers are approved for use in the United States, published studies have not shown better results than with the VISX laser. Ask Dr. Feldman about these lasers and why physicians have chosen Dr. Feldman for their laser eye surgery.

Back to list.

Q: Is it painful?
A: While nearly every patient anticipates pain, most patients describe only some discomfort or slight pressure to the eye. One patient thought the procedure actually tickled. The procedure is performed after installation of a topical anesthetic, or eye drops, before the procedure. Often, patients are given a mild relaxing agent prior to surgery and pain reliever after surgery.

Back to list.

Q: What is the recovery like?
A: The recovery is relatively fast. How well you heal and your general physical condition determines the rate of recovery. An afternoon of sleep is advised following the procedure, and eye drops are given for one week. Work and physical activity can often be resumed within three days. Some temporary adverse side effects are experienced such as a foreign body sensation, sensitivity to bright lights, blurred vision, and dryness of the eyes. Patients are required to have a next-day post-operative exam and there will be at least six other post-operative exams included in the global fee to ensure proper healing. Most individuals are able to pass the vision test for driving the day after surgery! The quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort make LASIK a popular and highly successful procedure.

Back to list.

Q: What are the risks?
A: This is a surgical procedure, and like all surgical procedures, there is some degree of risk. The most common complications include the possibility of under- or over-correction. If this occurs, the patient can choose to have an enhancement, or recorrection procedure. The loss of one's best corrected vision is less than 1%, and up to 5% with less experienced ophthalmologists. Other side effects including night glare, haloes, light sensitivity, dryness will be discussed at length during one's consultation.

Back to list.

Q: What is the cost?
A: According to the February 9, 1999 issue of Triathlete Magazine, the market price for LASIK is around $2,000 to $2,400 per eye. The article encourages paying full price and avoiding gimmicks and deep discounts where doctors are mostly interested in high turnover. In the emerging LASIK market, there is a direct relationship between quality and price. At ClearView the price is very affordable with our low monthly payment plans. In addition, we have corporate plans with local companies so ask us about these programs when you come in for a visit.

Back to list.

Q: How important is the choice of a doctor?
A: Your choice of doctor is a crucial decision. Not all doctors will meet with you more than 5 minutes before the surgery and be willing to answer ALL of your questions. This time is necessary to communicate the visual goals of each patient and to establish trust and comfort. Since LASIK is a corneal procedure, a corneal expert is a smart choice. Dr. Feldman is a highly skilled and experienced corneal expert. She is often referred to as "The Doctor's Doctor" for the countless procedures she has done on colleagues and doctor's family members.

Back to list.

Q: What do I need to do to get started?
A: The first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Feldman. During the consultation, she will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. After a thorough eye examination, you may then schedule a procedure date.

To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Feldman, call us at (800) or click here.

Back to list.

Q: What happens before the procedure?
A: A few days before the surgery, you will go through a pre-operative examination, which usually takes 2-3 hours. Your eyes will be thoroughly evaluated by your family eye doctor or Dr. Feldman, you will read and sign the surgical consent forms and you will be given an opportunity to discuss any questions you might have with Dr. Feldman.

Back to list.

Q: What happens after the procedure?
A: The doctor will need to see you to make sure the eyes are healing properly the next day. The doctor will see you again in one week, and then one month, three months and six months post operatively. You cannot rub your eyes for about a month, wear make-up for a week, and are encouraged to refrain from physical and stressful activity the first three days.

Back to list.