Prominent doctor answers most common LASIK questions

As a result of advancements in technology, more people are great candidates for laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK) than ever in the past. "Having personally performed more than 60,000 laser vision correction procedures including procedures for professional drivers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, Olympic gold medalists and professional athletes, my team and I have helped thousands of people decide whether laser vision correction was right for them. During those individual consultations, my team and I have addressed common questions and concerns and dispelled many myths concerning the LASIK procedure," says Dr. Eugene Smith, an independent surgeon performing surgeries for LasikPlus.

The following are common questions asked about LASIK with answers provided by Smith:

Is LASIK painful?

LASIK surgery is a quick, painless procedure that takes between 5 and 10 minutes for each eye. It is extremely non-intrusive. If you close your eyelids and gently place one finger on your upper eyelid, you will simulate the sensation experienced when having the "all laser" Intralase LASIK.

At the start of the procedure, eye drop anesthesia is used to numb the eye so no injections are necessary. Patients experience virtually no discomfort and stitches are not required due to the extraordinary healing power of the eye! Immediately after treatment, some patients experience minor irritation, like having an eyelash or dry contact lenses in their eyes. This sensation generally disappears within a few hours after the procedure. Most importantly, you will probably notice a significant, immediate improvement in your vision within a few minutes to a few hours after the procedure.

Is LASIK risky?

Laser vision correction (specifically LASIK and PRK) are FDA approved procedures that have undergone intense scrutiny since these are some of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the world. LASIK and PRK are some of the safest and most predictable surgical procedures available. "Personally, if I did not believe these procedures were safe, I would not have had laser vision correction on myself and I would not be doing it for a career. Of course, every surgical procedure has risks, but serious risks are very uncommon. As an example, the risks of serious eye problems, such as infections after laser vision correction are similar to the risks of infections that could occur in someone wearing extended wear (overnight wear) contact lenses," says Smith.

Do you need to keep your eye perfectly still for the entire procedure?

No. First of all, the entire procedure usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes for each eye, with the actual laser treatment usually lasting between 5 seconds and 90 seconds depending upon your prescription. During this time, an eyelid holder gently holds your eyelids in place while the laser treatment is performed. You will look at a flashing light which gives you something to focus on during your treatment.

Second, recent advances in laser tracking technology enable the lasers to precisely track your eye during your treatment. When you look at the blinking light, this ensures you are generally looking in the right direction. The eye tracker locates and "locks on" to your pupil and iris and tracks, repositions and aligns the laser as it follows your eye movements during your procedure. The tracker and laser are able to process information and move much faster than your eye is capable of moving, so the treatment is very precisely aligned to maximize your result. I have actually treated people with nystagmus, a medical condition in which their eyes continuously dart back and forth. In all cases, the laser trackers "locked on" and ensured the laser treatments were correctly centered and aligned.

How can you afford LASIK?

The price of laser correction vision surgery varies significantly by provider, type of procedure performed and equipment used. All of those factors are mandated by your unique eye care needs. Sources such as WebMD estimates that the typical cost of LASIK is in the range of $1,800 to $2,500 per eye. While these one-time figures may seem high to some, it's important to keep in mind that laser vision correction procedures are intended to achieve permanent vision correction. If you consider the cost of glasses or contact lenses over time, these numbers compare quite favorably.  More importantly, these one-time figures don't have to be paid upfront. Financing is available for LASIK and other vision surgeries. Several financing companies specialize in elective procedures and offer plans with fixed rates and long-term payments.

For example, some financing options offered by LasikPlus include low monthly payments, no down payment, and no interest for 24 months.

If you have been wondering how you could benefit from LASIK, the next step is to get a comprehensive eye-health exam to see if you are a good candidate. Your doctor should discuss your particular situation with you and what the best vision correction options are for your long-term eye health. At LasikPlus, you receive a free 90-minute comprehensive LASIK exam from the local optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine just what your process would entail.


Visit www.LasikPlus.com and schedule your complimentary, no obligation LASIK consultation with your local LasikPlus Vision Center. You have nothing to lose and only better eye health to gain. Copyright © ARAnet, Inc.