How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK? What can I realistically expect my results to be? NEW! Frequently Asked Questions about IntraLASIK® ----[ PDF format - download Adobe Acrobat Reader ] Does the VISX® Star S4 laser provide superior results? I wear bifocals. Will I still need glasses after surgery? How long does the procedure take? What about pain or discomfort? What medications will I need? How long before I achieve optimum vision? How often do I see the doctor after surgery? How long will it take me to return to normal activities? Can I get water in my eyes? When can I use make-up? Can I have both eyes done at once? Can I drive immediately after surgery? Can I play sports right after the procedure? What payment options are available?---NEW OPTIONS! Does insurance cover refractive procedures? Do you offer a military discount? Questions To Ask the Doctor Q. How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK? A. LASIK laser can help more people than ever. In fact, the VISX® Star S4 ActiveTrak™ Laser utilized by Beitman Laser Eye Institute is the only laser approved to correct farsighted, nearsighted and astigmatic vision. If you previously were told you weren't a candidate for vision correction procedures, you owe it to yourself to find out more about LASIK. Chances are, even if you are extremely nearsighted, we can help to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Patients must be at least 18 years of age and must have good ocular health. Candidates must have stable refraction for a least one year, and be free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK. The following is a guideline only. Myopia (nearsightedness): -1.00 D to -20.00 D* Hyperopia (farsightedness): +1.00 D to +8.00 D Astigmatism: (can be + or -) Up to 7.00 D *D = diopters, a unit of measurement referring to amount of correction needed to obtain normal or 20/20 vision. Q. What can I realistically expect my results to be? A. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of vision correction surgery is to reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK and vision correction procedures do not always create 20/20, or even 20/40 vision. However, 98% of nearsighted patients and 97% of farsighted patients see 20/40 or better within the first year. Q. Does the VISX® Star S4 laser provide superior results? A. Based on case histories, the answer is yes. Not only are results better than other lasers for vision correction, but the new technology is also more comfortable for our patients. The state-of-the-art laser features a 3-D infrared eye tracking system which precisely follows the patient's eye movement to deliver each laser pulse. When the eye moves, the camera follows the eye movement to keep the laser perfectly centered on the cornea. If the patient's eye moves outside the treatment zone, the laser automatically shuts down within a fraction of a second. This technology results in the most accurate and comfortable vision correction procedures anywhere in the world! Q. I wear bifocals. Will I still need glasses after surgery? A. Vision correction procedures cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia. Normally, presbyopia occurs after 40 years of age and may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved with LASIK may find they will need reading glasses soon after surgery. In some cases, patients will decide to have monovision, where one eye is slightly undercorrected to retard the presbyopia process, extending the period of time before reading glasses are needed. Q. How long does the procedure take? A. The laser itself takes less than a minute per eye. The entire procedure is about 20 minutes for both eyes. Q. What about pain or discomfort? A. The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic. There is no pain during the procedure, but you may have some mild discomfort 24-36 hours postoperatively. Q. What medications will I need? A. You will be given sleeping medication to control any discomfort and to promote rest for the first 24 hours, antibiotic drops to prevent infection for the first 5 days and artificial tear drops to promote healing for approximately one month. Q. How long before I achieve optimum vision? A. You will have improved vision immediately with maximum results achieved within a few weeks. Q. How often do I see the doctor after surgery? A. Usually 3 to 4 times. Normally, the day after the procedure, and then one and three months postoperatively. Q. How long will it take me to return to normal activities? A. Visual recovery is quick. Usually, 90% of patients can return to work within one or two days after the procedure. Q. Can I get water in my eyes? A. It is best not to get water in your eyes, so be careful when washing your face and hair for about one week. You should refrain from swimming for about 2 weeks. Q. When can I use make-up? A. Do not use make-up for at least one week. Q. Can I have both eyes done at once? A. Normally, both eyes are done at the same time. There are circumstances which may require you to have the procedure on separate dates. Q. Can I drive immediately after surgery? A. On the day of surgery, because you will be on medication, we require that you have someone drive you to and from our facility. You should be able to drive within 12 - 24 hours after surgery. Q. Can I play sports right after the procedure? A. Certain strenuous activities or contact sports should be postponed for about one month. Q. What payment options are available?---NEW OPTIONS! A. The fee for vision correction surgery can be paid prior to surgery. For your convenience we accept personal check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and The Discover Card. We also have a very popular payment program called the Vision Fee Plan (VFP), which offers a low monthly payment plan with a rate as low as 5.9% A.P.R. This plan requires no down payment, your payments remain fixed, and there is no prepayment penalty. To find out more or to apply, simply click on the "Apply Online" icon below. The Vision Fee Plan also has a new program which provides 0% interest for up to a year. To get more information about this option, please call toll free (877) 837-2272. Vision Fee Plan is a flexible monthly payment option. It is specifically designed for refractive surgery -- with payments as low as $65 per month. No initial payment Low, fixed rates ranging from 5.9% - 12.99% No prepayment penalty Q. Does insurance cover refractive procedures? A. A number of insurance plans cover the procedure in part or whole. Please contact our office for more information. Q. Do you offer a military discount? A. Yes! Be sure to ask one of our surgical advisors about our military discount. Visit the Bulletin Board to read an article announcing the U.S. Army's recent approval of LASIK. Questions To Ask the Doctor It is important that the surgeon you select is qualified and specializes in refractive surgery. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, laser procedures are highly effective with excellent results. You should ask the following questions to help you decide if laser vision correction procedures, and the surgeon you plan to select, are right for you: 1. How will I have to limit my activities and for how long? 2. What are the benefits of IntraLASIK/CustomVue surgery? 3. What is the difference between LASIK and IntraLASIK/CustomVue? 4. The VISX Star S4 is the preferred laser in the world for LASIK surgery. Which one do you use? 5. How many procedures have you performed? How long have you been doing refractive surgery? 6. Are you board certified? By which governing body? 7. How many laser procedures for vision correction do you perform in a month? 8. What professional societies do you belong to? 9. Do you offer the latest technology, the IntraLASIK/CustomVue lasers? 10. Do you perform general ophthalmology or are you a Refractive Surgery specialist? . For your complimentary consultation: 1-800-826-EYES (3937) Home | About Us | About LASIK | Questions | Locations Contact Us | Our Patients | Bulletin Board | NewsLink | Site Map Copyright © 2000 - 2008 Beitman Laser Eye Institute Website by Fresh Papaya Design and Goodchap Design Communications, Inc. .