Frequently Asked Questions
The best way for you to determine this is with a thorough exam from your eye doctor. Appropriate candidates must be at least 18 years old, in good general health, and have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Laser vision correction can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Through an initial consultation with your eye doctor, he or she will confirm if you are a good candidate, explain the procedure, and answer your questions so you can make an good, informed decision. He or she will explain what results you can reasonable expect by measuring your prescription and thoroughly examining your eyes.
CustomLASIK is a procedure the involved the use of a wavefront analyzer and enables your surgeon to customize the Conventional LASIK procedure to your eyes. This customized procedure can result in patients seeing clearer and sharper than ever before.
CustomLASIK uses a tool called the wavefront analyzer to accurately measure the way light travels through your eye. The resulting map of your eye is then programmed into the laser and the laser treats your eye based upon that personalized 3D map. CustomLASIK helps to treat “higher order” aberrations, which are tiny imperfections in the eye that can have a significant impact on one’s own quality of vision. In fact, higher order aberrations have been linked to visual glare and halos. Higher order aberrations have not been previously treatable with contacts, glasses, or conventional LASIK. Conventional LASIK is still a very good choice for many patients, though most will prefer the higher level of customization that CustomLASIK can provide. Ultimately, you need to discuss the options with your eye doctor.
The actual LASIK procedure is performed in exactly the same way in both Conventional LASIK and CustomLASIK. The Pre-op testing for Conventional LASIK and CustomLASIK differ greatly. The wavefront analyzer used with CustomLASIK brings a whole new level of knowledge and accuracy to the surgeon.
While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful in reducing the dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary among individuals. How well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the severity of your prescription. Although no one can promise patients perfect or 20/20 vision, most laser patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within 1-2 lines of 20/20 vision on an eye chart. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, or participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as police and fire departments. Additionally, CustomLASIK has proven to be an exciting development. Clinical studies have shown that CustomLASIK can improve not only what you can see, but how well you can see it. In the past, all vision was measured using a standard vision chart. If you could see the letters, the doctor would proclaim your vision as a number, such as 20/20, 20/100, etc. But now, with CustomLASIK, doctors are able to focus on the quantity and the quality of your vision. Many patients who have had CustomLASIK are reporting being able to see clearer than ever before. It’s as if someone had taken an ink pad and freshly stamped each letter on the vision chart in bold, black letters. Because CustomLASIK corrects the unique imperfections in each individuals vision, it is likely that the night vision will be improved as well. Your pre-procedure consultation with your doctor will help determine the range of your probably outcome based on your particular prescription, healing profile, and expectations.
Your eye doctor is the best person to tell you that. CustomLASIK is necessary for some and desirable for many. Everyone’s eyes are different and your eyes may best be treated with CustomLASIK. You should schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. Together, you can determine what is right for you.
The price of the procedure is determined by the level of refractive correction required, the laser technology recommended for your specific condition, and the eye doctor. The cost of CustomLASIK is generally greater than the cost of conventional LASIK. CustomLASIK is performed using some of the most advanced technology in the vision industry. The procedure combines the technology of the wavefront analyzer with the precision of a computerized laser and the skill of your respected surgeon.
Most patients find the procedure to be slightly uncomfortable. One good way to learn more about how it feels is talk to someone who has had the procedure, such as a friend of relative, or a staff member in the doctor’s office. For most patients, the feeling of anxiety and the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual procedure. Anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye just before surgery begins and you may be given a mild sedative. After your procedure, your eye may feel a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. You will be given drops for your eyes to counteract the potential dryness you may experience for several days following the surgery.
There are risks with the laser vision correction procedure. However, the chance of having a vision reducing complication has been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal. Remember, millions of people have the excellent results from laser vision correction.
Some potential complications include conditions such as dryness, complications in making a surgical flap, night glare, under or over-correction, and loss of best-corrected vision. Generally, your doctor will discuss these, and any other risks prior to the procedure. Proper preoperative screening ensures that the procedure is carried through only when medically advisable. As well, diligent post-operative care helps to identify and address any potential healing complications.