Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
How does LASIK work?
LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly. A device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. An excimer laser beam then reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. The flap is then closed and is able to heal without the use of stitches.
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Who is a candidate for LASIK?
Patients must be a minimum of 18-21 years old, depending on the nature of their refractive error. You must also fit within the treatment range of the laser, which encompasses most, but not all, corrections.
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How long do I have to keep my contacts out before my surgery?
If you are wearing soft contacts, they need to be out for at least two weeks before your evaluation exam and two weeks before your surgery. If you are wearing hard or gas-permeable contact lenses, they need to be out for at least three weeks prior to your exam and surgery.
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Why do hard contacts have to be out for so long?
Hard and gas-permeable lenses reshape the cornea, and even a soft lens can alter the shape by causing swelling. Removing them helps your cornea return to its most natural shape. We try to assure that we will get the most accurate results from your exam, which has a direct effect on the accuracy of your surgery. The goal is to get the best measurements for your vision correction.
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Can I do both eyes at the same time?
Dr Ceravolo routinely performs surgery on both eyes at the same setting. Having one eye done at a time is often personal patient preference. It may depend, however, on the procedure you're having.
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How long does LASIK surgery take?
You will be at our office for about three to four hours on the day of surgery. The surgery itself takes only a few minutes for each eye. Prior to surgery, you may have a small dose of Valium to relax you if you wish. The medication takes about 20 minutes to work. Following surgery, there will be a review of post-operative instructions. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.
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Is LASIK surgery painful?
There is little pain associated with the modern refractive procedures. Your eyes are numbed before the surgery with anesthetic eye drops. During the surgery, you may feel a small lid support holding the eye open and pressure from the suction ring during the creation of the flap. Most patients do not report this as being painful. The laser portion of the surgery is painless.
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What are the risks and complications associated with Laser Refractive Surgery?
Laser Refractive Surgery involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and delivering a laser treatment from an FDA approved excimer laser beneath it. If there is anything abnormal about the flap, the surgery is stopped and can be attempted again in three months. The other critical part of the procedure is the laser application. The laser must be properly programmed and aligned, and the patient must hold his attention on a blinking target light during the application. The consent form for surgery provides a more complete discussion of complications.
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Will I be 20/20 after LASIK surgery?
National statistics indicate that in patients with nearsightedness up to 14 diopters, 95% will be capable of passing the drivers license test after surgery. The statistics also indicate that about of these same patients will be 20/20 or better after surgery. Since these statistics cover a very wide range of nearsightedness and some very severe degrees of correction, patients with more normal prescriptions will usually expect to have better initial results.
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Does insurance cover LASIK?
Insurance companies, for the most part, still consider Laser Refractive Surgery as cosmetic in nature. Because of this, they do not cover the procedure. However, we have finance plans available for our patients if desired. The IRS considers Laser Refractive Surgery as reconstructive and eligible as a medical expense deduction.
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Is Vision Correction Surgery tax-deductible?
Yes, a new ruling from the IRS allows many patients to deduct the cost of laser vision correction. The IRS considers Vision Correction Surgery as reconstructive and eligible as a medical expense deduction under section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. See the IRS website for further details.
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Will I be able to see up close after having LASIK done?
If you are under the age of 40, you should not have any problems seeing up close after surgery. Most people in their middle to late 40s naturally have trouble seeing up close and need to use store-bought readers or bifocals to read small print. The need for prescription reading correction will occur to most patients regardless if they have Laser Refractive Surgery. Patients over the age of 50 may also have more difficulty with arms length or intermediate range vision.
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What other side effects are there after LASIK surgery?
Most patients experience intermittent mild irritation for several days after the surgery. Vision can fluctuate from day to day, and may also differ in each eye. This imbalance can be annoying in the early post-operative period. There are some patients whose vision takes several weeks to improve to its maximal level. Dryness in the eye can be exacerbated by the surgery, requiring the frequent use of drops for a period of time. There are some patients that will need to use lubricating eye drops for a prolonged period of time. Glare and light sensitivity may also occur. Night driving may be more difficult after surgery. These side effects usually resolve within several months.
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What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts aren't painful, but they do cause symptoms, including: Blurred/hazy vision, Spots in front of the eye(s), Sensitivity to glare, A feeling of "film" over the eye(s), A temporary improvement in near vision.
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Who is at risk for developing cataracts?
People at risk for developing cataracts include those who are over 55, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes, or use certain medications.
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How are cataracts treated?
Vision loss from cataracts can often be improved with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. Cataract replacement is the most common surgical procedure in the country. During this procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
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Do you offer financing?
North Columbus Eye Center offers a variety of financing plans, and we will work with you to develop a plan to meet your needs. All financial arrangements must be completed prior to the day of surgery. You can apply online with Care Credit at: https://www.geonlineapply.com/servlet/MCSGenericApp
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I have seen LASIK advertised for ridiculously low prices. What should I know about this?
This excerpt from an ABC Action News report explains why the Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint against Lasik Vision Institute, a company that is currently advertising $299 LASIK in Atlanta and other cities. In some cases, they perform surgery out of the back of a truck, which is temporarily parked in a shopping center parking lot.
Click here to read the article in PDF format.
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