Richmond Eye Associates, Misconceptions about Laser Vision Correction

Common Misconceptions about Laser Vision Correction

After the procedure, can one throw away their glasses for life?
The goal of Laser Vision Correction is minimize a person's dependency on glasses and contact lenses. It is still possible that after the procedure, a person might need glasses for demanding visual tasks, such as driving at night. Also, a person over the age of forty will usually need reading glasses for near vision even after Laser Vision Correction.
Does the procedure (LASIK or PRK) take only 5 minutes to perform per eye?
While the actual amount of time that the laser is used is often only one to two minutes or less, the full time of the procedure is somewhat longer, per eye. Time is spent getting everything into the proper position and in cleaning the area around the eye before surgery. In LASIK, several minutes are spent after the laser has been used to insure that the flap is returning to the proper position without slippage. A more realistic time that the procedure takes per eye is around 15 minutes (still a short period of time). After the person returns home, they will generally want to limit their activities for the first day, at least. Most people after LASIK can return to their regular daily routine within a few days of the procedure. This may take a little longer for PRK, due to a longer healing time with that procedure.
Does everyone see 20/20 the first day after surgery?
This certainly is not true for PRK, as the vision may be blurred for a week or so after the procedure is done. In fact, with PRK, a person's best corrected vision seems to continue to improve even months after the procedure has been done. With LASIK, the vision returns much more rapidly. Many people see extremely well the first day after LASIK. However, due to individual healing responses, it is not realistic to expect the vision to be 20/20 the first day after LASIK.
Are PRK and LASIK such simple procedures to perform that there is no risk of any complication?
There is risk of complication with any surgical procedure, PRK and LASIK included. While most risks are very rare after these procedures (as listed in the Complications section), there is a more significant risk of not achieving a perfect correction after the procedure, and a risk of seeing glare or halos around lights, especially at night. However, even the risks of these problems are fairly low. One should have a good knowledge about the expected outcome of the procedure, including risks involved.
Can a person not wear contact lenses after PRK or LASIK?
If necessary, a person can wear soft contact lenses after PRK or LASIK. In fact, sometimes a soft bandage contact lens is placed to help with healing right after the procedure is performed (especially with PRK). With LASIK, it is not usually recommended to wear a rigid contact lens after the procedure. Sometimes the actual fitting of contact lenses is more difficult after refractive surgery has been done.
Can the results of Laser Vision Correction be enhanced repeatedly until the desired result is obtained?
The vast majority of people never need any further procedure after the original PRK or LASIK. If a person has a significant under correction after the first procedure, an enhancement procedure can be done no earlier than 3 months after LASIK, or 6 months after PRK. It is very rare to have a third procedure. With every additional procedure, there are increased risks of surgery to the point that the risk of surgery outweighs any potential gain.
Is Laser Vision Correction not covered by medical or vision insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure?
Since laser vision correction reduces the need for a prosthetic device (glasses or contact lenses), and since is improves the functioning of the eye with out the need of other devices, it is not really a cosmetic procedure. It does not change a person's appearance, only their dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Insurance companies do not cover these procedures simply because they choose not to cover them. Some vision plans are now offering discounts for Laser Vision Correction.
If a person is sensitive about their eyes, can Laser Vision Correction be performed with a person fully sedated?
Some sedation can be given before PRK or LASIK. However, it is vital that a person be able to consistently gaze at the fixation light of the laser while the procedure is being performed, otherwise an unpredictable outcome could occur. Our VISX Star S4 ActiveTrak Excimer Laser offers a sophisticated eye tracking feature, but the results of Laser Vision Correction are best with good patient fixation.
Is Laser Vision Correction painful?
Neither PRK nor LASIK are painful procedures. Eye drop anesthesia is extremely effective, for example, even cataract surgery can be performed with eye drop anesthesia. Some people are briefly bothered by the lid speculum that opens the eyelids. After the procedure, most people are comfortable with minimal discomfort, especially after LASIK. With PRK, a bandage contact lens and eye drops can help to ease discomfort while the corneal surface heals.
If person strongly desires Laser Vision Correction, should be done even if he cannot afford it?
There are different options for payment for Laser Vision Correction, from credit cards to financing arrangements, that make Laser Vision Correction affordable for everyone.