Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Refractive Surgery

What is refractive surgery
What are the goals of refractive surgery
Why do some people undergo refractive surgery
How quickly will good vision return after surgery
Can I have both eyes operated at the same time
How will I know if refractive surgery is a possibility for me
How long does this consultation exam take
I wear contact lenses. Must I remove them before the surgery
How long does the surgery take
Can I eat or drink before the surgery
Can I drive myself to the Phillips Eye Institute for the procedure
Does the surgery hurt
Where do you perform these surgical procedures
Between surgeries, how will I see in the non-corrected eye
Which excimer laser do you use and why
After the surgery, what are my activity limitations
Where can I find additional information
How much does the surgery cost
Does insurance cover the surgery
Is financing available

Q: What is refractive surgery
Surgery which changes the way light focuses on the retina. It is not a cosmetic procedure as it changes the function of the eye. There are a number of refractive surgical procedures.

Q: What are the goals of refractive surgery
In general, the purpose of this surgery is to decrease dependence on glasses or contact lenses. After surgery many patients will not need glasses or contacts at all; others may need a weaker prescription of glasses or contacts for certain activities such as night driving or reading.

Q: Why do some people undergo refractive surgery
The most common reasons are that people are tired of being dependent on or don’t like the way they look in glasses or contact lenses. In a number of occupations such as emergency services (fire, police, and paramedic) and air transportation (pilots, flight attendants) contacts or glasses not only are inconvenient but difficult to wear. In sports and hobby activities, they often interfere with a person’s enjoyment, participation and performance in activities such as swimming, scuba diving and water and snow skiing. Some people are unable to wear contacts and, with glasses, experience a limited field of vision.

Q: How quickly will good vision return after surgery
This varies depending upon the procedure. In the LASIK procedure, a substantial number of people experience return of good vision within 24 hours. PRK has a longer recovery time as the surface cells have to grow back in place which takes at least a week. There is a rapid improvement of vision after PRK after the bandage soft contact lens is removed and the corneal surface cells become smooth.

Q: Can I have both eyes operated at the same time
No, I believe that the benefits of waiting a day or more between eyes exceed the convenience of operating on both eyes at the same time. The response of the first eye can be immensely instructive so adjustments could be made, if necessary, on the surgery of the second eye. There are a number of reasons to perform surgery one eye at a time. There are a few exceptions to this.

Q: How will I know if refractive surgery is a possibility for me
After personally performing a full consultative medical eye exam, I will tell you if you are a candidate and what type of procedure would be best for you.

Q: How long does this consultation exam take
This is a full medical eye exam-usually with eye drops and extensive other testing--and requires a minimum of two hours. There may be a need for follow up exams to retest and repeat certain tests such as wavefront analysis.

Q: I wear contact lenses. Must I remove them before the surgery
These are the suggested minimum periods during which you may not wear contacts: prior to your first consultation as well as before surgery. For the office exam, do not wear soft contact lenses for two weeks before the exam and for rigid or gas permeable lenses and toric (astigmatic) soft contact lenses, three weeks. It is not uncommon for this interval (which may seem endless if you are a habitual contact lens wearer) to be inadequate. Many patients need to come back again and not wear contacts for a longer amount of time. In general, the longer the contact lenses are discontinued the better.

Contact lens wear can be restarted after this visit but stopped 72 hours before the surgery.

Q: How long does the surgery take
The process takes about 10- 15 minutes from walking into and out of the surgical suite. The actually laser surgery takes only a minute or two for most patients.

Q. Can I eat or drink before the surgery
Unlike many surgical procedures, refractive surgery does not restrict you from a normal diet before or after treatment. Most procedures are performed in the morning and I suggest a light breakfast.

Q. Can I drive myself to the Phillips Eye Institute for the procedure
No. Many patients are administered a mild sedative such as valium preoperatively and it is best not to drive. Please arrange to have someone drive you or arrange a taxicab on the day of the procedure.

Q: Does the surgery hurt
An anesthetic drop numbs the eye. LASIK and PRK are virtually painless with only a slight feeling of pressure during the procedure. After surgery, usually you’ll feel some stinging of the eye and watering which diminishes in the first several hours after surgery. You should relax, perhaps nap, and do nothing strenuous for the rest of the day. With the PRK procedure, there is some discomfort, usually tearing and a foreign body sensation, which lasts for 3-5 days and disappears after the surface cells have regrown. After LASIK, may be some tearing and mild pain for several hours which generally goes away by that evening.

Q: Where do you perform these surgical procedures
Dr. Sher performs laser vision correction at the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis. They have a dedicated and very experienced staff with the latest equipment and lasers. Dr. Sher prefers the hospital environment over a venue of having a laser in an office building. By performing the surgery at a hospital ambulatory surgery department, you may benefit from the added quality assurance, instruments, maintenance, infection control, engineering and experienced personnel found at these institutions.

Q. Between surgeries, how will I see in the non-corrected eye
Since there is a variable interval time between surgeries, depending on a number of factors, many patients wear a contact lens in the non-corrected eye while others are able to cope with one "good" eye. Because of depth perception and focus problems, you probably will not be able to remove one lens from your eyeglasses.

Q: Which excimer laser do you use and why
Dr. Sher uses the VISX STAR™ S4 excimer laser system made by the VISX Inc. In his opinion, it is one of the best lasers available. There have been millions of procedures worldwide performed on the VISX equipment. He has been a consultant to the VISX for various matters relating to laser vision correction for over 12 years and have great confidence in the high quality and superior engineering of their laser.

Q: After PRK (advanced surface ablation) surgery, how soon can I:

Wear makeup
Wait at least 10 days for eye makeup or makeup close to the eye.

Drive
For most patients, it’s the next day or two.

Work
Depending on your job, usually you can return the next day. With PRK, there is a soft contact lens placed in the eye as a bandage. It is worn continuously. It is very important that the lens NOT be exposed to chemicals and other noxious fumes, chlorine from hot tubs or swimming pools, smoke, cooking fumes and any environmental factor which can increase risk of infection. The lens may be kept in the eye from 4 to 7 days, depending on your healing. It is important to ask about a specific situation you may have before exposing the eye.

Swimming
Wait at least 5 days after the soft contact is removed from your eye after PRK surgery. With LASIK, about two weeks.

Read and watch TV
Usually you can read and watch TV the same day as your surgery. Our doctors recommend that patients take it easy for 24 hours after surgery.

Dance, jog, run or bicycle
Usually you can resume these activities within a couple of days. Avoid jogging or being out in the very cold which may dry out a bandage soft contact lens. Always wear sunglasses while outdoors.

Ride a horse, snowmobile, motorcycle or water/snow ski
Wait at least one week, our doctors recommend that you wear protective goggles or face masks during these activities.

Q: Where can I find additional information
For more information about ophthalmology and refractive surgery visit the websites of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - LASIK information

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Our experienced refractive surgery coordinators, have put together some of the most frequently answered questions on financial and other questions.

Q: How much does the surgery cost
Once Dr. Sher determines which procedure will work best for you; you will be quoted a fee. The basic fee for PRK or LASIK is the same. This includes the laser center facility fee, the surgeon's fees, supplies and all pre-operative and post-operative visits at Eye Care Associates for 12 months. Indoor parking is provided at the Metro Parking facility adjacent to the Medical Arts Building. If an enhancement procedure is necessary, all related fees are waived if it is performed within 12 months of your initial procedure.

Q: Does insurance cover the surgery
Not usually. Most insurers consider this an elective procedure, although some insurance carriers are making the procedure available. It’s worth contacting your insurance carrier or plan administrator to discuss your specific policy coverage.

Q: Is financing available
There's a practical, affordable way to get the care you deserve: flexible payment plans from ChaseHealthAdvance. Let us help you make it happen with no interest and extended payment plans, with no down payment. View more financing details at http://www.chasehealthadvance.com/patient-financing

 

If you have further questions call Dr. Sher's Refractive Coordinator at Eye Care Associates 1-888-448-3177 or email our coordinator at info@eyecare1.com