Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Surgery

What is LASIK?
LASIK is an acronym for LASer In-situ Keratomileusis, which simply means, "To shape the cornea using a laser."

What is LVC?
Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is a procedure that uses a cool-beam laser to reshape the cornea, the clear portion at the front of your eye. The reshaped cornea is then able to focus light rays more exactly on the retina at the back of the eye. If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism (all of which result in blurry vision when uncorrected) you may be able to achieve clearer sight with Laser Vision Correction.

Who can benefit from this procedure?
If you are 21 or older and are not pregnant, have healthy eyes (no medical problems) and are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, you may benefit from this procedure. Your eye doctor can tell you if you are a potential candidate for Laser Vision Correction.

What are the primary benefits of LASIK over PRK?
Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, or PRK, treats the surface of the cornea with the Excimer laser while LASIK treats the inner tissue of the cornea. For this reason, with LASIK there is less area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative pain, fewer post-operative medications, and vision clarity often returns very rapidly. It can also be used to treat higher amounts of refractive errors.

What happens when I come to The Eye Care Center in Canandaigua for LASIK?
In preparation for the procedure, your vision is evaluated, your eyes are measured and corneal topography is completed to determine the current surface shape of the cornea. The eye is examined and your medical history is reviewed to rule out any medical problems. Based on the results of your evaluation, Dr. Hwang determines whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, the surgery can be scheduled. You will spend approximately one hour in the surgery unit to complete both eyes.

Does is hurt?
No, the treatment itself is painless. Because the cornea is easily numbed with "eye drop" anesthesia, most patients report little, if any, discomfort during and after the procedure. In some cases, patients may experience discomfort for one to three days after treatment. Many patients compare this to a sensation of sand in the eye. Dr. Hwang can prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort during the recovery.

When will I be able to see clearly after the procedure?
Results vary from patient to patient. Most patients have functional vision in one to three days. Full visual results are usually realized within one to four weeks.

Will I have 20/20 vision?
That is the goal, but as with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision or that you will not need distance or reading glasses again. However, almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses.

How long does it take to heal? When can I go back to work?
You will notice improved vision almost immediately. The eye will heal on the surface very quickly, within a day or two. Most people can return to work within a day or two. It is important that your eye(s) be protected from infection and injury for a month or two beyond the surgery to allow complete healing to occur.

Is Laser Vision Correction safe?
Yes. Over four million patients worldwide have had this treatment performed on them successfully. The FDA has recognized Laser Vision Correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and found the treatment safe and effective for eligible patients. Like any medical procedure, LASIK has some risks. Because LASIK uses a microkeratome, results are more dependent on surgical experience than with PRK. Your doctor will give you more detailed information regarding risks and complications prior to your having LASIK and all of your questions will be answered.

Is LASIK approved by the FDA?
The FDA does not usually approve procedures, they approve medical devices such as the Excimer laser. Several Excimer lasers have been approved, and others are in the final stages of clinical trails. The FDA is currently monitoring studies on LASIK for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Our Price Includes...
At The Eye Care Center in Canandaigua, the fee per eye covers all of the following services:

• Consultation 
• Pre-operative evaluation
• Corneal topography
• The surgery itself
• Prescription eye medications
• Post surgical office visits for one year and any enhancements for three years with a manufacturer's required fee of $150.00 per eye.

We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards, as well as bank certified checks. We also offer a financing program, which allows a monthly payment under $100 per month for 48 months, similar to what it would cost to finance braces.

Laser Vision Correction is cost-effective, compared to what you would have to spend on glasses, contact lenses, and lens care over the course of twenty years. The difference is you'll have clear, natural vision and reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses and contacts.

How do I find out more about Laser Vision Correction?
You may obtain further information by calling our Laser Vision Counselor at (585) 394-2020, extension 259. Ask to schedule your free consultation, where your eyes will be evaluated, your questions will be answered, and the doctor will tell you if you are a potential candidate for LVC.