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Laser
Vision Correction
Frequently Asked Questions
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| Is
there any pain? |
[
Top ] |
Because the
cornea is easily numbed with
"eye drop" anesthesia,
patients report little , if any,
discomfort both during and after
the procedure.
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| How
much does it cost? |
[
Top ] |
When it comes to
something as important as your
vision, the first consideration
should be your surgeon's
experience and abilities and not
the cost. Your vision is a
priceless gift, so don't be
attracted by lower fees where you
may get just what you pay
for. We offer different
payment plans and financing
options to help make this miracle
procedure available to all.
To get all your questions answered
about pricing or any other item
related to your eye care needs,
please call the Idaho Eye Center
at (208) 524-2025 -- Idaho Falls,
(208) 232-2008 -- Pocatello, (208)
359-1130 -- Rexburg, or (800)
233-9336 -- Toll Free.
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| How
much time off of work do I need to
take? |
[
Top ] |
We always
recommend taking the day of
surgery and the day after surgery
off from work.
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| How
long does the surgery take? |
[
Top ] |
You will be in
the surgical suite for about ten
to thirty minutes depending on the
type of procedure being performed
and whether you are having both
eyes operated on or just one eye.
Plan on being at the Laser Center
for about an hour and a half to
two hours depending on how much
clinic time your particular case
requires. You will need a driver
to take you home.
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| What
are the post-operative restrictions? |
[
Top ] |
The day of the
procedure, you are requested to go
home and relax but DO NOT SLEEP
FOR FOUR (4) HOURS. When you leave
the Idaho Eye Center you will have
a clear shield taped over your
eye(s). This shield is to
protect the corneal cap
(flap). You must wear your
protective shields untilafter your
one day post operative
appointment. Until that
time, only remove the tape and
shield from your eye(s) to instill
eye drops as directed and then
replace the shield.
You may bathe or
shower as usual, but avoid getting
particulate matter, soaps, and
contaminated water (especially
from swimming pools or hot tubs)
in your eyes during the first
month after surgery; these may
irritate your eyes and introduce
infection. Avoid dust and
dirty environments for one
week. Light eyelid cosmetics
may be used starting one week
after surgery.
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| Are
both eyes corrected at the same
time? |
[
Top ] |
Although a vast
majority of our patients have both
eyes corrected on the same day, we
always allow each patient to make
their own decision.
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| How
does the doctor know how much
surgery to do? |
[
Top ] |
The doctor
programs the amount of nearsightedness determined from
your pre-surgical exam and workup
into the laser's computer. The
laser is calibrated between each
and every patient.
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| What
are the risks associated with LASIK? |
[
Top ] |
Like any medical
procedure, LASIK has some
risks. Because LASIK uses a
microkeratome, results are more
dependent on surgical
experience. This is where
your surgeon's experience versus lower
price comes into play. We
will give you very detailed
information regarding risks and
complications prior to your having
LASIK and all of your questions
will be answered.
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| Will
I ever need glasses again? |
[
Top ] |
Usually not for
distance vision, although some
patients may still require thinner
glasses for fine tuning. When you
are in the age range where
bifocals or "readers"
are normally required for close
vision (usually 40-45 and beyond)
you will most likely need reading
glasses. This is a natural process
known as presbyopia
and is not corrected by the LASIK
procedure. Ask us about
"monovision" when you
call. It is an option you
can choose that could help this
situation, although most people do
not opt for this form of LASIK.
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| Will
I have 20/20 vision? |
[
Top ] |
We hope so and
we make every attempt to make this
a reality, 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 ever
again.
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| How
old do I have to be for LASIK? |
[
Top ] |
Age 18 is the
youngest age we are allowed to
perform LASIK by mandate of the
FDA. Additionally, the patient's eyes
have to be stable for a
predetermined amount of time
before they are a candidate.
This can vary significantly on
younger patients 18 to 24.
This is looked at on a case by
case basis. There is no
upper age limit; however, if the
patient has any form of cataracts
or other eye medical conditions,
it might not be in their best
interest medically or
financially to have the procedure
performed. There are many
other options that can be
presented to you so you can make
an informed decision.
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| I
am currently wearing contacts. Do I
need to do something special? |
[
Top ] |
Contact
lenses can alter the shape of your
cornea. Prior to LASIK, your
cornea must be back to it's
natural contour. There are
different time frames required for
soft contact lens wearers versus
rigid gas permeable lenses. This
is discussed with you and is
tailored to your own personal
case.
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| Who
is not a candidate? |
[
Top ] |
This is
determined on a case by case basis
but does usually include anyone
with lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, keratoconus,
herpes simplex of the cornea,
AIDS, autoimmune diseases, or
anyone with unrealistic
expectations.
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| How
can I hold my eye still for the
treatment? |
[
Top ] |
There is a
blinking light inside the laser
that you focus on during the
procedure. The surgeon is in
complete control and can
stop/delay the treatment at any
time. The surgeon watches
you through a microscope and
maintains control of the
treatment. Most anyone who has had
the procedure performed on them
will tell you that it is not
difficult.
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| How
will I keep my eye open during the
treatment? |
[
Top ] |
Your eyelids are
held open with a small lid holder
(called a speculum).
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| I
am interested! What is my next step? |
[
Top ] |
Please call the
Idaho Eye Center at (208) 524-2025
-- Idaho Falls, (208) 232-2008 --
Pocatello, (208) 359-1130 --
Rexburg, or (800) 233-9336 -- Toll
Free.
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This
quarter we are concentrating on
Frequently Asked Questions about
LASIK and Laser Vision Correction.
We
will modify this section each
quarter to target specific areas
of the Ophthalmic arena. |
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