At the present time, we work with other area refractive specialists for laser vision correction. We are pleased to make referrals, and aid in follow up care, if indicated. With the rapid advances in laser refractive surgery, your individual questions are best answered by the laser refractive surgeon.
How
do I know if I am a candidate for refractive surgery?
Your ophthalmologist can counsel you regarding your suitability
for refractive surgery. In general, if you are nearsighted, have
astigmatism, or are farsighted, and are over 21 years old you
could be helped to decrease your dependence on glasses with refractive
surgery.
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What are the differences between Lasik, PRK
and Lasek?
All three procedures use the excimer laser. But PRK applies the
laser to the surface of the cornea, while Lasik uses a microkeratome
to create a flap prior the application of the laser. Lasik will
usually provide a more rapid recovery, with less post operative
discomfort, but is more technically challenging for the surgeon.
Lasik is the favored procedure of most experienced refractive
surgeons. . PRK is enjoying a resurgence as we find that lower
corrections may actually have a better safety profile than Lasik.
PRK, or Lasek are very similar, with surgeons now finding out
that these may actually give better results than Lasik as we approach
more customized ablations.
Lasek
is a procedure that attempts to combine the best parts of PRK
with the best parts of lasik. It makes a flap of epithelium, which
is then replaced at the end of the procedure. This is preferable
for patients with thin or abnormal corneas. It eliminates the
need for a microkeratome flap, thereby eliminating the flap as
a potential source of complication in the procedure.
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Why are there three procedures?
PRK was introduced first in this country, and has received FDA
approval. Lasik evolved from PRK, combining the precision of the
Excimer Laser, with advances in lamellar surgery using a microkeratome.
Lasik, with its rapid recovery, has grown more popular than PRK.
However, there are still many indications for PRK, and with improvements
in technique, it is sometimes the preferred procedure. Lasek is
a hybid of Lasik and PRK and has indications simliar to PRK.
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What
is the recovery period?
With Lasik, you can expect to return to work in 1-2 days. Functional
vision should be obtained within 24 hours. Final vision improvement
may take a longer period, depending on the individual corrective
surgery. . With PRK, functional vision may take 3-5 days, with
full improvement noted over the first few months. The rapidity
of recovery after Lasik has led to its increased popularity. Lasek
recovry times are similar to PRK.
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Will
insurance companies pay for refractive surgery?
It is uncommon for standard insurance carriers to reimburse expenses
for Lasik. Although there may be an occasional company with a
"vision plan" that will give you preferential or pre-contracted
price for lasik. This is much like the preferred provider concept
that is so common in medical care. As a general rule, you will
be directed to a specific laser center, and will not have a great
deal of contact with the surgeon.
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