Q: What is (laser) Vision Correction?
A: (Laser) Vision Correction is a term used to describe one of several refractive surgical procedures used by ophthalmologists to change the shape of the cornea. By changing the shape of the cornea, light is able to reflect properly and focus at the back of the eye. The excimer laser produces ultraviolet light and emits high-energy pulses lasting only billionths of a second. The ophthalmologist uses the laser energy to reshape miniscule amounts of corneal tissue.

Q: What is the medical condition that is treated by Vision Correction Procedures?
A: Ophthalmologists can use vision correction procedures to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Q: What is nearsightedness?
A:Nearsightedness (myopia) is when the curvature of the cornea is too steep, the focus of the rays of light that enter the eye fall short of the retina. The result is a blurry view of distant objects.

Q: What is astigmatism?
A: Astigmatism can exist alone or in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness. With this condition, your cornea becomes oval-shaped like a football instead of round. This causes distortion when the eye tries to focus.

Q: What is farsightedness?
A: Farsightedness (hyperopia) occurs when an eye is too short for the cornea's curvature. Light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, and as a result, a blurred image is produced.

Q: How does Laser Vision Correction work?
A: A clear tissue, called the cornea, covers the front of the eye. The shape of the cornea helps determine how light is focused on the retina. With laser vision procedures, the ophthalmologist removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue from the cornea to change its shape and improve the focus of light images. This can reduce and in many cases eliminate a person's reliance on corrective lenses.

Q: What is PRK?
A:PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. An excimer laser beam is used to flatten the front of the cornea. The laser beam removes small amounts of tissue from the front of the cornea.

Q: What is LASIK?
A: LASIK (Laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that also corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. With the LASIK procedure, a thin layer of the cornea is lifted to create a "flap" that stays connected on one side. Next, the excimer laser sculpts the cornea with a cool, ultraviolet light. Finally, the "flap" is returned to its original position for quick, natural recovery.

Q: How successful is the procedure? Will I be able to throw away my glasses?
A: Approximately 95% of people with mild to moderate myopia who undergo laser vision correction are able to pass a drivers' license vision test without corrective lenses. The percentage increases for patients who are given additional laser treatments.

Q: Are there complications?
A: Yes, there are complications with any surgical procedure. Possible complications of laser vision correction include over- and under-corrections that may require additional operations. Patients may experience minor light sensitivity, and glare and night "haloes" around images for several weeks after the operation. The procedures have been performed thousand of times around the world in dozens of countries and no one has ever gone blind. The risk of serious complication is less than 1%.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: No. The procedure itself is completely painless. No needles are used. Patients may experience slight discomfort in the first 12 hours after surgery as the eye begins to heal. Pain medications are given to lessen this scratchy sensation, and most patients are fine by the next morning.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The procedure itself is very brief. With PRK, the procedure takes less than 60 seconds. With LASIK, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes.

Q: When can I return to work?
A: Most patients return to work after 3 days. The front surface of the eye takes 48 to 72 hours to heal. During this time, the vision is blurry. Most patients see an improvement in their vision immediately with LASIK and by the end of the first week with PRK.

Q: What do I do with my glasses or contacts after my first eye is treated?
A: If bilateral (both eyes at the same time) surgery is not performed, patients will either wear a contact on their untreated eye or a plain glass over the treated eye. Most patients have little difficulty accommodating the difference.

Q: Will my vision remain stable after surgery?
A: Results indicate that most patients will remain stable after 6 months. However, vision correction procedures do not stop the natural growth or aging process of the eye so candidates with a relatively stable prescription will do best.

Q: How many visits will I require after surgery?
A: Patients are usually seen twice during the first week, then 1,3,6, and 12 months after each surgery.

Q: Will I still need reading glasses at age 45?
A: Presbyopia is the normal loss of reading vision with age. All normally sighted individuals will require readers once they have entered their mid-forties. People with myopia must either wear bifocals or remove their distance correction to read by about age 45. Vision correction procedures have no effect on this loss of reading vision. However, it can correct the myopia making bifocals or two pairs of glasses unnecessary. Also, vision correction surgeons can utilize "monovision" techniques if the patient is adaptable to this option.

Q: How much does the procedure cost?
A: The cost of vision correction procedures ranges from $1,700 per eye for PRK, $1,950 per eye for traditional and VISX Customvue LASIK. Your insurance company may provide some form of reimbursement or discount for the procedure, so be sure to let us know who your health care provider is during your visit to take advantage of all benefits. You can pay by check, Visa or MasterCard. Financing is also available through the Vision Fee Plan and you could finance the procedure for as little as $50 per month.

Q: What is known about the long-term risks?
A: The first PRK procedure was performed in 1987. There has been no evidence whatsoever of any long-term problems to date. Based on a decade of studies with the laser and a century of research on corneal wound healing, most experts in the field feel confident that no long-term risks are present.

Q: Are there alternatives to laser vision correction?
A: Corrective lenses, either eye glasses or contact lenses, are the most common methods of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.