LASIK FAQS

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• E) Is LASIK Painful?
  
  This procedure is generally quick and painless. Since the flap is lifted and the outer layer of the eye is undisturbed, there is little discomfort involved. Some patients do experience slight discomfort during the first 24 hours after surgery. Blade-Free LASIK with the IntraLase Method provides even less discomfort to the patient.
  
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• B) What is the IntraLase Method?
  
  The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap - the thin flap of tissue that Dr. Henderson folds back in order to perform your LASIK procedure.
  
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• I) Will both eyes be treated at the same time?
  
  Most of our patients choose to have both eyes treated at the same time because there is only one recovery period and the healing time is minimal. If you choose to have only one eye treated, be aware that you may experience headaches and/or disorientation due to the unequal refraction in each eye.
  
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• R) What's the reaction of patients who have experienced the IntraLase Method?
  
  In a clinical survey, the vision in the IntraLase - treated eye was preferred by LASIK patients 3-to-1 over the vision in the microkeratome-treated eye (among those who stated a preference).
  
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• F) Is the InterLase LASIK Method painful?
  
  No - Dr. Henderson applies drops to numb the eye.
  
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• K) Where does Dr. Henderson perform LASIK Surgery? Do I have to pay additional facility fees?
  
  Dr. Henderson performs the LASIK procedure at the Eye Clinic of Austin's Office in our refractive surgery operating room. Since this outpatient procedure is performed in our offices there are NO additional facility fees to pay.
  
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• N) Besides being "blade-free," what other benefits are there to the IntraLase Method?
  
  The IntraLase Method virtually eliminates the most severe sight-threatening complications. While LASIK complications are rare, when they do occur they are primarily related to the use of the microkeratome. Also, in clinical studies, more patients achieve vision that is 20/20 or better when their LASIK procedure is performed using the IntraLase Method. And patients report better quaility of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light.
  
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• A) What is LASIK?
  
  Lasik stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap is then lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes corneal tissue to alter the way light enters the eye. The flap is then replaced. The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye. Recovery time is also short, and improvement in vision can be seen within a day. Vision often continues to improve and stabilize for a few weeks.
  
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• M) How does the IntraLase Method differ from other methods of creating a corneal flap?
  
  The only other way to create a corneal flap is by using an instrument called a microkeratome. A microkeratome is a hand-held steel blade that makes a cut as it travels across the cornea. With the IntraLase Method, a blade never touches your eye.
  
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• L) How long do I have to not wear my contacts before having LASIK?
  
  During your consultation Dr. Melanie Prosise will discuss a timeline tailored specifically for you. The rule of thumb is approximately 1 week if you wear soft lenses and 3 to 4 weeks if you wear gas permeable lenses. This is usually enough time for the cornea to stabilize in its natural shape after the molding effects of the contacts have been stopped.
  
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• H) Do you have financing available?
  
  Yes, we offer financing options. Please ask one of our refractive surgery coordinators for the lastest options or visit our website page on financing.
  
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• S) What happens on the day of the procedure?
  
  Before surgery, you will be given some anesthetic eye drops. Your refraction (the prescription for your vision correction) is entered into a computer attached to the laser. After this information is entered and double-checked, you will lie on a reclining chair and focus on a red flashing light above you. Your eye will be held open with a speculum while it is treated. The laser only operates for approximately 45 seconds.
  
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• J) When can I go back to work and when can I drive?
  
  Everyone heals at a different rate. Most people have LASIK and return to work within two days. Others may take more days off after surgery, depending upon their circumstances. You can usually drive 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
  
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• O) How does the IntraLase Method Work?
  
  Tiny pulses of laser light pass harmlessly through the outer portion of your cornea and form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye. Just prior to LASIK surgery, Dr. Henderson can lift the corneal flap by gently and easily separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed.
  
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• C) Will my vision be 20/20 after LASIK?
  
  As with any surgery, there are no guarantees that patients will see 20/20 following LASIK. The results are relative to each patient. Some people with high levels of nearsightedness are happy to lower their glasses prescription. Some find they only need correction for certain activities and others have no need for distance correction at all.
  
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• D) After LASIK, will I ever have to wear glasses again?
  
  Like any surgical procedure, LASIK is not guaranteed. Some patients may still require corrective lenses for certain activities, such as night driving. You should be aware that presbyopia (a condition that requires correction for reading) affects EVERYONE around the age of 40, whether they have undergone LASIK or not. Dr. Melanie Prosise will explain this condition in more detail at the time of your exam.
  
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• Q) Is the IntraLase Method proven, or is it still being tested out?
  
  IntraLase technology has been in existence since 2001. To date, it has been used in nearly one million LASIK procedures around the world.
  
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• P) How long does it take to create a flap using the IntraLase Method?
  
  The creation of the flap itself takes only about 30 seconds per eye. Including preparation time, the LASIK procedure takes about 10 minutes total.
  
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• G) How much does LASIK Cost?
  
  There is a range of fees for the various refractive surgery options we offer at the Eye Clinic of Austin. One of our Refractive Surgery Coordinators will be happy to discuss the fees for the option that is right for you during our free consultation.
  
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