Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions. If your question is not answered, please ask during your appointment, or call our office.

	What is laser vision correction?
	It is an outpatient treatment that uses a cool beam of light to gently sculpt the surface of the eye - the cornea - thereby improving vision. The light gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, flattening the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) both utilize the VISX Excimer Laser to remove corneal tissue in order to flatten the cornea. In the PRK procedure, the laser works on the surface of the cornea. With LASIK, the surgeon first creates a flap on the cornea and then uses the laser for treatment below the corneal surface. Our laser vision qualified professionals can further discuss the merits and candidacy for each method.

	How long does the procedure take?
	You can expect the entire procedure to take between 5-10 minutes/eye. The actual laser portion of the procedure usually takes less than a minute/eye. We ask that you arrive at the laser center about an hour and a half before to complete any last necessary testing and to be sure that all your questions are answered.

	Does the procedure hurt?
	Most patients experience little if any discomfort during the procedure as the eye is anesthetized with topical drops. After the operation, some patients notice some mild ocular irritation including a burning sensation that subsides within 4-6 hours.

	Am I awake during the procedure?
	Yes, you will be given a small amount of Valium to help you relax, but you will be asked to help with laser alignment during the treatment by fixating on a staionary blinking orange light.

	Are both eyes operated at once?
	We can give you a choice, but the vast majority of patients for convenience opt to have both eyes corrected at the same visit.

Will I need glasses or contacts ever again?

The vast majority of laser patients do not need correction for distance tasks again. Patients who are in there mid-40's and older will need correction for reading as Presbyopia (the loss of near focus with age affects eveyone). Some patients in this age group will elect to leave the non-dominant eye slightly undercorrect for distance. This option is called monovision and must be thoroughly discussed with one's eye care provider prior to laser vision correction in as much as the distance depth perception capabilities may be annoying.

	Can I go blind from undergoing this procedure?
	No, no one has ever been blinded from the laser and no one is likely ever to do so. The laser energy does not pass through the outer surface of the cornea. Proper counseling and pre-operative assessment will identify those patients who have pre-existing conditions that would result in a less than optimal result with lost best correct acuity.

What are the risks and side effects?

There are risks with any medical procedure. The doctors at Rosenbaum Eye & Laser Center will discuss in great detail the risk factors with each patient, and if a patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure based on their individual needs. The most common problem associated with laser vision correction is undercorrection or overcorrection. Fortunately these problems are usually not visually significant and can be treated. In a small percentage of patients, an enhancement may be required.

How well will I see after the procedure?

Results vary with each individual. The large majority of people can expect vision similar to what they have with their glasses or contact lenses. In fact, 98% of our patients see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses. Vision may be slightly blurry in the days following the procedure and some patients experience small vision changes during the first several months, which is normal. The LASIK procedure often results in more rapid vision recovery than PRK.

	How do I know if I am truly a candidate?
	The best way is to schedule a consultation (generally no fee) with either our office or we can arrange for you to see one of our affiliate eye care providers close to your home to examine you and discuss your particular case.