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Lasik Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the following links to view various animations to help illustrate:
A normal cornea will take light rays that enter the eye and focus them clearly on the retina. When the cornea is irregular in shape, such as being curved too steeply, light rays aren't focused correctly and blurred vision results.
Refractive surgery alters the shape of the cornea so that it can focus light rays directly on the retina. A refractive procedure, like LASIK, PRK, RK, AK, and clear lensectomy, can dramatically decrease or even eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
How do I know if I'm a candidate? To be eligible for refractive surgery, your eye must be in good health and your vision must be stable. The minimum age for refractive surgery is 18. Since some people are better candidates than others, a consultation at The Refractive Institute is essential. You'll undergo a series of tests and measurements that will determine if refractive surgery is right for you.
What kind of testing do you provide? Before you have refractive surgery, a variety of tests will be performed to be sure that your eyes are healthy enough for surgery. Our tests are aimed to ensure that your tear production is adequate, your pupils aren't too large, and that your corneas are both thick enough and not irregular. Based on these tests, Dr. Zimmer determines if you are a candidate, and if you are, he can easily select which of the five procedures best fits your needs.
Who will perform my eye examinations? If you have not been referred by one of our credentialed optometrists, your pre-operative examination will be done at one of our offices (which ever one is most convenient for you.) If you have been referred by one of our credentialed doctors, your pre-operative and post-operative exams can be done by him/her. After your pre-operative examination, we (Associates in Ophthalmology/The Refractive Institute,) will need to perform some further testing. You will meet with the refractive counselor to discuss consent forms and any questions you may have. Based on the results of all of your tests, Dr. Zimmer will determine which of the five procedures we offer will be best for your individual needs. You may schedule your surgery the same day as your consultation or you may choose to plan surgery for another day. It is also imperative that you be seen the day after surgery for a quick check. The appointment usually takes no more than 15 minutes. The doctor will advise you as to the other post-op appointments. Usually, they are one week, one month, 3 months, 6 months and one year. Steps:
How long do my contacts need to be out before my exams and surgery? In order for us to take accurate measurements of your eyes and to ensure we are treating you in the best possible way during surgery, you must remove your contact lenses prior to surgery. If you wear soft contact lenses, they must be out of your eyes a minimum of one-two weeks before your exams and surgery. If you wear hard or gas permeable contact lenses, they must be out of your eyes for a minimum of three-four weeks prior to your exams and surgery. Wearing contact lenses can cause the shape of your cornea to be altered. We want to be sure we are taking accurate measurements and that your cornea is in its most natural state.
Do you have financing options?
Call our office at 1-800-246-1000 to request an information packet be sent to you, or click here. In addition, we offer free educational seminars given by Dr. Zimmer, or schedule a FREE private screening. Click here to find out more information about our seminars.
Have more questions about eye care? American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery |
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1-800-246-1000 |
