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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Vision Correction

If you are nearsighted or farsighted without your glasses or contact lenses, your world is most likely blurry and fuzzy. Laser vision correction (LVC) can help to make your world clear.

What Is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction is a procedure that uses the VISX Star laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During treatment, the laser's cool beam of ultraviolet light removes a small amount of tissue, usually less than the thickness of a human hair. Short pulses of this cool beam laser light change the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

What Is Nearsightedness, Farsightedness & Astigmatism?
In a normal eye, the cornea and the lens of the eye focus light to form an image on the back surface of the eye, known as the retina. Nearsightedness occurs when the curve at the front portion of the eye, known as the cornea, is too steep, resulting in blurred images in the distance. With nearsightedness, the eye focuses or refracts light too much, causing images of distant objects to form in front of the retina and appear blurry. Farsightedness occurs when the cornea is too flat, resulting in blurred images when up close. With farsightedness, the eye does not focus or refract light enough, causing images of distant objects to form behind the retina and appear blurry; Astigmatism is the result of an asymmetric curvature of the cornea. With astigmatism, the eye focuses light into two distinct images either in front of or behind the retina, which causes distant images to appear blurry.

Can I Have Laser Vision Correction?
Just as glasses and contacts help you to see clearly, so does laser vision correction. But there are some guidelines. You must be at least 18 years of age, with healthy eyes and stable vision. Dr. Sullivan feels it better to wait until you are 21 and are sure that your refraction and vision are stable.

What Are Real Benefits Of Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction is the modern alternative to glasses or contact lenses. The goal of laser vision correction is to reduce your dependence on contact lenses and glasses.

Is Laser Vision Correction Safe?
Over 1 million laser vision correction procedures have been performed worldwide in the past 10 years. Data obtained during exhaustive clinical trials shows that all patients experienced significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without glasses or contact lenses) after laser vision correction.

Do I Need An Examination First?
Yes, to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for laser surgery. In addition, a detailed video and computer image is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness, regularity and thickness of the cornea.

What Can I Expect On The Day Of My Laser Vision Correction Procedure?
Once you become accustomed to the sound of the laser, anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye to numb it. In the laser room, you will be seated in a reclining chair, the physician will position your head under the laser, and a retainer will be placed between your eyelids to gently hold them open during the treatment. Access to the cornea will be performed. Once completed, you will be asked to focus on a blinking red light while the laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea.

The laser will treat your eye for less than one minute and your total time in the laser area will be about 30 minutes. After your laser treatment is complete, some drops and a protective bandage will be placed over your eye for protection and comfort. While the actual procedure is painless due to the numbing eye drops, you may experience some slight irritation during the immediate post-operative period.

How Much Time Will I Need To Get Laser Vision Correction?
Dr. Sullivan recommends you plan to have laser vision correction when you can afford a few days to relax and enjoy the benefits of your new vision. Post-operative visits are required at 24 and 72 hours and your eyes may be light sensitive for the first while. Typically, you can plan to go back to work the next day, however, it may take a few weeks for your vision to reach its full potential.

What Kind Of Vision Can I Expect With Laser Vision Correction?
This depends largely on the amount of correction required. Most people require a low to moderate degree of laser vision correction that should result in vision similar to that with glasses or contact lenses. Vision is usually slightly blurry in the first day or two after the laser vision correction procedure. It is expected that most patients should be able to drive legally without correction within one week.

Is Laser Vision Correction Affordable For Me?
Laser vision correction is an elective procedure, which is paid for by the patient. However, the affordability of laser vision correction has never been greater. First, consider the cost of replacing your eyeglass frames and lenses or the repetitive costs of disposable contact lenses. Additionally, many of your employers offer flexible spending accounts, using pre-tax dollars to pay for your procedure! Also, financing programs are available.

What Do I Do Next?
Your next step is to learn about your vision correction needs. Call us today to book a laser vision consultation or to apply for one of our affordable financing plans. If you need more education, drop by and pick up our informative brochure about laser vision correction. At Somerset Hills Eye Care Center, we are committed to helping you make an informed decision about laser vision correction.