Laser Vision Correction
What is Laser Vision Correction (LVC)?
LVC is an outpatient procedure that uses a cool ultraviolet light to gently sculpt the surface of the eye (the cornea), thereby improving vision. The light gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of corneal tissue, changing the curvature of the cornea and allowing images to more sharply focus on the retina. At REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS we use the Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser and you can be assured that this laser is a safe and effective to perform the best treatment possible.
Is LVC safe?
Over 8 million people worldwide have had this treatment performed on them safely and effectively. Complications are rare using the latest procedures and equipment. Dr. Wilmeth and staff take great pains to perform only the safest and most up to date refractive corrections.
Does Laser Vision Correction hurt?
No, the treatment itself is painless. Topical anesthesia in the form of eye drops is applied to eliminate pain. No needles are necessary. There is some discomfort for the first 1-2 days (tearing and stinging), but this subsides quickly. Most patients are able to drive in a few days.
How well will I see after Laser Vision Correction?
Results vary with each individual, but the great majority of our patients see 20/20 or better after healing is complete. Not every eye is capable of seeing 20/20 and laser vision correction cannot improve other eye diseases, so perfect vision is not guaranteed. We do make every possible effort to help every eye achieve its best visual potential.
How soon after laser eye surgery can I return to work?
Most patients return to work in 2-6 days, although we suggest scheduling a lighter day than usual. You must use plenty of lubricating drops in case the eyes get irritated at work.
Is Laser Vision Correction permanent?
Yes, the laser treatment permanently reshapes your eye. Your cornea will remain this way the rest of your "healthy life." However, it is possible for refraction to change over time after LVC just as it is with glasses or contacts. Usually the change is not great and most eyes can be treated again if needed. We offer substantial discounts on re-treatment depending on how long it has been since the original procedure.
Do insurance companies cover any of these procedures?
We are happy to check for you, so do not hesitate to ask. Several companies will cover a portion or entitle you to a discount of some amount. We also offer several payment plans where the cost is divided into low monthly payments. If you want to save on interest we give a discount for cash payment. Refractive procedures must be paid in full before the procedure is performed.
What are the most common side effects?
You may experience fluctuating vision or sensitivity to light for the first few days, temporary night glare and halos from swelling, or dry eyes for up to several months after your procedure. With previous procedures, glare and halos were permanent. There is little to no permanent glare when the Allegretto Wavelight laser is used. It is the best of all refractive lasers for reducing or eliminating this problem. We treat dry eyes aggressively in the post operative period.
What about long-term side effects of Laser Eye Surgery?
LASIK/EPI-LASIK is a more advanced form of keratomelusis, which was developed more than 40 years ago. The advances in laser technology and techniques have made the procedure precise and predictable. Long-term studies by the FDA have been extremely positive.
How long does the procedure take?
The laser treatment time is typically less than one minute. Most patients will be in the laser room for about 15 minutes for the actual laser eye surgery procedure. The total time spent at the laser center on the day of surgery is usually about two hours.
Will I need reading glasses?
The need for reading glasses is a natural process of the eye. This begins to affect most people in their early 40's. Following Laser Eye Surgery you will still need reading glasses at that time in your life. We will more thoroughly discuss this with you during your consultation.
What if I need more information about refractive surgery?
If you have additional questions about LASIK, EPI-LASIK, MULTIFOCAL IMPLANT LENSES or other refractive procedures and the results you can expect from refractive surgery, please contact REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS at MEDICUS at 1.877.EYE.6655. We will be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation with you.
Am I a Good Candidate For LASIK/EPI-LASIK or other REFRACTIVE procedures?
Do you currently have an eye disease or condition? Have you previously had corrective treatment? What age group are you in? Based on these categories, the information below is intended to give you a general idea if you would be a good candidate for any of our refractive procedures, including LASIK/EPI-LASIK laser eye surgery. However individual situations may vary. Only after a thorough exam at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS at MEDICUS can a proper course of action be determined.
Please click on the appropriate link for a quick overview of your candidacy for refractive procedures:
How old are you?
Under 18 Years Old
18-21
22-39
40-60
60-80
Which eye problems have you experienced?
Thin Corneas
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Corneal Disease
Iritis
Retinal Disease
Have you ever had any type of refractive surgery?
PRK
LASIK/EPI-LASIK
RK
CK
AK
How old are you?
Under 18 Years Old
Although we do not usually perform refractive surgery on patients younger than 18 years, of age more information is needed to determine if you are a candidate for one of our procedures. After a full eye exam, Dr. Wilmeth can determine which treatment option is best for you.
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18-21 Years Old
In this age group the vision may still be changing in minor ways. Many patients in this age group want the surgery to improve their chances of getting into a special career field (FBI, Navy, etc). If this is the case, and the career field allows the procedure, then surgery may very well be possible. We never want to do anything to jeopardize the long term health of a young eye, so a thorough eye exam at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS will be necessary to determine which, if any procedure would be most helpful.
Which eye problems have you experienced?
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22-39 Years Old
These are great ages to have all of our refractive procedures. The eyes tend to have stabilized, and reading issues that affect us have not started yet.
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40-60 Years Old
These are great ages to have all of our procedures. The eyes are very stable, especially in regards to distance vision. Reading vision will likely be changing and the varied treatments for this can be determined at the time of the consultation.
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60-80 Years Old
Often patients in this group feel they are too old to have their vision corrected. Nothing could be further from the truth! Provided the eyes are healthy (determined by a full exam at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS), then many options are open to you, including LASIK/EPI-LASIK, CK, and all of the refractive intraocular procedures discussed throughout the website.
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Which eye problems have you experienced?
Thin Corneas
If you have been told your corneas are too thin for laser refractive surgery, several options may still be possible. The new Implantable Collamer Lens can often be used in eyes with thin corneas to correct even high refractive errors. A full evaluation is needed to determine which procedure is right for you.
Have you ever had any type of refractive surgery?
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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the pressure inside the eye is elevated and must be controlled with eye drops or surgery. Damage to your optic nerves from glaucoma may prevent you from having some types of refractive surgery but other types of procedures may work well for you.
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Cataracts
We frequently perform a cataract operation on a patient with visually impairing cataracts. The intraocular lenses that are available now are magnificent and able to not only improve the vision lost from the cataract, but also correct most existing refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.) An entire new line of intraocular lenses are now able to correct reading difficulty as well. This is a very exciting area.
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Corneal Disease
Corneal disease must be carefully evaluated since LASIK/EPI-LASIK may not be possible on an abnormal cornea. However, there may still be a refractive solution, such as Implantable Collamer Lens or ICL which can help you be less dependent on your glasses or contacts.
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Iritis
Iritis is an eye condition in which the inside of the eye has become swollen for some reason. Depending on the cause, the patient may or may not be a refractive surgery candidate. A full eye exam at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS will help determine the best course of action.
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Retinal Disease
Like many eye conditions, retinal disease may make it impossible to perform some refractive procedures. Since we can offer many different types of procedures we will try very hard to find the right one for you which will be safe and effective.
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Have you ever had any type of refractive surgery?
PRK
If you have already had PRK and require further correction, then additional laser vision correction may be an option. Surface Ablation or LASIK/EPI-LASIK may be appropriate, provided all of the preoperative testing at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS shows further surgery to be safe and wise.
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LASIK/EPI-LASIK
If you have already had LASIK/EPI-LASIK and require further correction, then additional LASIK/EPI-LASIK is a possibility. Dr. Wilmeth and his staff will run a series of preoperative tests to determine if further surgery is safe and wise.
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RK
If you have had Radial Keratotomy in the past and need additional correction, then we will perform a full eye evaluation. If everything looks healthy then it is possible to perform further procedures on your eyes.
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CK
If you have already had Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), further correction may be a possibility. A full evaluation can determine if further CK is necessary. LASIK/EPI-LASIK is also a possibility.
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AK
If you have had an Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) in the past there are usually many options available to further improve your vision. A full evaluation at REFRACTIVE SOLUTIONS would be necessary to determine the best approach, but we should be able to improve vision in a profound way provided it is safe and wise.
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