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FAQFrequently Asked Questions about LASIK
1. What is laser vision correction? The most common procedure is called LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. An excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea (the clear dome of tissue covering the colored part of your eye) enabling light to focus correctly on the retina as it would in a normal eye. The goal is to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. 2. Am I a candidate? A majority of people are good candidates for laser vision correction. The best way to find out if you qualify is to visit us for a complimentary consultation. You can have all of your questions answered by members of our staff, meet your surgeon, and tour our facility. 3. Is the procedure painful? The eye is numbed with anesthetic eyedrops. In general, there is little if any discomfort during the procedure. Patients typically describe their procedure as fairly simple and easy. Our focus is making sure your experience is as effortless for you as possible. We'll even have someone hold your hand during the procedure if it will help you feel more comfortable. 4. Do you do both eyes at the same time? Most patients choose to have both eyes done at the same time. There may be certain situations where doing one eye at a time is recommended. You should discuss this with your surgeon. 5. How long does it take? Considering that it treats a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, not very long at all. Your procedure will take from 5 to 15 minutes, with the actual laser treatment taking less than 1 minute. 6. Can my vision go back? Laser vision correction is permanent. You will not revert back to your original correction or need regular periodic surgery to maintain your correction. Generally, the vision you achieve is, with some minor variations, permanent and does not deteriorate with age. As a further reassurance, we offer our exclusive "Enhancement Program". 7. I wear contact lenses. Does that make a difference? Preparation is minimal but important. Your eyes must be allowed to return to their natural shape for accurate dilated measurements. Soft lenses must be removed 2 weeks prior to your pre-surgery dilated exam. After your dilated measurements are taken, do not reinsert your lenses at all prior to your procedure. Hard, semi-hard, rigid, and gas-permeable lens wearers will have 2 pre-surgical exams. Because hard lenses alter the shape of the eye more than soft lenses do, they must be removed 3-4 weeks before your first exam and must not be reinserted at all before your procedure. You may wear glasses or be fit with soft contacts during this period. Your second exam will be scheduled 3-4 weeks after the first. Do not reinsert your hard lenses at all prior to your procedure. If your measurements are stable at your second exam, you can expect to be dilated for complete measurements. 8. How safe is laser vision correction? No discussion of vision correction surgery is complete without talking about potential risks. It's important to realize that success cannot be guaranteed and that side effects and complications are possible. However, severe complications are extremely rare. Dr. Imperia believes so much in the procedure that he had the LASIK procedure done himself to correct his nearsightedness. He has performed laser vision correction on more than 400 other eye care professionals, including many of his own staff, several optometrists and their staffs, and members of their respective families. 9 .What restrictions are involved after surgery? You may resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. You should avoid getting water directly in your eyes for one week. Protective eyewear should be worn during contact sports or any time there is a risk of eye injury during the first three months after surgery. 10. Will I have to take time off from work? Recovery generally is quick. In fact, most people are able to drive legally and return to work the next day. 11. Do you prescribe medication for me to take after the surgery? You will be using eye drops for one week to prevent infection and aid in healing. 12. Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed? Most patients who have had laser vision correction do not wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without laser vision correction. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving. You may wish to consider a procedure called "monovision," which is designed to help with near and distance vision for people who have presbyopia. 13. Do I stop seeing my regular eye doctor? We work closely with your current eye doctor throughout the pre- and post-procedure periods. It's a relationship we consider essential to the quality of your immediate care and long-term vision health. After all, your own primary eye doctor is the person who knows you and your situation best. 14. How does your guarantee work? Enhancement ProgramMany patients wonder if their vision correction will be permanent. Minor variations in vision, unrelated to your procedure, can occur over time. Significant changes in vision are rare and can be enhanced if necessary. However, we want to reassure you that results are not temporary and older age will not cancel out the benefits. Our enhancement program reflects our confidence in our long-term results. This is a unique benefit, offered by few other programs, exclusively for our patients. Enhancement procedures will be performed at the discretion of Dr. Imperia based on his medical judgement. Enhancement procedures are at no charge during the first year after your original procedure and at a nominal fee thereafter. Examinations are also free during the first year after your original procedure. After one year, you or your insurance will be charged the usual and customary fees for examination by us or your primary eye doctor. Our enhancement program is subject to change at any time. The program is intended to cover enhancements designed to achieve the goals of the original surgery. New technologies or treatments for other conditions may be developed that would not be covered. The program may not be continued by other providers or entities involved with Imperia Laser Eye Centers. The fee we charge for enhancements may change over time. Our "Enhancement Program" is one of many unique benefits that makes our program the best vision correction value available. 15. Will there be any problem if I decided to stay in a motel or hotel following the surgery? We are happy to assist you with any accommodations you may need. Most patients are able to go home the day of their procedures and do not need to spend the night. 16. Can I talk with someone who has had the LASIK procedure performed? Many of our patients who have had laser vision correction are delighted to talk about their experiences and how improved vision has changed their lives. We'd be happy to put you touch with several of them. Please ask for details during your consultation. Or go to our Testimonial Pages to read what others have to say about our service. 17. How far in advance do I need to schedule a procedure with you? We are able to accommodate most patients' schedules. It is best to reserve a date for your procedure as soon as possible because our surgical schedule does fill up quickly. We can always reschedule if you need to. 18. What if I develop cataracts years from now? Having laser vision correction will not cause the development of cataracts nor prevent them. It also will not prevent you from having cataract surgery if you need it. 19. How many surgeries has the surgeon performed? Dr. Imperia has performed over 20,000 vision correction procedures. He was part of the original FDA LASIK studies, as were the majority of our surgical team. 20. Does the surgeon have specialized training? Dr. Imperia is fellowship trained in corneal surgery. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who receive an additional 4 years of training in eye care and surgery. In addition to this, Dr. Imperia then completed his fellowship in corneal surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. 21. Does the practice specialize in Laser Vision Correction? Imperia Laser Eye Centers is devoted 100% to laser vision correction. Every member of our team is intensively trained to excel in providing outstanding LASIK care and a positive patient experience. 22. Do other doctors trust their eyes to this surgeon? Dr. Imperia has performed surgery on over 500 other eye doctors their staff and families. 23. Has the surgeon had Laser Vision Correction? Dr. Imperia has had the LASIK procedure himself so is able to relate to your concerns and fears in the decision making process as well as the procedure itself. 24. Has the surgeon’s staff had LASIK done with the surgeon? Over 100 members of the staff at Imperia Laser Eye Centers and Medical Eye Center have had Laser Vision Correction by Dr. Imperia. 25. Does the surgeon own the equipment or is it rented from another company? We own all of our laser and surgical equipment. This gives us an advantage over other centers because we don’t have to worry about the condition of the equipment. We know it’s the most advanced technology available and that it is meticulously maintained by our certified field service engineer. 26. Does the center employ a laser engineer? We have a full time certified field service engineer rather than a laser technician. The difference is that an engineer is certified to calibrate the laser, maintain and repair the laser, and run the laser during each surgery while a laser technician is only trained to run the laser. 27. Will the surgeon be available to me? Dr. Imperia will personally supervise every aspect of your surgery. This level of oversight and access is essential for accurate surgical planning and quality post-surgical care. Simple problems can become serious if not properly managed. You will personally meet with Dr. Imperia prior to your surgery. He will review all your pre-surgical tests and take time to answer your questions. 28. What choices do you offer me for paying for the procedure? We have several convenient options for you. You may pay the entire fee before or on the day of your procedure with your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card. You may also pay in cash if you prefer. If you wish to pay by personal check, you may do so at the time of your surgery measurements. We also offer time-payment options: Low monthly payments with nothing down, and several same-as-cash plans. Please ask us about current rates and arrangements during your consultation with us. The Internal Revenue Service has determined that laser vision correction is a qualified medical expense. It also qualifies for payment through employer-sponsored "cafeteria" or "flex" medical benefit plans. Ask your employer's benefits representative for details. 29. Will my medical insurance cover the procedure? Some private insurance plans may cover laser vision correction. We will provide you a form on the day of your surgery that you can use to bill your insurance. |
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