Laser Vision Correction

Many patients are curious about laser vision correction. Are they a good candidate? What are the risks? How much it will cost? Here are answers to those questions.

Who is a good candidate?

• Anyone who is at least 21 years old
• Whose prescription for glasses is reasonably stable
• Who has significant vision correction either with nearsightedness; farsightedness or astigmatism
• And one who has healthy eyes, normal tear film, and who does not have major health issues.

An eye exam will determine good eye health and normal tear film. It will also tell if the candidate's eye glass prescription is stable.

Some things that disqualify a person for laser vision correction are:
diabetes, cataracts, dry eyes, eye infections, thin corneas, keratoconus, some glaucoma's, retinal disease, macular degeneration, and unrealistic expectations.

What are some of the risks and potential frustrations of refractive surgery?

• Not everyone has 20/20 vision after surgery.
• Some patients have to go back and have an enhancement procedure performed to improve their vision.
• It is not unusual for one eye to see a little better than the other after laser vision correction.
• Vision doesn't stabilize immediately after surgery and every patient is a little different in that regard.
• After surgery a patient may experience some fluctuations in vision that they did not notice before surgery.
• Contact lens wear may no longer be an option.
• After the age of 45 most patients will need reading glasses.
• There is also a possibility that a patient might notice some nighttime halos.
• Finally, there is a good chance that at some future date, a patient's eyes might change enough so that once again they need glasses.

It is rare that sight threatening surgical complications happen, but they are possible. It is possible that the flap could become wrinkled or displaced if a person is careless during the first month after surgery. Eye infections are also rare, but possible following surgery. Plus, some individuals experience dryness of the eyes after surgery. For the most part the dryness goes away over time, but for a few people it can become a persistent problem.

Having said all that, if asked if they would do it again, almost all patients answer with a resounding "yes." Some patients go so far as to say that it is the best investment they have ever made.

How much will it cost?
Fees vary from one surgeon to the next. Most reputable surgeons charge approximately $4000 (for both eyes) for blade less, custom laser surgery.