ASK THE EXPERTS AT COLLINS VISION—MICHAEL J. COLLINS, MD, FACS
At Collins Vision, we love to talk to people about LASIK. We really do! And we truly love to help people understand what an exciting opportunity LASIK really is when it comes to enjoying visual freedom without the hassles and restrictions of glasses and contacts.
As you might imagine, we hear many of the same questions from individuals who are tired of their poor vision and are looking for options beyond glasses and contacts to correct it. And we’d love to answer some of the most frequently asked questions here.
How can LASIK improve my life?
Let us count the ways! First, let’s talk lifestyle. If you live an active life, you’re going to love the freedom of working out, playing sports, swimming, running, hiking and everything else without the restrictions and inconveniences of glasses slipping off your face or sweat dropping in your contacts.
Next up: convenience. No more worrying about losing or breaking your glasses. No more lengthy contact lens routine every morning and every evening. Imagine waking up every morning and just seeing. It’s possible!
The other big one is savings. LASIK is an investment, for sure, but one that will pay for itself in just a few short years when you consider all the money you’ll save on eye appointments, glasses (and a back-up pair), contacts, prescription sunglasses, solution and cases.
Does LASIK hurt?
This is one of the top questions we hear in our LASIK consultations. In short, NO! Most of our patients describe the sensation during LASIK as nothing more than a slight pressure.
Before your procedure begins, I will apply numbing drops to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. You may also be given oral relaxation medication beforehand. Most of our LASIK patients are back to their regular routines the very next day!
Can LASIK correct astigmatism and farsightedness?
Yes. Since LASIK received FDA approval in the United States in 1995, the procedure has seen many advances and refinements. Today, we use LASIK to successfully treat individuals with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and even astigmatism. Schedule your FREE LASIK screening to see if you’re a candidate.
What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK?
The good news is, because of those advances we talked about above, most people who have been told in the past that they aren’t a good candidate for LASIK, can safely have LASIK today and expect to have good results.
That said, there are a few reasons you may not be considered a good candidate for LASIK. They include a vision prescription that is not stable, women who are pregnant or nursing, someone who has undiagnosed or untreated eye disease and people with certain autoimmune disorders.
ASA, or Advanced Surface Ablation, is an alternative procedure we can perform if LASIK isn’t right for you. ASA is essentially flapless LASIK and can be a great option for patients that have been told they have thin corneas, have had previous LASIK, or have chronic dry eyes.
Not sure if you’re a candidate? Our LASIK self-test can help.
Can you do LASIK on both eyes at the same time?
Yes, if bilateral (both eyes) LASIK is being performed, we will usually correct both eyes on the same day. The results are so predictable and the procedure so safe that most people undergoing surgery prefer to have both eyes corrected on the same day. It also restores your balanced vision as quickly as possible.
What if I blink during the procedure?
We get this question a lot! Let us put your mind at ease. Those numbing drops we talked about? They help take away the urge to blink. Also, blinking is prevented by an instrument called a lid speculum, which gently holds back your upper and lower eyelids. It will be put into place after you receive your numbing drops. No worries!
What if I move during the procedure?
No worries here either. Technology has advanced such that the incredibly accurate lasers used for LASIK include an eye tracker, which follows any eye movement to ensure the accurate delivery of laser pulses.
Does LASIK “fade” over time?
This is a common misconception. No, it doesn’t. LASIK creates a permanent change to the cornea, so the treatment will not fade over time. However as your eyes age, vision problems that are unrelated to the corneal surface can still occur, namely presbyopia (over-40 vision) and cataracts. When we assess your vision at Collins Vision, we will determine which of our many advanced vision-correcting procedures is right for you.
What are the risks associated with LASIK?
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks. But please know that LASIK complications are extremely rare. During your free LASIK screening, our Collins Vision counseling team will explain any risks associated with your procedure, so you can make an informed decision.
Are there side effects after LASIK?
Some LASIK patients experience dry eyes following the procedure, but this is a temporary inconvenience and most often resolves on its own. If needed, the use of over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief.
Is LASIK covered by insurance?
This is a great question. Because LASIK is considered an elective surgery, most insurance companies will not cover the procedure. But the majority of vision plans offer some type of discount and some even offer a discount on top of a current promotion. If you’re not sure, just come see us! Our financing team is more than happy to review your employer’s insurance policy. We also work to help our patients establish a comfortable payment plan to fit nearly any budget.
At Collins Vision, we believe financial considerations should not hinder your desire to have visual freedom! If you are considering LASIK, we offer interest-free financing through both Alphaeon and Care Credit.
How old do you have to be to have LASIK?
Since the eyes do not fully stabilize until a person is in their late teens or early 20s, it is required that Collins Vision patients be at least 18 years old.
See the Good. See the Difference with LASIK at Collins Vision
Are you feeling more comfortable about taking the leap and saying yes to visual freedom with LASIK? We certainly hope so. Having all your questions answered is a great feeling, but at the end of the day, what’s better than hearing from another person who has actually had the procedure for themselves and had a great outcome? Check out Gillian’s amazing LASIK experience (it’s about halfway down the page).
From laser vision correction and advanced dry eye treatments to modern cataract surgery, reading vision correction, comprehensive eye care and the treatment of many eye diseases, Collins Vision is Southwest Florida’s trusted source for all things eyes.
We’d be honored to welcome you to the Collins Vision family. Schedule your appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Fort Myers and Naples.
