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Eye Surgery in the Days of COVID-19
Things we didn’t see a lot of this year: graduation parties, baseball games and pictures of your neighbor’s Caribbean vacation. Things we did see a lot of: face masks in every color and pattern imaginable, empty toilet paper aisles and, if we’re honest, waaaay too much news. Is anyone else feeling the effects of information overload?
We understand. We’ve had many patients ask us about elective surgery at this time; specifically, cataract surgery and/or laser vision correction. Should I? Shouldn’t I? So much information and varying opinions have understandably caused some confusion, and we want to address it.
What Does “Elective” Surgery Actually Mean?
Elective surgery can be defined as surgery that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency. ‘Scheduled in advance’ is the operative phrase here, because elective surgery doesn’t always mean that having it isn’t urgent or necessary.
Elective surgery includes procedures that are entirely your choice to have or not to have; cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, for example. However, something like cataract surgery, while considered elective and scheduled in advance, can be considered both urgent and necessary, depending on a number of factors. Left untreated, cataracts can deteriorate vision to the point that things like driving and even just moving around comfortably can become an issue. Ultimately, untreated cataracts can lead to complete vision loss.
ASCs vs. Hospitals
Did you know that our cataract surgery is not performed in a hospital? At Collins Vision, we perform all of our state-of-the-art procedures, including cataract surgery and LASIK, at a certified Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). St. Mark’s Surgical Center is a facility that adheres to the highest standards in every category, including cleanliness and safety. Two things we know are on everyone’s minds these days.
The truth is, if you have scheduled a medical procedure like cataract surgery at this time, an ASC is certainly the safest place for you to receive the care you deserve. We’d even go so far as to say you’re safer at an ASC than in a hospital. Why? Because ASCs do not treat sick patients.
Additionally, ASCs are held to extremely high safety standards. They are highly regulated healthcare facilities under normal circumstances and must comply with a host of statutes and regulations at the federal and state level. Thanks to the pandemic, ASCs are being held to even more stringent requirements for safety and infection prevention. So you can be assured you’re in good hands at St. Mark’s.
Yes, it’s Safe to Have Eye Surgery in 2020
Advances in technology have made already safe and successful procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK safer than ever. Both types of eye surgery enjoy impressive track records.
In fact, more than two million men and women undergo cataract surgery every year, making it one of the most common and most successful medical procedures in the U.S. today. And at Collins Vision, we are pleased to offer laser cataract surgery. This advanced approach improves the precision of many key surgical steps and customizes the procedure to provide the opportunity for more desirable visual outcomes and potentially make cataract surgery simpler, with fewer complications and faster recovery.
Polly had Refractive Cataract Surgery at Collins Vision in July of 2020 and couldn’t be happier with her decision! Hear her own thoughts on why she felt so safe having surgery at Collins Vision during the pandemic and how “thrilled” she was with her results.
And LASIK?
This is the most popular form of vision correction surgery in the world! It’s generally very safe and effective, with very few side effects or downtime. From our state-of-the-art laser platforms and diagnostic tools to the experience of our experienced LASIK surgeon, there’s never been a better time in history to have LASIK at Collins Vision than today.
Need another reason to consider LASIK now? Face mask fog bog. If you’re someone who wears glasses, you already know what this means! Face masks and glasses don’t play well together. Raise your hand if you’ve had your glasses steam up while wearing a facemask! LASIK offers the opportunity to be free from the hassles and restrictions of glasses and contacts. And no more glasses means no more fog bog!
Met Your Deductible or Have an HSA/FSA? Take Advantage of Those Benefits
And one final bonus reason to consider cataract surgery at this time: You’ve likely met your deductible for the year, meaning your insurance may help pay for more of your cataract surgery. Our insurance specialists would be happy to help you determine coverage.
Did you know you can use your HSA or FSA on LASIK? Well, you can! And flex plans often expire at the end of the year, so don’t put off scheduling your free LASIK consultation.
See the Difference
At Collins Vision, your health and wellbeing are incredibly important to us. Especially at this time, we are taking every precaution necessary and watching national, state and local orders closely. If we may serve you at this time, we’d certainly be honored. Schedule your cataract evaluation or LASIK consultation today and prepare to see the rest of 2020 with the vision you deserve.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_button dimension=”flat” corner_style=”rounded” size=”large” icon=”mk-icon-calendar” icon_anim=”side” url=”https://collinsvision.wpengine.com/appointments/” align=”center” bg_color=”#74b8c6″ btn_hover_bg=”rgba(116,184,198,0.8)” btn_hover_txt_color=”#ffffff”]Make Appointment[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]
