» How do I get started if I am interested in laser vision correction?
» What is excimer laser vision correction?
» Who is a candidate for excimer laser vision correction?
» What is the success rate for the excimer laser vision treatment?
» Is there more than one type of excimer laser?
» Is there any pain associated with laser surgery?
» Are both eyes done at the same time?
» What range of nearsightedness and farsightedness can be treated with the excimer laser?
» What if I have astigmatism?
» Do I need to take time off work?
» What are the side effects of LASIK and PRK?
» Which is better-LASIK or PRK?
» How old do you have to be for PRK or LASIK surgery?
» What if I am currently wearing contact lenses?
» Will my insurance company cover laser surgery?
» How does NearVision CK work?
» Is NearVision CK right for me?
» What are the risks and side effects of NearVision CK?
» Is NearVision CK covered by insurance?
» What is Crystalens?
» Am I a candidate for Crystalens?
» Is Crystalens an option for me if I have had cataract surgery?
» Is cataract surgery safe?
If you are reading this information, you’re well on your way. We suggest you read everything that you can about laser vision correction procedures like PRK and LASIK. The next step is to contact our offices or call us toll free at 1-877-258-4746 for an appointment. A comprehensive eye exam with our doctor will take about an hour and will specifically determine your chances for success with surgery. The eye exam consists of a thorough evaluation and analysis of your eyes and your visual system. You will have time to have all of your questions answered by Dr. Davies at this visit to our Southern California offices.
Excimer laser vision correction is a precise method of reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This form of laser vision correction includes all forms of laser surgery performed with an excimer laser: LASEK, PRK, and LASIK. During treatment at our offices, the computerized laser removes thin layers of tissue from the cornea. As a result, the cornea is reshaped so that the eye can focus properly. The goal of LASIK and other excimer laser vision correction treatments at our offices is to eliminate or reduce a person’s reliance on contact lenses and glasses.
LASIK, PRK, and other laser vision correction treatments are for patients 18 years or older who have nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. Certain visual and medical criteria must be met; for example, people who wear glasses only for reading are not good candidates. In addition to the visual and medical requirements, the best candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses and are motivated to make a change, whether it is due to occupational or lifestyle reasons. However, only an eye doctor who is specifically trained can evaluate whether or not a patient is a candidate for laser vision correction. Dr. Davies can evaluate your case at our offices to determine your eligibility for LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures.
Results from FDA studies indicate that all treatments resulted in improved natural vision, or vision without eyeglasses. In addition, 95 percent of the treatments resulted in at least 20/40 vision without correction, meaning these patients no longer needed to wear contact lenses of glasses to pass a driving-test in most states, or to perform normal tasks of everyday life. More than two-thirds achieved 20/20 vision or better.
Yes. In the U.S., there are four approved lasers manufactured by VISX, Autonomous Technologies, Summit, and Nidek. There are many differences between these lasers, which Dr. Davies would be happy to discuss with you at your exam.
The surgery itself is generally painless. After the surgery, there may be some mild to moderate pain for one to three days with the PRK method. Oral medications and topical eye drops relieve this discomfort. Pain following LASIK is very unusual. If there is discomfort, it usually consists of a scratchy or burning sensation. A consultation with Dr. Davies will inform you further as to what to expect following LASIK and other procedures performed at our practice.
For the most part, they are done at the same time, but surgeries may be done separately. This is an issue you will want to discuss with your doctor.
In the U.S., the excimer laser PRK procedure is approved for the treatment of nearsightedness within the range of -1.00 to -13.00 diopters and astigmatism from 0/75 to 4.00 diopters. We generally only offer PRK as an option for very low levels of nearsightedness. LASIK can be used to treat up to 15.0 diopters of nearsightedness and 5.0 diopters of farsightedness. To find out more about the corrective capabilities of PRK and LASIK, please contact InnoVision Eye Care Centers.
The excimer laser is approved to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both LASIK and PRK are able to treat astigmatism right along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Typically, patients can go back to work one to three days following the treatment. Many patients prefer to be treated on Thursday or Friday afternoon in order to minimize time away from work.
The most common side effects are light sensitivity and halos. Under-correction or over-correction may occur, and glasses may be needed after surgery to restore perfect vision. In some instances, irregular corneal curvatures and/or haze might be created, and glasses may not restore perfect vision. A more detailed discussion of these issues will take place during your comprehensive eye examination.
This question can be best answered by the doctor. Generally speaking, for low corrections, both LASIK and PRK can provide excellent results. LASIK offers the advantages of quicker healing, less pain, more stable results, and a lower incidence of corneal scarring. Additionally, retreatments are generally easier to perform with LASIK. For moderate to high levels of correction, LASIK is overwhelmingly preferred. Currently, most patients choose to have LASIK at our facility, although PRK may be the preferred technique in certain situations. Both PRK and LASIK surgeries are performed at our facilities.
The doctor would prefer patients to be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription. There is no upper age limit.
When you schedule a comprehensive eye examination, it is important to note the following: if you are wearing hard or gas permeable contacts, they must be out of your eyes at least three weeks prior to your exam. Soft lenses must be out at least two weeks. Also, please bring your glasses or a copy of your contact lens prescription when you come to the office for your free screening.
A few insurance companies do cover LASIK and PRK. This is not a “cosmetic” surgery, but the laser produces a functional change of vision. If covered, it is under major medical and not a vision plan. We will be happy to make a copy of your insurance card and check for you. If there is no coverage, we work with a medical finance company that can help you obtain financing should you need it. It is easy and your finance plan is flexible. Monthly payments are kept to a minimum. We can usually give you an answer within an hour as to whether you qualify. We also accept cash, personal checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
NearVision conductive keratoplasty (CK) is an excellent option for those patients with presbyopia who no longer wish to wear reading glasses. The procedure involves the use of a pen-sized tool to apply radiofrequency (RF) in a circular pattern, thus improving the eye’s power and function. Within a few days’ time, nearly 98 percent of patients who undergo CK can read newspaper type without corrective eyewear. To learn more about NearVision CK, please click here (LINK to PROCEDURES PAGE).
Generally, those patients who are over age 40, who had previously had strong vision, and who need to wear reading glasses are good candidates for NearVision CK. However, there are some restrictions. Please contact Dr. Davies (LINK TO CONTACT PAGE) today to find out if you are a candidate.
NearVision CK is considered an extremely safe procedure with virtually no side effects and minimal risk. However, some patients experience scratchiness and the feeling as though there is something in the eye during the first day or two following surgery. In addition, a small number reports slight over-correction, which usually stabilizes within the first few weeks.
Because it is considered an elective surgery, NearVision CK is not covered by most insurance companies. However, to make CK affordable for our patients, we do offer a financing option, Care Credit. Please visit our financing page (LINK TO FINANCING PAGE) to learn more.
Crystalens is a replacement lens designed specifically for patients who have developed cataracts. During a brief, 20-minute procedure, the affected lens is carefully extracted and replaced with a Crystalens, whose patented design allows the eye to focus comfortably on near, intermediate, and far objects. The power of the lens can be adjusted to precisely suit your personal vision. So far, more than 65 million patients have successfully undergone Crystalens cataract surgery. To learn more, please click here (LINK TO PROCEDURES PAGE)
Crystalens is suitable for almost anyone with cataracts but who is in good general health. However, those who have had previous cataract surgery or who have chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems are not candidates for the procedure. Contact Dr. Davies (LINK TO CONTACT PAGE) today to find out if you are a candidate.
Unfortunately, if you have previously undergone any type of cataract surgery, you are not a candidate for Crystalens.
Cataract surgery is considered extremely safe. In fact, it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States – last year, more than two million patients underwent the procedure. In addition, Innovision Eye Care Centers goes to great length to ensure safety and optimal results for its patients.