Laser Vision Correction

What is nearsightedness?

What is farsightedness?

In farsightedness the image focuses beyond the retina. In our youth, the innate accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often compensates for farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become less able to accommodate. For this reason, farsightedness most commonly becomes a problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes do not need correction until the individuals reach their forties or fifties.

Farsightedness can be corrected by any method that increases the total refractive power of the eye. Eyeglasses and contact lenses do this by putting in front of the eye "positive" lenses that are thicker in the center than at the edge. PRK does it by making the central part of the cornea more steeply curved.

What is astigmatism?

The front of the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Astigmatism can make wearing contact lenses difficult or even impossible. Laser vision correction is now an option for people with astigmatism who want clear, comfortable vision.

What is laser vision correction?

It is an outpatient treatment that uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the surface of the eye - the cornea - thereby improving vision.

The light gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, modifying the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

The VISX System is FDA approved for use in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This approval means that the FDA has recognized that laser vision correction with VISX is a safe and effective procedure.

How does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism?

The cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye, on the retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving your vision.

Is laser vision correction safe?

Yes. Over one million patients worldwide have had this treatment performed on them successfully.

The FDA has recognized laser vision correction for Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism, and found the treatment safe and effective for eligible patients.

Does laser vision correction hurt?

No, the treatment itself is painless. Some patients may experience discomfort for one to three days after treatment.

Many patients compare this to the sensation of sand in the eye. Pain medication can be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort during the recovery.

How do I know I can have laser vision correction?

Dr. Brass will be able to tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. Some guidelines are:

• You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old for nearsightedness or farsightedness and 21 years old for astigmatism

• Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the laser procedure

• You are not a good candidate if:

  • You have degenerative or autoimmune diseases

  • You're pregnant or nursing

  • You have a condition that makes healing difficult

What happens before the treatment?

Dr. Brass will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the laser procedure.

Your eye is photographed and a computerized map, called corneal topography, is made.

This assesses the shape of your cornea, and is one of the many diagnostic tests the doctor uses to help ensure highly accurate results.

What can I expect the day of the treatment?

This is an outpatient procedure. The laser treatment takes less than one minute for most patients. The entire procedure usually takes fifteen minutes. And your visit will be complete in less than an hour.

First, you will relax in a reclining chair. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye, then your eye doctor will position your head under the laser, and a retainer will be placed to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids open during treatment.

The treatment begins when you focus on a blinking light. Microscopic amounts of tissue, less than the thickness of a human hair, will then be removed from your cornea by the gently pulsing light. Afterwards, some drops or ointment will be placed in your eye for protection and comfort.

You will walk out of the treatment center with new vision, immediately! You will visit Dr. Brass for follow-up exams periodically during the first year.

How soon can I return to work?

Some people go back the day after treatment.

Two or three days of rest are suggested.

How well will I see after laser vision correction?

Results vary with each individual. In a recent study, 98% of patients treated for nearsightedness and/or astigmatism with the VISX STAR Excimer Laser System™ saw well enough to pass a driver's test without glasses in most states.

Typically, your vision improves immediately after treatment.

Some patients may experience small vision changes during the first few months: this is a normal occurrence.

How much will it cost?

Consider the laser vision correction as cost-effective, compared to what you would have to spend on glasses, contact lenses, and lens care over the course of twenty years. The difference is, you'll have reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses and contacts.

Some medical plans may cover the cost. However, most medical plans consider this an elective treatment and therefore do not pay for the procedure. Ask your health insurance provider.

Call our office for the current fee schedule.  We offer payment and financing plans for qualified applicants.