Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about their vision and general eye health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Q:
Is LASIK right for me?
A:
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, it means you are living with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, and probably currently wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a great way to reduce your dependence on, or completely free yourself from, corrective lenses. It may be especially appealing because of your profession or lifestyle. It could be that you cannot wear contact lenses and dislike the appearance of glasses, or you may just want to reduce the expense and hassle of glasses and contacts.
However, LASIK is not appropriate for everyone. There are several factors which determine the best candidate, including age, medical history, individual eye anatomy, and expectations. Each person is a unique case requiring individual evaluation.
No website can tell you for sure if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The only way to find out is to schedule a LASIK eligibility exam. Be prepared to talk about your medical history, and any current diseases or medications. You will also discuss instructions and expectations for the procedure, recovery, and results. You will be given a comprehensive eye examination, including some tests especially tailored to evaluate whether your eyes are appropriate for the corrective surgery. From the results of this exam, the doctor can work with you to decide if LASIK is the right choice for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Q:
Is LASIK safe?
A:
It is important to realize that, like any surgery, LASIK is not without risk. However, major complications are extremely rare. Minor complications occasionally occur, such as dry eye, and halos or glare around lights at night. However, such problems are uncommon, are often treatable, and will usually reduce or disappear within months of the surgery.
Q:
Is LASIK guaranteed to eliminate my need for glasses or contacts?
A:
Many people achieve 20/20 vision, or better, after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Although patients experience an improvement in their vision, some may still need to wear corrective lenses for certain tasks, though the necessary power of correction will be much smaller than before.
The result of the LASIK procedure is also influenced by the amount of correction needed. Patients within a few diopters of 20/20 vision most often achieve sufficient results after undergoing LASIK that they no longer require corrective lenses. Patients with a wider error, especially those who are extremely nearsighted, sometimes will still require corrective lenses after the surgery, though their prescription will be greatly reduced.
Q:
Does LASIK hurt?
A:
There is no pain associated with the LASIK procedure. Local anesthesia is used on the cornea, which is administered through eye drops. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure. After the procedure, patients may experience minor irritation in the eye. This should fade within a day or two.
Q:
My vision is great; I have no problems. Is there any reason to have my vision checked?
A:
Many serious eye diseases often have little or no symptoms until they are well developed. The only way to diagnose a problem early in such a case is to schedule periodic eye exams. This is the best way to preserve the clearest vision possible for life.
Contact us today to schedule an eye exam!
Q:
I have been noticing strange things with my vision lately. What should I do?
A:
Any abnormal phenomena or changes in your vision can indicate a variety of possible problems. The key to preserving vision in the face of most eye diseases is early treatment. Thus it is important to consult an ophthalmologist if you notice anything unusual or any change in your vision. It could be a serious problem, or it could be inconsequential, but the peace of mind and the possibility of catching a serious problem early are certainly worth it.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Q:
How often should I have an eye exam?
A:
Eye exams are recommended periodically, with the interval differing for various age groups. In the first three years of infancy, a child should have vision checked along with normal pediatric checkups. Between the ages of three and six (the most crucial period of eye development) an eye exam should be scheduled every year or two. After that period, until adulthood, exams should be scheduled as necessary. During the twenties one should have at least one exam. During the thirties one should have at least two exams. In the forties, fifties, and early sixties, one should schedule an exam every two to four years. For seniors, an exam every year or two is recommended.
In addition to these basic guidelines, people with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high risk diseases such as diabetes, it is recommended that exams should be performed at least once a year. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world clearly.
Contact us today to schedule an eye exam!
Q:
How long should I allow for recovery after having LASIK surgery?
A:
LASIK surgery is known for having a particularly quick recovery, partly because the flap acts as a natural bandage for the cornea. Patients can usually return to work in a day or two, although it is best to take a few days off and take it easy to allow proper healing. One should wait a week or two before recommencing strenuous activities, and at least a month or more before contact sports. Vision improves vastly over the first one to three days, and generally reaches its final state within three to six months.
Q:
My child wears glasses. Is he/she eligible for LASIK surgery?
A:
Throughout childhood and the teens, a person’s vision often does not remain stable. The body is constantly developing and changing. LASIK is a permanent procedure. For this reason, LASIK may not be performed on minors. Once your child is 18 or older, and his or her glasses or contacts prescription has been stable for at least a year or two, he or she may wish to consider LASIK corrective eye surgery.
Q:
What's the difference between LASIK and ASA?
A:
Both LASIK and ASA utilize an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The laser is so precise that it takes several pulses of light to remove a single cell. In ASA, the laser is used on the surface of the eye, which requires a slightly longer healing time, with most patients able to drive in 24-48 hours. LASIK involves creating a thin flap of tissue, retracting the flap, and applying the laser underneath the flap. The flap is then replaced, and it adheres very quickly on its own. Discomfort with both procedures is typically mild.
Q:
What is Intralase LASIK?
A:
Intralase LASIK involves the use of femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap.
For additonal info on Intralase LASIK: www.intralasefacts.com
Q:
What are the advantages of Intralase LASIK over Traditional LASIK?
A:
In certain patients, the Intralase may provide an even more precise result with better vision and an increased margin of safety. Dry eye symptoms after surgery may be less significant with the Intralase as well. Not all patients are candidates for Intralase LASIK. In a research study of patients treated with one eye using Traditional LASIK, and the other eye using Intralase LASIK, patients stating a preference preferred the vision in their Intralase eye 3 to 1 over the Traditional LASIK eye. Which is best for you? Dr. Casey will provide a recommendation based upon the individual characteristics of your case.
Q:
Can Intralase LASIK be combined with Custom Wavefront Treatment?
A:
Yes. In fact, Intralase combined with Custom Wavefront treatment has produced some of the best results ever achieved with laser vision correction.
Q:
I’m considering LASIK and ASA. How do I know which procedure is right for me?
A:
Both LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) produce excellent results for most patients. LASIK offers the advantages of very rapid recovery of vision, minimal or no discomfort, and excellent accuracy. There are some patients who are better candidates for ASA however. Generally speaking, these are patients with very thin corneas, or corneas with certain types of surface abnormalities. Additionally, a few patients with very large pupils may also be better candidates for ASA, but this is determined on an individual basis. Some patients prefer the option of PRK simply because it produces results comparable to LASIK, but involves a completely blade-free approach to surgery. A complete eye exam with one of our doctors can identify the best options for you.
Dr. Casey at Nevada Eye Care provides a very extensive pre-operative work-up, utilizing technologies unavailable at many laser clinics. Most clinics simply measure the curvature of the front surface of the eye. We use a sophisticated device called an Orbscan to measure the front and back curvature and elevation of the cornea, as well as the thickness of every point on the cornea. We also perform advanced wavefront analysis of the entire optical power of the eye, from the front of the cornea all the way back to the retina. Next we perform a sophisticated infrared measurement of your maximum pupil size in near total darkness using the Colvard Pupillometer. These instruments help us customize the best treatment options for your individual situation.
Q:
What is Custom-LASIK and Custom-ASA?
A:
Custom-LASIK and Custom-ASA: No two eyes are alike, and like your DNA or fingerprint, your vision is unique. For hundreds of years, glasses have been used to correct vision by eliminating one or more of the three basic elements of blurring; nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, advances in optics have demonstrated that these three basic elements are only part of the picture. There are tiny imperfections or distortions in every eye, even when the perfect glasses or contact prescription is used. To understand this further, imagine two people who visit the eye doctor and obtain exactly the same glasses prescription. Using standard laser correction, those two individuals would be treated with exactly the same laser treatment plan, despite the fact that their eyes each have a unique set of naturally occurring tiny imperfections and distortions. And while we have achieved excellent results by treating only these three basic elements (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), we can now offer even more.
Dr. Paul casey of Nevada Eye Care offers the technological advantage of Custom wavefront guided laser vision correction. Custom laser correction involves a diagnostic device that maps the entire optical path of your eye, including the tiny distortions and imperfections naturally present all eyes. This is effectively a unique "fingerprint of your vision," and provides us with extremely precise and detailed information about your vision. The technology involved is highly complex, and it is based upon mathematical techniques used to improve the performance and image quality of deep space telescopes. This customized unique map of your eye is then loaded into the computer of the excimer laser which generates a wavefront customized treatment appropriate for the individual "fingerprint" of your eye.
Results of an FDA clinical trial of this technology demonstrated that an incredible 94% of patients treated were able to see 20/20 or better without glasses. Four times as many people in the trial were very satisfied with their night vision after LASIK, compared to their night vision before with glasses or contacts. These results are superior to those obtained with standard laser correction, and the dramatic improvement in night vision may be the greatest single advantage of Custom laser correction. Custom correction can be applied to both LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation treatment.
You are probably already familiar with one application of wavefront guided optical technology. In December, 1993 Space Shuttle Mission STS-61 installed the COSTAR (Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement) upgrade to the Hubble Space telescope to correct a spherical aberration in the lens system of the telescope. Spherical aberration is one of the main phenomena corrected by Custom wavefront guided laser correction.
Q:
Is LASIK surgery painful?
A:
The surgical procedure itself is essentially painless. Most LASIK patients tell us they have no discomfort following the procedure, and they generally feel comfortable returning to work the following day. Advanced Surface Ablation patients are fitted with a temporary soft contact lens for a few days after the procedure, so they will typically describe a sensation of having the lens in their eyes. Some ASA patients schedule a day off from work on the day following surgery.
Q:
What will my vision be like the day after the surgery?
A:
LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation patients generally see well enough to pass the driver’s license examination on the first day after the surgery. Many are 20/20 only hours after their surgery, while others take a little longer to achieve that result. ASA patients typically recover a bit more slowly, although patients can usually drive in 24-48 hours. Some patients, particularly those who are older, will heal a bit more slowly.
Q:
What if I move or jerk or do something to create a problem during the actual surgical procedure?
A:
This is probably one of the greatest concerns that many patients have when contemplating laser eye surgery. We understand that this procedure may be routine for us, but it is a life changing event for you. It is perfectly normal to be apprehensive. Our first goal is ensure that you are made comfortable before you enter the laser suite by giving you a sedative. During the actual treatment, many patients worry that they will move their eyes too much and cause a problem. All of the lasers that Dr. Dell uses are equipped with automated eye tracking devices. The laser is able to follow the movements of your eyes, and keep the treatment properly aligned, even if your eyes are in motion.
Q:
Will I have glare at night?
A:
All LASIK patients will experience some degree of temporary night glare for about 6 weeks post-op. This is due to microscopic swelling in the flap which goes away. Many describe it as comparable to their vision at night with a soft contact lens. PRK patients can experience similar temporary glare as the surface of their eye heals. With Dr. Casey’s technique of measuring the pupil size in near total darkness using an automated infrared pupillometer, adjusting the excimer beam size to suit the pupil, and using sophisticated eye tracking technology, night vision complaints are very unusual. Many of our patients tell us that their night vision is superior after to surgery to anything they had prior to surgery.
Q:
I’ve been told I have astigmatism. Can you treat that?
A:
All of the lasers Dr. Casey uses are FDA approved to treat astigmatism, and astigmatism can be treated using either LASIK or Advanced Surface Ablation. Astigmatism correction generally adds only a few seconds to the overall treatment of the laser.
Q:
Can the laser treat farsightedness?
A:
The FDA has approved the treatment of farsightedness, both with and without astigmatism.
Q:
Do you treat both eyes at the same time?
A:
Dr. Casey typically treats both eyes on the same day. Some patients elect to have their eyes treated on separate days for financial or other reasons.
Q:
Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?
A:
Yes. Dr. Casey has treated many patients with pre-existing dry eyes. The important issue is to aggressively manage the dry eye condition prior to the surgery. This is because LASIK or ASA will temporarily make your eyes drier than usual post-operatively, and it is more difficult to deal with this situation if it has not been addressed prior to surgery. With these precautions, even patients with severe dry eyes can usually be treated.
Q:
I have worn contacts for monovision. Can you treat my eyes for monovision with the laser?
A:
Yes. Typically, we only treat patients with monovision (one eye for near, and one eye for distance) who have previously successfully worn monovision contact lenses. If appropriate, we will discuss this option with you at the time of your consultation.
Q:
Will the results of my laser surgery last?
A:
Long term results have demonstrated that the treatments performed with the laser years ago are permanent; in fact some patients are now over ten years post-op, with stable results. LASIK and ASA will not accelerate other aging changes in the eye such as cataract formation, or the development of presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). On the other hand, laser vision correction will not protect you from these natural aging changes in the eye. A yearly eye exam is still recommended following your laser treatment.
Q:
Why is it important to choose a good surgeon?
A:
Laser vision correction is possible because of tremendous advances in medical technology; however the role of the surgeon is more critical than ever. While complication rates with laser vision correction are very low, Dr. Casey spends a good deal of his time providing second opinions for patients who have experienced complications related to laser surgery performed elsewhere. Very often it is possible to correct these problems, but these complex cases underscore the importance of selecting the right surgeon the first time.
Q:
Do you have financing plans?
A:
Dr. Casey of Nevada Eye Care offers a variety of financing plans, and we will work with you to develop a plan to meet your needs. All financial arrangements must be completed prior to the day of surgery.
Apply online right now with Care Credit at:
www.carecredit.com/patients/apply.htm
Q:
Does insurance cover laser vision correction?
A:
Generally, health insurance does not cover laser vision correction; however, a few health plans provide a small contribution to the total cost of the procedure. We are happy to investigate this possibility for you. Many corporate cafeteria plans allow pre-tax dollars to be used toward laser vision correction.
Q:
Is laser vision correction tax deductible?
A:
YES. A new ruling from the IRS allows many patients to deduct the cost of laser vision correction.
Q:
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
A:
Refractive Lens Exchange is a procedure that is essentially identical to the procedure used to treat cataracts. Patients who have some degree of cataract formation may actually benefit from having their cataracts removed as a method of eliminating their glasses prescriptions. The reason for this is that at the time of removal of the cataract, an implant lens can be placed which has the prescription power necessary to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. The recovery period for this procedure is similar to LASIK; however, only one eye is treated at a time. This procedure is occasionally used for some younger patients with extremely high prescriptions, well outside the range of LASIK or PRK. During our evaluation of your eyes, we can determine if this option is appropriate for you.
Q:
What about pregnancy?
A:
Although significant, permanent change is rare, a woman's eyes can change during pregnancy. Dr. Casey recommends women who are pregnant or nursing, wait a minimum of three months after childbirth and/or the end of the nursing period before pursuing laser vision correction.
Q:
What is the Crystalens?
Q:
Can patients with astigmatism get Crystalens?
A:
Yes, but they may need a LASIK touch up afterwards to acheive their maximum visual potential.
Q:
Does insurance pay for the Crystalens?
A:
Most of the time, insurance pays for the majority of the cost associated with the Crystalens.
Q:
Why isn't the Crystalens used on younger patients?
A:
Usually, Dr. Casey will perform LASIK on younger patients, because the lens inside the eye is still flexible and clear.
Q:
Can patients with prior refractive surgery get Crystalens?
A:
Yes. Older patients that had LASIK when they were younger are excellent candidates for the Crystalens.
Q:
What are the ReSTOR and Rezoom?
A:
The ReSTOR and ReZoom are intraocular lenses designed to improve the depth of focus in patients undergoing cataract surgery. They work differently than the Crystalens. They are termed multifocal lenses, and offer certain advantages and disadvantages when compared with the Crystalens.
Dr. Casey is the only Las Vegas surgeon currently implanting all three of the special lenses. Different patients with different lifestyles can benefit more form one lens as opposed to another. But most doctors only offer one of the three, and this can lead to a mismatch and suboptimal results.
Q:
What is the Staar Visian ICL?
A:
The Staar Visian ICL is an important breakthrough for patients that previously could not have vision correction because of a variety of reasons. ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. It is like a contact lens, only instead of being placed on the eye over and over, it is surgically implanted inside the eye by Dr. Casey, one time, and that's it. What is great about the ICL is that it is very powerful, and can correct up to 16 diopters of nearsightedness. Dr. Casey strongly advocates the ICL in patients with moderate to high myopia, from 6-8 diopters and above, because beforming LASIK or ASA at levels above this amount, though FDA approved, result in a cornea that is excessively flat in the center, and steep in the periphery, and prone to difficulty with glare and haloes.
Q:
What are the other advantages of the ICL?
A:
Patients with severely dry eyes are likely to suffer less symptoms after ICL than LASIK. Patients that are concerned and want to have the option to reverse the procedure, should they not like the results, are better off having an ICL, because it can be easily explanted. Also, patients with mild or form fruste keratoconus can have an ICL, but should not have LASIK or ASA.
Q:
What is NearVision CK?
A:
NearVision CK is a simple, quick, painless, in-office procedure that helps patients see better up close. CK stands for Conductive Keratoplasty.
Q:
Who is a NearVision CK candidate?
A:
It is very easy to determine if a person would be a good CK candidate. First, you need to be over forty. Second, you need to have good distance vision in both eyes. That's it. If you can see well far away, but can't see well up close, like so many people, Near Vision CK may be for you.
Q:
What are Intacs?
A:
Intacs are also called Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments. They are tiny curved segments of plastic that are placed within the corena in order to change it's shape, and thereby improve the vision.
Q:
Who is a candidate for Intacs?
A:
The main use of Intacs today is for the treatment of keratoconus, a disease of the cornea in which it becomes thin and weak, and bulges, causing decreased vision. Placing Intacs in the cornea strengthens it, and reduces the irregularity of the curvature, and improves vision. It may serve to delay the progression of the disease, and delay the need for corneal transplant.
Q:
How do I know if I am a suitable Visian ICL candidate?
A:
Candidates for the Visian ICL are between 21 and 45 years of age, suffer from myopia (nearsightedness) and want to experience superior vision correction. The ideal Visian ICL candidate has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
Nearly anyone seeking clearer vision may be a Visian ICL candidate, including those with special or extreme vision correction needs. Consumers should contact us for more information, including an assessment of their candidacy.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have the Visian ICL implanted. Lastly, those without a large enough anterior chamber depth or endothelial cell density may not be a good Visian ICL candidate.
Q:
Where is the Visian ICL placed?
A:
A trained ophthalmologist will insert the Visian ICL through a small micro-incison, placing it inside the eye just behind the iris in front of the eye's natural lens. The Visian ICL is designed not to touch any internal eye structures and stay in place with no special care. Contact us to learn more about the Visian ICL.
Q:
What is the track record of the Visian ICL?
A:
Prior to being placed on the market, the Visian ICL was subject to extensive research and development. Today, more than 55,000 patients worldwide enjoy the benefits of the device. In an FDA clinical trial, over 99 percent of patients were satisfied with their implant. The Visian ICL has a track record of stable, consistently excellent clinical outcomes. The lens has been available internationally for over 10 years.
Q:
Does it hurt to have an ICL?
A:
No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Casey will use a topical anesthetic drop prior to the procedure and may choose to administer a light sedative as well.
Q:
What is the Visian ICL made of?
A:
The Visian ICL is made of
Collamer®, a highly biocompatible advanced lens material which contains a small amount of purified collagen. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and it contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye. Collamer is a material proprietary to STAAR Surgical Company.
Q:
What if my vision changes after I receive the Visian ICL?
A:
One advantage of the Visian ICL is that it offers treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically after receiving the implant, your doctor can remove and replace it. If necessary, another procedure can be performed at any time.
Patients can wear glasses or contact lenses as needed following treatment with the Visian ICL. The implant does not treat presbyopia (difficulty with reading in people 40 and older), but you can use reading glasses as needed after receiving the Visian ICL.
Q:
What type of procedure is involved in implanting the Visian ICL?
A:
The surgical procedure to implant the Visian ICL is simple and nearly painless.
As a Visian ICL candidate, Dr. Casey will prepare your eyes one to two weeks prior to surgery by using a laser to create a small opening between the lens and the front chamber of your eye. This allows fluid to pass between the two areas, thereby avoiding the buildup of intraocular pressure following the surgery.
The implantation procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, though you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure.
You can expect to experience very little discomfort during the Visian ICL implantation. You will undergo treatment while under a light topical or local anesthetic, perhaps with the addition of a mild sedative. Following surgery, you may use prescription eye drops or oral medication. The day after surgery, you will return to your doctor for a follow-up visit. You will also have follow-up visits one month and six months following the procedure.
Although the Visian ICL requires no special maintenance, you are encouraged to visit your eye doctor annually for check-ups following the Visian ICL procedure.
Q:
Can the Visian ICL be removed from my eye?
A:
Although the Visian ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, a certified ophthalmologist can remove the implant if necessary.
Q:
Is the Visian ICL visible to others?
A:
No. The Visian ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and observers. Only you and Dr. Casey will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.
Q:
Will I be able to feel the Visian ICL once it is in place?
A:
The Visian ICL is designed to be completely unobtrusive after it is put in place. It stays in position by itself and does not interact with any of the eye’s structures.
Q:
How is NearVision CK performed?
A:
NearVision CK uses radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back into focus. NearVision CK is performed using a small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases radio waves. The probe is applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature of the cornea. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
Q:
Will you be cutting the cornea?
A:
No. NearVision CK is performed without the cutting or removal of tissue. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for baby boomers who struggle to read a newspaper, menu, alarm clock, or computer
Q:
Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
A:
Yes. The use of RF energy is one of today's most advanced surgical techniques. In addition to its use in NearVision CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.
Q:
Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after the NearVision CK procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to adjust to the final level of treatment.
Q:
Will my vision fluctuate after NearVision CK is performed?
A:
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after the procedure, but few notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who have a procedure to steepen the cornea (presbyopia or hyperopia), regardless of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization period than those who receive a treatment that flattens the cornea (myopia).
Q:
Are both eyes treated on the same day?
A:
NearVision CK is typically performed on just one eye. However, if a patient's prescription requires treatment in both eyes, CK is typically performed on both eyes on the same day - one eye immediately after the other. Most patients are comfortable having the CK procedure performed on both eyes on the same day because the procedure is minimally invasive, takes less than three minutes and is done in-office with only topical anesthesia.
Q:
Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
You will not have to wear patches or bandages.
Q:
How soon can I return to work after NearVision CK?
A:
With NearVision CK, the majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities the day after their procedure. Although recovery is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your eyes and to avoid any strain. Those whose jobs demand intense clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery or computer work) may want to give their eyes some extra rest for several days following the procedure before going back to work.
Q:
What type of anesthesia is used during the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used to numb the eye. Those patients who are nervous or have a high level of anxiety will be given a mild sedative to help them relax.
Q:
What will I feel during the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
The NearVision CK procedure is considered painless. You will be aware of a support (speculum), which helps to hold your eye open. The most common sensation that patients experience is a feeling of pressure on the eye. After the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort, and many patients experience a foreign-object sensation or "scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.
Q:
Why doesn't NearVision CK use a laser?
A:
NearVision CK is a non-laser procedure that uses controlled radio waves to improve near vision. Rather than removing tissue with a laser, NearVision CK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method: the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea, to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. This circular pattern acts like a belt tightening around the cornea to increase its overall curvature and bring life's details back into focus. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
Q:
Will the instrument used in the NearVision CK procedure penetrate my cornea?
A:
NearVision CK is performed using a probe (Keratoplast™ Tip) that is as thin as a strand of human hair. The probe, introduced into the cornea, applies controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy, stabilizes the CK procedure and guarantees the precise depth of treatment.
Q:
How is a precise amount of RF energy and depth of treatment ensured during the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
The technology used during the procedure was engineered and designed specifically for performing NearVision CK. This means that the precise amount of RF energy needed to affect the corneal tissue, at the precise tissue temperature and depth of treatment, were meticulously investigated and defined. The Keratoplast™ Tip penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes a plastic stop at the very distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration.
Q:
What are the risks and side effects of NearVision CK?
A:
Because NearVision CK is minimally invasive, the procedure has exhibited very minimal risk and almost no side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after NearVision CK, you may experience tearing and some discomfort, including a foreign-object sensation in the eyes. You may also experience initial slight over-correction of your vision, which stabilizes during the following weeks. However, because NearVision CK doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated with other vision treatment procedures have not been observed with NearVision CK.
Q:
Are there restrictions after having NearVision CK?
A:
As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After the NearVision CK procedure, patients should avoid getting contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week. This includes water from swimming pools, spas, lakes and the ocean. When showering or taking baths, patients should keep their eyes closed in order to avoid getting soap and dirty water into their eyes. When exercising, sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after the procedure. Also, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure.
Q:
Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVision CK?
A:
No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a certain result from any vision treatment procedure. However, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having NearVision CK (12-month follow-up data).
Q:
Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?
A:
The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses for most tasks after the NearVision CK procedure. However, depending on your age and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision treatment at some point (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals). This is because your eyes continue to change as you age.
Q:
Is the NearVision CK procedure considered permanent?
A:
Both presbyopia and hyperopia are progressive diseases, which means that as people age, their eyes will continue to change - with or without surgical treatment.
Q:
Is NearVision CK reversible?
A:
As with most vision treatment procedures, NearVision CK is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed, it is not possible to "remove" its effects. This is an important factor for anyone thinking about undergoing a vision treatment procedure to carefully consider. To make sure NearVision CK is right for you, seek the advice of your doctor.
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Q:
Will my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVision CK procedure?
A:
Because NearVision CK is considered elective surgery (cosmetic), most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available to make NearVision CK more affordable. For more information about financing, ask your doctor.
Q:
Who is NearVision CK right for?
A:
You're likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
- Are over age 40
- Have great distance vision
- Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision
This is not a complete list of indications and contraindications. Contact us if you would like to schedule an eye examination to determine if NearVision CK is right for you.
Q:
Can Near Vision CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
A:
NearVision CK was designed for baby boomers who struggle to read menus, price tags or see their computer — symptoms of fading near vision which require a steepening of the cornea. NearVision CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia.
Q:
Can NearVision CK be performed on patients who have a pacemaker?
A:
The NearVision CK equipment can produce interference that may adversely influence the operation of other electronic equipment. Therefore, NearVision CK is contraindicated for patients who are wearing a pacemaker.