How do I decide who should do my surgery?
This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. By choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon you can ensure the best results and minimize the risk of problems. Dr. Spivack is one of the top surgeons nationwide and was voted number one trusted doctor by area physicians. Spivack Vision Center offers the very latest technology. Your eyesight is precious, trust them to the experience of Spivack Vision Center. Please take time to ask questions and consider your choices carefully. Laser vision correction is an extremely precise procedure, so the more you learn about the doctor and procedure, your chances for a successful LASIK procedure will increase.
How do I find out if I am a good candidate for refractive surgery?
In general, the ideal candidate is at least 21 years of age and has healthy corneas, with a relatively stable prescription over the previous 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or pregnant or nursing women may not be good candidates. You may call our Patient Education Counselors at (303) 733-2020 or (888) 898-2020 with any questions or come in for a free evaluation to find out if you are a good candidate.
How do I know the procedure is safe?
The FDA, which is responsible for protecting the American public by requiring three- phase scientific testing on new surgical technology, conducted tests over a ten-year period and approved the Excimer laser in 1995. Spivack Vision Center uses two of these FDA-approved lasers. Like any medical procedure LASIK has some risks, but the computer-controlled accuracy of the laser and our surgeons' experience help minimize those risks. Our doctors will give you more detailed information regarding risks and complications prior to your laser vision correction procedure.
What kind of follow-up will I need?
At the time of your procedure, you'll receive detailed instruction about follow-up care, including the use of prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. We will check your eyes the next day, and you will be scheduled for regular check-ups to monitor your vision.
Will my insurance cover laser vision correction?
Does refractive surgery hurt?
There is no pain during any of the procedures themselves because the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops. Some patients experience a mild sensation like an eyelash in the eye during the first night. It is very rare to experience significant discomfort. Patients having LASIK report little, if any pain twelve to twenty-four hours after the procedure.
Where can I get more information on laser refractive surgery and your center?
Spivack Vision Center offers free, one-hour seminars to learn more about refractive surgery. We also offer free comprehensive eye evaluations. We can answer any questions and you'll find out if you are a candidate. You can call our Patient Education Counselors at (303) 733-2020 or (888) 898-2020 to find out when our seminars are scheduled or to ask any questions that you may have. To learn more about refractive surgery please visit www.visx.com or www.ladarvision.com. (Information concerning the products' contra-indications is available by accessing these links.)
Is there a difference in the type of lasers used for refractive surgery?
Yes. Some lasers are FDA-certified and some are not. Spivack Vision Center has made a commitment to only use FDA-certified equipment. Some surgeons are using unapproved industrial lasers that have not been subjected to any of the rigorous FDA testing or scrutiny that the approved lasers have been through. Questions remain about the safety of these unapproved lasers. We recommend strongly that you ask your surgeon what type of equipment he or she uses, how it is tested and what training and experience he or she has.
What will happen the day of my surgery?
You will be asked to arrive 30 minutes to an hour before surgery for pre-operative preparation which includes both antibiotic and anaesthetic drops. The technicians will also go over post-operative medications and restrictions on activities at this time. Wear comfortable street clothes, you will only be asked to put on sterile hair and shoe covers which are provided. Immediately following the procedure, more drops will be put in your eyes and your eyes will be covered with clear plastic shields for protection. Have someone drive you home and relax for the rest of the day.
When will I be able to see after the procedure?
Results vary from patient to patient. Most LASIK patients have functional vision within three to 24 hours. Full visual results may fluctuate mildly for several weeks. Will the surgery give me 20/20 vision? The chances of seeing 20/20 depends upon the degree of your prescription prior to surgery. Almost everyone experiences significantly improved vision and 99% see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses.
When can I go back to work and resume other normal activities?
With LASIK most patients can return to work the following day. Activities such as swimming can be resumed two weeks after surgery and swimming in salt water can be resumed in one month. Jogging or lifting heavy objects can be resumed one week after surgery. For patients who are from out of town, it is okay to fly the day following your procedure.
Is the surgery permanent?
All research to date shows that the surgery is permanent. However, if a person's prescription was destined to change dramatically, there may still be some change over time. Enhancements are provided within one year of the original surgery at no additional charge, provided it is in the patient's best interest. Patients having LASIK may enroll in our Lifetime with Clear Vision program. This lifetime program, provides additional surgery at no additional cost to patients who remain enrolled in the program, provided the additional procedure is reasonable and safe.
What is the difference between being farsighted and needing reading glasses due to the natural aging process?
Those who are farsighted (hyperopic) need a doctor's prescription to obtain corrective lenses. These people generally can't see well up close as well as not being able to see well far away. Refractive Surgery can correct hyperopia. Presbyopia, the natural aging process of the eye, affects everyone - usually in the early to mid 40's. If you have presbyopia, you have trouble reading up close, finding that you need to pull reading material further and further out to be able to see it. Laser vision correction cannot correct presbyopia. We can, however, use a technique called "Monovision" to help patients who are experiencing presbyopia. Corrective lenses for these people can be purchased anywhere and a prescription is not needed.
What is the best procedure for me?
Spivack Vision Center will make a recommendation on the type of surgery you should have after a full review of your prescription and eye health history, as well as your lifestyle, profession and expectations from the surgery. Call us today at (303) 733-2020 to schedule a free evaluation.
Please call the Patient Education department at (303) 733-2020 or toll free (888) 898-2020 for more information.