Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
If you are at least 18 years old, have a stable prescription and are in good eye and overall health, you probably are a candidate. Laser Vision Correction can treat a broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. We will help you set realistic goals at your consultation so that you can expect the best possible corrected vision.
What kind of results can I expect and will it last forever?
Depending on your prescription and how quickly you heal, LASIK results may be seen right away. Patients may often see a clock on the wall in the laser room immediately after the procedure. Your vision will continue to improve over the next few months. We will measure your progress at your regularly scheduled appointments. Since LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea, your results will last. Patients that have had the procedure up to 15 years ago still enjoy stable corrected vision.
What does the cost of the procedure cover?
Your fee covers your pre-operative evaluation, measurements, surgery, facility fee, and post-operative kit with medications, post-operative care for one year, and a lifetime enhancement assurance.
Is LASIK covered by my insurance plan?
Not usually. There are a few companies however that cover a portion so we encourage you to contact your employer directly. We offer financing with an interest free plan, plans with low monthly payments and we also take most major credit cards. Your Flex-spending account can also be used for LASIK and remember this procedure is tax-deductible.
Are there any risks?
Less than 1% of all patients experience any vision reducing complications. Careful review of all benefits and risks will be addressed at your pre-operative exam and again before you have the procedure. Be sure to have all your questions answered in the office or contact Diana, our Vision Correction Facilitator. Our commitment is to your quality care.
Who will be my doctors and what will they do?
As part of our personalized, individual commitment to our patients, we will not farm out your care to some outside, perhaps less experienced, doctor. Everything is done in the office by Dr. Richard Carlin.
Are there disadvantages of using a “bladed” keratome?
Rarely, the keratome may not create an adequately large, central and smooth flap. It may even result in a “buttonhole” in the flap. Also, because of blade and patient peculiarities, the depth of the flap is more variable which may leave inadequate room for treatment in patients with thin corneas. If a problem arises with the flap, the procedure must be aborted and other options considered.
How often does an inadequate flap occur and can it affect the vision?
It is rather rare and the results do vary from surgeon to surgeon. At CarlinVision, inadequate flaps abort the procedure 0.01% of the time. In some cases, due to scarring and irregular healing, it can affect the vision.
How does the femtosecond laser create the flap?
Rather than cutting the flap with a blade, the femtosecond laser uses computer guided energy to split the minute atomic bonds holding the molecules in the cornea together. By moving across the cornea, it creates a precise plane which becomes a flap when lifted.
Why is this safer?
First, and most importantly, if a femtosecond flap is not adequate, it can usually be remade after a short wait and the procedure completed. Second, the laser is much more precise than a mechanical keratome so the flap achieves near perfect proportions with very little deviation from the intended flap thickness.
Will the procedure hurt?
No. LASIK is virtually painless. There are no needles or stitches. Anesthetic drops numb the surface to the eye just before we begin the procedure. You may experience a dry scratchy sensation for a few hours after surgery but most patients are quite comfortable after sleeping. The eye drops you are given to take home with you will also keep your eyes moist and help soothe any irritated feeling.
Do you stand behind my results?
Absolutely! While we cannot guarantee that you will have perfect vision for a lifetime, we will do everything to help you maintain the best vision for life. Patients will receive free retreatments for life when medically advisable to maintain your vision.
What will my recovery be like?
Most LASIK patients usually see quite well the next day, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
Does Blade Free Lasik cost more?
Progressive technologies are usually more expensive. The trade-off is added safety and security but at a higher cost.
Why choose us?
As the largest, most experienced eye care practice in Gwinnett County, we are fully committed to providing advance eye care with a hometown touch. After 30+ years of practice and having performed thousands of surgeries, Dr. Richard Carlin believes the best Lasik results with the least risks are obtained when the surgeon himself does the pre-operative counseling and measurements, the procedure and all the post-operative care. We do not entrust the care of your eyes to a technician or some outside, less experienced doctor. And rest assured, we will be here tomorrow to honor our commitment to you.