It is important to know what questions to ask. LASIK centers differs in how they approach refractive surgery, both philosophically and the systems they employ. These systems or processes are what differentiates one center from another. Our center focuses on results, customer service and individualized care.
What is laser vision correction? Laser vision correction is a procedure that improves vision by permanently changing the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) with a laser. Often referred to as LASIK (an acronym for the medical term laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis), it is the most commonly performed type of laser procedure and an effective treatment for a wide range of vision problems.
What is a laser? A laser is a technology that utilizes ultraviolet light to precisely reshape the inner layers of the cornea. This reshaping is capable of correcting nearsighted and astigmatism conditions using the CustomVue procedure.
Who will you see during for your pre and postoperative care? Dr. Behler will see you from start to finish. This includes the initial evaluation, surgical planning, the surgery itself and all postoperative care. He is available to you at all times
Why is it important for the surgeon to be part of the entire process? The skills necessary to derive the best patient satisfaction come from experience in managing patients who have undergone a variety of refractive procedures. Decisions such as to how much and which procedure to perform, whether to perform monovision, how to evaluate quality of vision cannot be sharpened without experience with all vision-correction procedures.
Is LASIK the only option offered by your center? No. Behler Eye and Laser is more than just LASIK. Some patients are better suited for a lens procedure. Dr. Behler routinely performs a variety of refractive procedures including investigational procedures. Therefore you can be sure if he recommends LASIK, it is the best procedure for you. Remember that it is important the procedure fit the patient, not the other way around. As the adage goes,“ If you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” We have multiple tools.
How are the numbers for my LASIK calculated for my surgery to achieve the most accurate results? Dr. Behler uses a specially developed database to track important factors that may affect outcomes. A multi-factorial regression analysis of peripheral attributes, including room temperature and humidity, age, corneal thickness, degree of astigmatism etc., is performed on EVERY patient. This analysis is critical for achieving outstanding results. Outcomes that exceed national standards can only be achieved by tracking outcomes and subjecting them to mathematical scrutiny.
Do you treat all levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness? No. While Laser Vision Correction has been approved by the FDA for a wide range of refractive errors many experienced surgeons restrict themselves to lower amounts so not to compromise outcomes.
Do you have the ability to evaluate night vision, glare and haloes? Night vision quality is perhaps one of the most important yet ignored aspects of Laser Vision Correction. The technology Dr. Behler utilizes has the ability to test night vision and glare. These tests help identify potential night vision problems before the procedure is performed and in many patients can reduce or eliminate these side effects all together.
Does the price of the surgery correlate with the best results? Absolutely not. Results depend upon the LASIK PROCESS, not its’ cost.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for LASIK?
First of all, realize that not everyone is an ideal candidate. The preoperative assessment is probably the most important part of the process. Since Dr. Behler is the Surgeon performing the Surgery he feels strongly that he must know everything about that patient before that patient commits to surgery. Therefore Dr. Behler personally spends all the time as necessary evaluating the patient to determine his or her candidacy. It is a careful extensive exam with meticulous attention to detail.
Is LASIK my only option?
Of course not! LASIK has achieved its current popularity due to many factors including the enormous candidate pool, rapidity of recovery and its "adjustability". However, some patients are better off considering other options.
Are there patients who have undergone the procedure whom I may speak with? Of course, Dr. Behler has performed surgery on patients of every acceptable and approved refractive range and would be more than glad to provide you with a reference.
Who will be seeing me during follow-up visits after the surgery? You have a right to meet and consult with Dr. Behler at any time prior to and following the surgery. "It is Eye Surgery, after all" Dr. Behler spends a considerable amount of time with you prior to and following the surgery. The frequency of postoperative visits is determined by what is in the best interest of the individual patient, not by a predetermined fee schedule or managed care determination.
Is the effect of LASIK permanent? Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of surgery is lifelong.
How long does a LASIK procedure take?
Your LASIK procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of our excimer laser surgical suite. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes for both eyes.7) What kind of anesthesia is used in the surgery?
Only anesthetic drops are used. Don't worry...no needles or intravenous drugs are used.
Do you operate on both eyes at the same time?
Surgery can be performed on both eyes on the same day. this decreases the troublesome effect of being nearsighted in only one eye between the two surgical procedures. You may elect to have on done at a time though the vast majority of patients prefer both eyes.
Will I experience pain during surgery? Surgery can be performed on both eyes on the same day. this decreases the troublesome effect of being nearsighted in only one eye between the two surgical procedures. You may elect to have on done at a time though the vast majority of patients prefer both eyes.10) What will I see during the procedure?
You will see a gently blinking almost "hypnotic" red light during the surgery.
Will I experience pain following surgery? Some patients experience a feeling of burning or scratchiness. Discomfort generally lasts from 1 to 4 hours following surgery. Most people feel fine if they take a nap after surgery.
How soon after surgery will I see well? Each patents is different. The eye drop medications may cause some blurriness, but most patients notice dramatic improvement even as they leave the office. More than 4 out of 5 patients can read the 20/20 line the following morning after LASIK.13) Will I have to wear an eye patch?
No, but clear protective eye shields will be placed over your eyes following surgery and removed by Dr. Behler the next morning. You will continue to wear these eye shields at bedtime for 2 nights, for protection and to enhance healing in a warm moist environment.
When can I go back to work? Most patients are able to return to work the following day after surgery. All we ask is that you take it easy.
Will I need reading glasses after surgery? Generally, patients under 40 years of age will read without glasses following surgery. Patients over 40 may benefit from monovision. Although LASIK does not correct for presbyopia, many patients over 40 can reduce their dependence on reading glasses. All options are discussed in detail during pre-surgery consultations.
How many times do I need to be seen following the surgery? Most patients are seen at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months following the surgery. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have questions or need attention. All post-operative visits are free of charge.
How soon after surgery can I bathe or take a shower? You can bathe or shower the same day as the surgery. As always, avoid getting soap or water directly in your eyes.
How soon can I use my makeup? You may wear eye makeup starting 2-3 days after surgery. We recommend you purchase new makeup, specifically mascara, to avoid possible infection.
When can I drive after surgery? Most people are able to drive the following day after LASIK. The goggles are removed the morning after LASIK. As soon as you feel confident about your vision acuity and eye comfort, you may drive. Most people who have LASIK during the week can return to work the following day.
How soon can I swim? You should stay out of swimming pools for one week, and lakes, rivers, and oceans for two weeks following your surgery.
How soon can I exercise?
Heavy weightlifting should be avoided for one week, but other non-contact sports can be resumed as soon as you wish. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet or contact sports where there is risk of being hit in the eye.22) Does insurance cover LASIK?
Generally, laser vision correction is not covered by health insurance. Fortunately, at Behler Eye & Laser, we believe in making laser vision correction as affordable as possible by providing a monthly payment plan. We don't think cost should stand in the way of the vision you've always dreamed of. Of course we will be happy to check with your insurance company to see if LASIK is a covered benefit.
How much does LASIK cost? See payment plans page for more information on the cost of LASIK.
CustomVue Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CustomVue LASIK and “standard” LASIK? The difference is in how the data is acquisitioned and presented to the laser. CustomVue LASIK uses the Wavescan to acquire the “fingerprint” or your eye. This interfaces directly with the laser. In “standard” LASIK the patient’s refractive data is programmed manually into the laser. Dr. Behler processes data from both CustomVue and standard LASIK through multifactoral regression analysis. This includes peripheral attributes that include temperature and humidity, intraocular pressure etc…
Understanding the Procedure
What is laser vision correction? Laser vision correction is a procedure that improves vision by permanently changing the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) with a laser. Often referred to as LASIK (an acronym for the medical term laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis), it is the most commonly performed type of laser procedure and an effective treatment for a wide range of vision problems.
What is a laser? A laser is a technology that utilizes ultraviolet light to precisely reshape the inner layers of the cornea. This reshaping is capable of correcting nearsighted and astigmatism conditions using the CustomVue procedure.
How does the laser know what to correct in my eyes? Laser vision correction is based on precise measurements of the imperfections in your vision. These measurements are taken with a powerful measurement tool known as the WaveScan®. The WaveScan information is transferred to the laser to guide the treatment.
What is a WaveScan® and a WavePrint® Map? WaveScan technology provides a measurement and a visual representation of your vision based on the behavior of light waves. It compares light passing through your eye to the same light pattern from an eye that needs no vision correction. The WavePrint Map is the output of the WaveScan; it captures the unique imperfections of a person’s visual path.
How accurate is WaveScan technology? WaveScan technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s vision 25 times more precisely than standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses.
Does the WaveScan® hurt? No, the WaveScan is a measurement device that you simply gaze into while it measures the vision imperfections in your eye.
What is CustomVue™ laser vision correction? VISX CustomVue™ is an individualized laser vision correction treatment that is WaveScan-guided. This enables a doctor to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision that could never be measured before with standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. With the CustomVue procedure, nearsighted and astigmatic individuals have the potential to achieve a new level of vision that we call Personal Best Vision.
What do you mean by Personal Best Vision? Personal Best Vision refers to the new level of laser vision correction that can be achieved with the CustomVue procedure. Since WaveScan technology can measure and correct imperfections that are unique to each individual’s vision with 25 times more precision than standard measurements for glasses and contact lenses, individuals can potentially achieve the best possible vision for their eyes.
How does the CustomVue procedure work? First, the WaveScan technology measures the imperfections in the eyes and produces a WavePrint® Map. Much like a fingerprint, no two WavePrint maps are alike. Then, the treatment information is transferred to the VISX STAR S4™ laser. The doctor then uses that information to fine-tune the procedure thereby providing a new level of precision and accuracy.
What can the CustomVue procedure do for me? As shown in the clinical study, CustomVue has the potential to produce better vision than is possible with glasses and contact lenses. It tailors a distinct correction for each individual–in fact each treatment is “designed” by the unique characteristics of your individual eye.
Results
Is the CustomVue procedure FDA approved? Based on the clinical study, the U.S. FDA has approved the CustomVue procedure as safe and effective for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism.
What are some of the results of CustomVue™ to date?
In the FDA study, one year after the VISX CustomVue™ procedure:
100% of participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses
98% of participants could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses
70% of participants could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses
In addition, many participants reported that they had clearer, better vision both during the day and at night, compared to their vision with glasses or contact lenses before the procedure.
What does better than 20/20 mean? 20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, as shown in a clinical study, individuals with the CustomVue procedure have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, one year after the CustomVue procedure nearly 70 percent of clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.
Can the CustomVue procedure improve my night vision? Yes, potentially. In the clinical study, four times as many people were very satisfied with their vision at night after the procedure as compared to their night vision before the procedure with glasses and contact lenses.
Getting All the Facts
Is there any way I can see what the results might be like before the procedure? Yes, with a PreVue® Lens, which approximates what your vision could be like after the procedure.
What is the PreVue Lens and would I need it? The PreVue Lens is not a requirement for the CustomVue procedure. Your doctor will decide if this tool is right for you. Once the WaveScan® measurements are taken, the doctor places a plastic lens under the laser. The individual’s unique correction is created on the lens. The lens is then fitted in a frame for viewing, so you can “preview” an approximation of the potential result after a CustomVue correction.
How can I get more information about CustomVue? Visit http://www.personalbestvision.com for more information, and discuss the procedure with your doctor.
