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As a result of researching LASIK surgery on the Internet, many patients have developed their own lists of questions. We understand and appreciate that these are the only eyes you have, and that you want to be assured that the refractive surgeon you choose is the right one for you. We have diligently reviewed many internet sites to create this list of questions most often asked by persons considering the LASIK procedure.
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Q: Does insurance cover LASIK?
A: Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. We will be happy to assist you in any way that we can to help you get reimbursement directly from your insurance company, should it be a covered expense. Many companies and unions will provide some compensation for refractive surgery.
Q: How much do you charge for the evaluation to see if I am a candidate?
A: At Future Vision Laser Center, our evaluations are free of charge and no obligation. It may be the most thorough eye exam you have ever had. We want our patients to be confident with who they choose to do their LASIK.
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Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Anesthetic drops are used immediately before the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. After the procedure, your eyes may feel uncomfortable for several hours. We strongly urge our patients to go home and take a nap after the procedure. Within a few hours post-operatively, you are feeling much better.
Q: How deep does the laser go?
A: This varies by you treatment power and size and can be as much as 140 micron or as little as 15 um. It is critical to measure intraoperatively to control the microkeratome and therefore the depth of the treatment. We want to leave 300 microns in the cornea under the flap. The majority of the refractive world uses 250 microns. We believe this is too thin and should be avoided in primary treatment! The safety is less secure below 300 and the certainty on primary treatment is not there. We want to leave room for further treatment as well. If a secondary treatment is required we will dip below 20 um if necessary.
Q: How long has LASIK been performed?
A: The surgery has been performed commonly in the United States since 1997. The credit for the 1st procedure goes to Dr Palikaris from Greece, Dr Lucio Burato of Italy and to the great Dr Ruiz of Colombia. These procedures were performed and reported in 1991.
Q: If a refinement is required, how soon can I have one?
A: The minimum time you must wait before a refinement can be performed is 3 months.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for the surgery?
A: The initial criteria is you must be at least 18 years of age and have a stable RX for the past year. However the list of criteria is long and the doctor will let you know if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Q: Is LASIK permanent?
A: Yes, LASIK is a permanent change to the shape of your cornea.
Q: Does it matter that my eyeglass prescription is over one year old and I feel that it needs to be updated?
A: As part of your evaluation at Future Vision Laser Center, we test your visual acuity and attain the most current prescription. It doesn't matter that your prescription is old.
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Q: Can my vision get worse or can I go blind?
A: The risk of your vision becoming worse is less than 1%. Although there are risks associated with any surgical procedure (and nearly everything we do in life), today's vision Correction procedures are extremely precise. Safety is our primary concern! The FDA looked at years of results before they finally approved the excimer laser. Risks today are roughly comparable or less than the risks we accept when wearing contact lenses.
Q: What stops me from blinking during the procedure?
A: There is a special device that prevents you from blinking. You may feel as if you are blinking, however, you should try to relax and stare ahead.
Q: Is there any weakening of the eye?
A: No, there is virtually no weakening of the eye whatsoever, making it ideal for police officers, firefighters, and athletes. The US army has approved LASIK for our troops!
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Q: Does the FDA approve the excimer laser that you use?
A: The FDA has approved the excimer laser although it has not approved the LASIK procedure. However, it is lawful for the physician to perform the LASIK procedure.
Q: Who are the manufacturers of the equipment that you use?
A: We use: All-Lasik LASIK, Bausch and Lomb 217a laser, Refractec Condutive Keratoplasty for farsightedness and presbyopia, Mastel Scientific Vacuum System, Bausch & Lomb refractive workstation (orbscan II and aberometer), Laser Diagnostic Technologies GDX analyzer, Sony handy cam with night vision for pupil sizing just to name of few.
Q: Which laser do you use?
A: We use the Bausch and Lomb 217a. Unlike other systems, the BL laser provides a 2 mm flat top beam that allows for a treatment zone customized for your visual system. Other lasers only have the capacity of treating a zone of 6.5mm - 7.5mm, depending on the laser. The B&L has the capacity to treat a zone of up to 12mm. This difference leaves less distortion at the rim of the treatment zone, which leaves the patient with reduced or no visual aberrations after the surgery. This capability dramatically reduces or eliminates the incidence of glare and halos post-LASIK and improves your night vision result compared with other lasers.
Q: Do you use the latest software available?
A: Yes, new software is purchased and installed as it becomes available.
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Q: Why don't you use the "puff of air" test for glaucoma in your exam?
A: We believe that the Goldmann tonometry is more accurate than the "puff" tonometry. With LASIK the cornea is thinned and the measured method is no longer accurate. For this reason we go to some effort to screen you for glaucoma prior to LASIK. We are working on an archival web site that will include some of this data for refractive patients that may be critical for your future!
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Q: Is Dr. Foulkes certified and licensed?
A: Dr. Foulkes is a licensed medical surgeon with the State of Illinois and the State of California. He is an active member of the American Ophthalmology Association, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Illinois and actively studies many areas of interest in refractive surgery.
Q: How long has Dr. Foulkes been doing LASIK and how many LASIK procedures has he done?
A: Dr. Foulkes has performed over 18,000 refractive procedures since beginning in 1998.
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Q: Will I get 20/20 vision?
A: We provide outcome analysis, which meets or exceeds any reported data that can be verified. We cannot guarantee 20/20 vision, but we aim for it. We very often exceed this number when looking with both eyes. We will share with you our last month's statistics and strive always to make these better. The B&L laser has the highest rates of primary treatment success of any laser and our techniques may improve these slightly. We are always attempting to give you 20/happy vision and you should not get bogged down on the eye chart. Also 20/20 is vision of black on white letters fully illuminated and really is a small part of the spectrum of good vision. We strive to not only achieve the prescriptive power we were after but perhaps more importantly good quality of vision. The use of large treatments possible with the B&L and careful screening to not treat a patient who is not a good candidate with today's technology is key to getting you vision you will be thrilled with. Meeting your expectations means keeping them reasonable. We wish to maximize your probability of success without risking your quality of vision.
Q: How quickly will my vision return?
A: You will sit up off the table at about 20/40 on average. Your vision will fluctuate as your eye heals and the drops take effect. We will make sure you are safely functioning during your post op period. We have achieved a 100% 20/40 or better vision in patients we have attempted full correction since we have had the B&L laser and our 20/25 numbers have been above the 90th percentile. Most people will be very happy with this vision.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: You will be in the office for approximately two hours. First, you read and sign the consent form. At this time we will address any additional questions or concerns that you may have. Second, if you wish, we will give you a Valium to help you relax. Then you are prepped for surgery. The actual laser time varies with individual prescriptions and is usually between 10 seconds and 60 seconds. After the procedure, we have you stay in our post-op room for approximately 30 minutes. This way, we can make sure that everything is doing well before we discharge you.
Q: How long do I wear a patch?
A: We do not use patches anymore. Sunglasses will be given to patients who have the LASIK procedure and will need to be worn for the first few days while outside. A clear patch will be given to the patient to wear every night when going to bed for the first four days after the procedure.
Q: When can I return to work and normal activities, including sports?
A: It depends on the kind of work you do, but most patients can return within 24 hours. We ask that you refrain from dusty and/or smoky environments as well as swimming and gardening for one week. We ask you to stay out of the pool for a week and that you wear protective eyewear for any sport in which you may make contact with your eye. We have treated many elite athletes and there is no reason not to get back to exercise the day after your procedure.
Q: Will the doctor provide names of previous patients that I may contact?
A: Yes, upon request.
Q: If an optometrist will be performing all pre-and post-operative care, can I see the surgeon at any time without my optometrist's authorization?
A: Yes, and within the first year there is no charge for these visits.
Q: How often after the surgery will the doctors perform a post-operative examination?
A: We will require seeing the patient post-operatively at 1 day, 1 week, 6 weeks and 1 year. We feel you should have a dilated exam every 2 years by a well-trained eye practitioner.
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