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How
do I know if I'm a candidate?
The
ideal candidate is over 18 years of age with healthy eyes
and stable vision. UltraLASIK can correct a wide range of nearsightedness,
farsightedness and astigmatism. We offer complimentary screenings
to help you determine if UltraLASIK is right for you.
How
much time do I need off for surgery?
Most
patients can resume normal activities the next day with minimal
restrictions. In general, patients can return to work within
1-2 days.
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What
can laser vision correction potentially offer?
The
goal of UltraLASIK is to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses
or contacts. Although the majority of UltraLASIK patients achieve
20/20 vision, some will still need a mild prescription for
sharpest vision. UltraLASIK offers you a lifestyle with fewer limitations
and more freedom to enjoy your recreational and daily activities.
How
is UltraLASIK performed?
This procedure is performed on an outpatient
basis in our state-of-the-art facilities right here in the
Iowa Eye Center. Patients are given an oral sedative and the
eyes are numbed with very effective anesthetic drops making
the process quick, safe, and virtually painless. First, a very
thin flap of corneal tissue is created by a laser that creates
soft perforations at a precise location under the surface of
the cornea. This flap is then lifted and the corrections are
made using cool laser pulses that are designed to correct
imperfections in your vision that goes beyond simple near or
farsightedness and astigmatism. The flap is then replaced and
immediately begins the healing process which allows for a
quick recovery and excellent vision very quickly after the
procedure is complete.
What
are the risks involved?
UltraLASIK is a very safe and effective procedure. With
traditional LASIK, complications were rare, but most of the
ones that did occur happened when the mechanical keratome was
used to create the corneal flap. By using a laser to complete
that part of the procedure, UltraLASIK nearly eliminates many
serious risks associated with the creation of the flap.
However, as with any surgical procedure, UltraLASIK has does
some risks and possible complications. Again, these are very
rare but your surgeon and staff will explain all risks and
benefits to you during your personal consultation. They will
also advise you on steps you can take to help minimize these
risks.
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Is
it covered by insurance?
Most
insurance companies consider laser vision correction "elective"
or "cosmetic"; therefore they do not consider this
a covered service. However, we are always happy to assist
you in determining this. In some cases, flexible spending
medical accounts will allow refractive surgery as an eligible
expense. Iowa Eye Center also offers convenient and affordable
payment plans, ask any of our staff for more
details.
What
about reading glasses?
Presbyopia
is a normal part of the aging process, which usually occurs
around the age of 40. This is a change within the eye that
unfortunately the laser is not able to correct. Most patients
will need reading glasses or bifocals at some point to assist
with reading and fine print.
Who
will monitor my progress?
The
surgeons at Iowa Eye Center are proud to provide your care
before and after your surgery. Patients are typically seen
for a 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 month and 1 year visit. All
of your follow-up care is included in the surgery fee.
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Is
the surgery permanent?
Yes,
the procedure does permanently change the shape of the eye.
However, some patients may require an additional surgery or
"retreatment" to achieve their goal. Retreatments
are infrequent and are usually detected shortly after the
initial surgery. If a retreatment is required, it is provided
to you at no charge for the first year. It is also important
to know that LASIK does not prohibit or prevent the eye from
changing over the years.
More
questions about
laser
vision correction
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