What are my payment options?
You may either pay with cash, check, or credit card. We also offer excellent financing options. For more information, please call 903-526-0444.

How long will it take me to recover from LASIK?
Most patients report visual improvement within 1-2 hours following their procedure. Many find that they are visually comfortable enough to return to work the next day. Patients are told by the doctors to expect about 2 weeks of visual fluctuation.

How long will the correction last?
LASIK vision correction is a permanent procedure. However, it is important to know that:

• LASIK does not stop the natural aging process of the eyes. Most patients over the age of 40 will develop the need for reading glasses. LASIK will not stop this from occurring.
  
  
• Patients can still develop cataracts and other age-related visual problems. It's important to know that though LASIK will not stop these from occurring, patients can still have successful treatments of these problems.
  

What is the success rate?
Depending on your prescription, your physician can determine the likelihood of reaching 20/40 or better vision. To date, 95-98% reach 20/40 or better vision with LASIK. Patients must understand that LASIK restores natural vision, not perfect vision. Even people who do not wear glasses experience vision fluctuation during the day due to fatigue, blood sugar levels, and tearing of the eyes.

Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. They consider it cosmetic or elective in nature. However, there are a few that do, and we would be happy to check with your carrier on your behalf.

Can you go blind?
As with any surgery, there is a chance of infection. Left untreated, this could possibly lead to complications. We have excellent antibiotics for this purpose and take all the necessary precautions for a sterile environment. In the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon, the likelihood of blindness is extremely rare.

Does it hurt?
Before the procedure, the eye is numbed with an anesthetic drop. During the procedure, a patient may feel slight pressure but the procedure itself lasts only about 50 seconds. Following the procedure, patients may experience some irritation and a fog to their vision. This usually lasts only 24 hours.

What about the integrity of my eye?
Your lifestyle and activities will not be restricted by LASIK. Playing sports, like racquetball, should be postponed for several weeks, or until the eye is fully healed.

I've heard it takes six months to improve my vision?
Fluctuation can occur, but visual improvement is almost immediate following surgery.

After surgery, will I still need reading glasses?
Reading glasses come about naturally in everyone, because the body ages. As we age, the eye's focusing system is no longer strong enough for us to compensate at close distances. Usually after the age of 40, with or without LASIK, patients will find a need for reading glasses.

With LASIK, will both eyes be done at the same time?
In most cases, both eyes are treated at the same time.

What if I move my eye during the procedure? What if I blink?
The doctor uses a small instrument to prevent you from blinking during the procedure. You will be lying back in a comfortable position staring up at a fixation light. The doctor will have his hands on each side of your head to help you keep still. However if you do begin to move or look around, the doctor will immediately stop the procedure and then begin again when you are settled. It is important to know that the doctor is in control of the laser at all times.

I hate to have anything in my eye. What if I'm too nervous?
About 45 minutes prior to the procedure, our nursing staff will give you a mild oral sedative to relax you.

Can I drive myself home?
No. Because of the medication we give, we cannot allow you to drive. However, your driver is welcome to wait with you or if they can be reached by phone or pager, we will be more than happy to let them know when you are ready to be picked up.

What kind of medicines will I have in surgery?
You will be given several types of medications to get you ready for surgery. Preoperatively, you are given antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops and a drop to constrict your pupil . After these drops are complete, we will then begin your numbing drops. You will also be given an oral sedative to relax you and keep you comfortable during your procedure.