- What is LASIK?
- How do I find out if I am a candidate for LASIK?
- What are my options if I am not a good candidate for LASIK surgery?
- Will LASIK surgery prevent or cure age-related vision deterioration (presbyopia)?
- Is LASIK safe?
- What are the risks and possible complications of LASIK?
- Are there different laser systems that can be used for laser vision correction?
- What is the cost of laser vision correction?
- Is financing available for laser vision correction?
What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a highly effective procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During surgery, a flap is created in the cornea and an excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for LASIK?
The typical LASIK candidate is over 18 years of age and is tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses on a daily basis. The only way to definitively determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to have a free laser vision correction consultation at our Boston, Wellesley, or Leominster office. One of our doctors will perform a thorough examination, explain the procedure, and answer all of your questions. Contact us to arrange a laser vision correction consultation at our practice, based in Boston, Massachusetts.
What are my options if I am not a good candidate for LASIK surgery?
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK surgery, our laser vision correction specialists may be able to suggest a procedure that is better suited to your needs. For example, patients who are unable to receive LASIK due to thin corneas or large pupils may be able to undergo a procedure such as Epi LASIK, PRK, or LASEK surgery. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are another possible option.
Will LASIK surgery prevent or cure age-related vision deterioration (presbyopia)?
LASIK cannot prevent age-related vision deterioration (presbyopia). Most patients, regardless of whether or not they have LASIK, will need reading glasses after the age of 40. However, our center offers other options, such as CK eye surgery, to correct presbyopia. Please contact us for more information.
Is LASIK safe?
Yes. New England Eye Center was a study site for the FDA and was one of the first centers in the region to offer LASIK to the general public. FDA studies have shown that there is a rate of less than one percent for complications that seriously affect vision. Still, outcomes can vary, so it is very important to choose an experienced surgeon and the right laser technology. The doctors at our laser vision correction practice in Boston have performed thousands of surgeries and are recognized for their superior experience. LADARVision® technology helps to reduce complications by safely tracking eye movements during the procedure.
What are the risks and possible complications of LASIK?
Fortunately, the risks of the procedure itself are rare. Postoperatively, the most common complications are under correction or over correction, possibly necessitating temporary glasses to aid in driving or reading. A second procedure, called an enhancement, may be necessary several months later to fine-tune the refractive result. Dry eyes and night vision problems, such as glare and halos, may occur but generally resolve over several weeks to several months. Lubricants for the eye and occasionally plugs for the drainage canals of the eye usually help significantly in the meantime. Inflammation, fine wrinkles in the flap, or epithelial surface cells growing under the edge of the flap may require either eye drops or another procedure. Serious complications, such as infection, occur in less than one percent of cases.
Are there different laser systems that can be used for laser vision correction?
There are many different laser systems, ranging from broad beam systems to newer generation lasers incorporating pupil trackers. We have chosen to use LADARVision®, an advanced excimer laser system designed to give each patient the best possible result. It was designed to increase the accuracy of corneal shaping. Our eyes are constantly making small, rapid movements that are beyond our control. The LADARTracker™ accurately tracks eye movements during surgery so you do not have to worry about holding your eye still. The tracker adjusts and realigns itself between each laser pulse, tracking the position of your eye 4,000 times per second, guiding placement of the laser beam with pinpoint accuracy. By contrast, other tracking systems are video-based and only track sample eye movements between 60 and 250 times per second.
What is the cost of laser vision correction?
The cost of laser vision correction at our Boston, Massachusetts, practice varies depending on the procedure you have. Our procedures are competitively priced and are all-inclusive, covering pre-operative and post-operative care for one year after your surgery. Contact our office to set up a consultation to determine which procedure is correct for you.
Is financing available for laser vision correction?
Yes. To help make laser vision correction more affordable, we have partnered with the Vision Fee Plan. They have convenient payment plans at competitive rates. Click here to apply online. You could receive laser vision correction at our Boston, Massachusetts center for as little as no money down and $80 a month.
