Frequently Asked Questions on LASIK & Laser Vision Correction

We understand that you have questions, and want straightforward answers. All of us at Pacific Laser Eye Center are dedicated to providing you with the answers you need to make the decision that best fits your lifestyle. If you don't see your specific question or want more detailed information, please call us or contact us via our website.

What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser Vision Correction uses a computer controlled laser to precisely reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye) so that light will focus properly on the retina (the back of the eye). LASIK is an acronym which stands for Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis. This is the procedure of choice for the vast majority of patients. For some patients, however, the best procedure is PRK, which stands for Photo-refractive Keratectomy. PRK is also known as ASA, or Advance Surface Ablation. The terms PRK and ASA are used interchangeably.

What is LASIK?
LASIK is the most technologically advanced way to reduce your dependency on glasses or contacts. LASIK is a two step process. First we create a flap using a laser keratome and then we use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea or the surface of your eye. This alters the way light rays enter your eyes to achieve focus, in much of the same way that glasses or contacts alter the light rays entering your eyes today. Want to know more about LASIK and how it works to improve your vision? Call us at 866-544-0644.

Can LASIK correct my vision?
LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, and can now be used to correct astigmatism. By completing an Advanced Diagnostic Test, your eye doctor will be able to discuss these options with you and determine which approach might be best for you

What are the most important factors in Laser Vision Correction?
In order to ensure the best results from your procedure, your eyes need to be "back to normal". Contact lenses actually reshape your eye somewhat. So, you should allow for time without contacts—and yes, this means wearing glasses for several weeks. Your eye doctor can best advise you how long in your particular case.

Allow time for several appointments prior to your procedure. You should have several refractive measurements taken by your eye doctor to make sure the laser will be programmed to give you the optimal treatment.

How long has your surgeon and laser team been involved in LVC? How much experience does the team have? Do not be rushed in the pre-operative side of the procedure

Quality = Time.

LASIK or PRK—Which is right for me?
While LASIK has been the most common laser procedure for several years, PRK has recently become the procedure of choice in many cases. Patients who want a procedure without creating a flap, whose corneas are too thin for LASIK, or whose occupations or vision requirements may preclude them from having the LASIK procedure, choose PRK. In the procedures outlined above, the latest generation excimer laser provides a clear advantage over the older forms of laser eye surgery performed just a few years ago. Today at Pacific Laser Eye Center, these advanced procedures achieve more precision and fewer complications than previously dreamed possible!

Why should I choose Pacific Laser Eye Center North Bay?
This is the most important question to consider when choosing this life changing procedure. When you choose Pacific Laser Eye Center North Bay, you are selecting an entire team of professionals from the various fields of eye care. Your surgeon is one of the most experienced in the region—selected for experience, background and outcomes. Additionally, our surgeons have a long track record of service to the medical community here in Sonoma County, and have vast experience both with laser vision correction and comprehensive eye care. Furthermore, your eye doctor is the most knowledgeable of your particular vision, with training and experience greater than most surgeons in refractive measurements. Combined, you are in the best of hands from the preoperative measurements through the follow-up examinations and the continued checkups with your eye doctor.

What makes Pacific Laser Eye Center North Bay different from other laser centers?
Our team approach to patient care is unique in itself . Our mission is to give you the best experience and the best possible outcome from the entire process. In a word:

The Trusted Choice of Vision Experts!
Respected Surgeons
Unsurpassed Patient Experience
Superior Outcomes
Technology at the Forefront
Excellence in All We Do
Dedicated, Well-Trained Employees Who Provide Caring, Compassionate, Quality Care

How do I know if I'm a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism can most likely be treated with one of our laser techniques. The only way to truly know if you are a good candidate is to schedule a no-cost consultation and Advanced Diagnostic Testing with the professionals at Pacific Laser Eye Center. From there, we can help you to find out if this is the right procedure for your visual needs. We have the technology to quickly and easily check your current prescription and perform some important corneal measurements and mapping of the surface of your eye. If you are a candidate, your eye doctor will perform the precise preoperative measurements before your procedure. There are some medical conditions that affect the advisability of having Laser Vision Correction, which your doctor will discuss with you.

How is LASIK performed?
LASIK is a two-step process. First a flap is created in the cornea with a precise laser known as IntraLase. The flap is then gently lifted to move to the second step. The Allegretto Wavelight® excimer laser then sculpts your prescription to the middle layer of the cornea. The flap is then laid back into place where it adheres like a decal, without sutures. An advantage to LASIK is that the surface cells of the cornea remain intact. This allows for faster stabilization of your vision and enhanced comfort.

Are there risks associated with Laser Vision Correction?
Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure and thus has some risk. When Laser Vision Correction is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon in a professional setting the risks are minimal. Your postoperative care with your eye doctor is critical for early diagnosis and treatment of complications so you can maintain your good vision. It is very important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions completely. Complications may include loss of best-corrected visual acuity, reduced contrast sensitivity, glare, dry eyes, and infection. This is not a complete list of possible side effects and complications. It is very important to discuss the potential risks with your doctor prior to consenting to surgery.

How long will the procedure actually take?
Your procedure will include prep time in the surgery suite and then your Laser Vision Correction all of which takes about 15 minutes for both eyes to be treated. The Allegretto Wavelight ® excimer laser corrects most prescriptions in less than a minute. In order to allow adequate time for preoperative preparation and postoperative examination, expect to spend approximately 60 minutes at Pacific Laser Eye Center. We schedule plenty of time for each patient to ensure personalized care and attention to detail.

When will I be able to return to work?
Many patients can return to near-normal activities the day after the procedure. Your eye doctor will advise you of any activities you should avoid during the immediate postoperative period. LASIK patients usually return to work in 2 days. PRK patients take a few days longer.

How much does Laser Vision Correction cost?
The fee includes all of your pre-operative care, the surgery itself, and your post-operative care at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year (or more often if needed). The fee also includes any enhancements or touch-ups you may need for up two years at no additional cost from the surgeon or laser center.

Does insurance cover Laser Vision Correction?
Most insurance companies still see Laser Vision Correction as an elective procedure. A few insurance companies have added Laser Vision Correction to their benefits. Please contact your insurance company to see if yours has done so.

How do I know my surgeon is the "right one"?
Ask an expert in vision care—your eye doctor! Pacific Laser Eye Center is based upon a strong relationship between the family eye doctor and the refractive surgeon specialist. Our surgeons are held to a higher standard in order to maintain the confidence of both you as the patient and the skilled and experienced independent network eye doctors. Your eye doctor continually reviews the capabilities of the regional surgeons in order to provide the best referrals to their patients. To have so many eye doctors choosing to manage their patient care with Pacific Laser Eye Center is a testament to the skill, experience, and personality of the refractive surgical specialists.

Should I be concerned about the technology?
Absolutely! We are dealing with some of the most incredibly sophisticated medical equipment available. It is designed to be used by certified personnel under very controlled conditions that can be maintained only in a specialized environment. The manufacturers regularly update software and hardware components to take advantage of more capabilities. Many centers or independent doctors cannot afford the continuing costs of upgrades. You can have confidence that Pacific Laser Eye Center will always have the latest proven technology available.

I've seen LASIK advertised for a lot less. Why should I spend more?
We have all heard the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true...". Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure that should only be performed by experts in vision care, providing the necessary preoperative time to comprehensively measure your required correction. There should be numerous follow-up appointments over the course of a year to monitor your healing process. There should be secondary treatments included, should the first fall short of the planned outcome. You should have a team checking and double-checking the treatment process. We have seen many of the national low cost providers simply go out of business, leaving patients without care. With your eyesight, should you select anyone but the best?

What about nighttime vision problems after LASIK. Will this affect me?
Glare, halos and ghosting (which may become most noticeable at night) were not uncommon side affects of many laser procedures early on with the use of older technology. Most likely if you did not have any glare, halo or ghosting issues before Laser Vision Correction you will most likely not have it after the procedure. Pacific Laser Eye Center has invested in the latest excimer laser equipment and protocols to substantially reduce the occurrence of these symptoms. Every set of eyes is different, as is each and every treatment. Talk to your eye doctor to determine the likelihood of your night vision being affected.

Does it hurt?
Laser Vision Correction is not painful since anesthetizing eye drops are used during the procedure. After surgery, most patients experience little or no discomfort. Your eyes may feel scratchy, watery or dry, and your vision will be foggy at first. These symptoms are temporary and are not a problem for most patients. These symptoms usually disappear within 2-3 days.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
Due to the advanced technology used to perform Laser Vision Correction both eyes are usually treated on the same visit, one right after the other.

Do the results last?
Laser Vision Correction is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, it will not prevent any age-related conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts. They would need to be treated in the usual manner.