LASIK FAQ
1. How do I know if I'm a candidate for LASIK?
A complete eye exam will confirm whether the patient is nearsighted, farsighted and/or has astigmatism. There must be no ocular health problems present, such as cataracts or untreated glaucoma. Additional measurements are needed, such as the thickness of the cornea and a corneal surface mapping. Dr. Schneider will determine whether the patient is a candidate for LASIK
2. What should I look for in choosing my surgeon?
The success of any LASIK procedure depends more on the skills and experience of the surgeon than other surgical procedures. A qualified surgeon should meet the following basic criteria: board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology, with advanced training in cornea and refractive surgery; skills and experience with a prominent ophthalmology practice, having performed thousands of LASIK and refractive surgical procedures; and the ability to help patients understand potential outcomes and complications. While the proliferation of LASIK ad campaigns may tempt price-conscious consumers, remember this: LASIK is a lifetime investment. Taking the time to research the credentials and experience of your surgeon is important in achieving the best results.
3. What is involved in LASIK? How long does it take?
The procedure takes 5-7 minutes per eye. It is done under topical anesthetic drops. During LASIK, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to lift a thin layer of the cornea and using a laser to remove a precise amount of corneal tissue. After the laser treatment, the flap is laid back into position and kept in place by natural suction, no sutures. Eye drops are used and plastic shields are placed over the eyes to protect them until the following day. Results are almost immediate, with minimum discomfort during the first 24-hour period.
4. How does the laser work?
The excimer laser uses a cold light beam to sculpt the cornea's surface to the desired shape, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism.
5. Does it hurt?
The cornea is easily numbed with eye drops during the procedure. Most patients say they have little to no discomfort both during and after LASIK.
6. What about recovery?
Recovery is fast. The first couple of hours after surgery, the eye feels somewhat irritated, with a burning sensation and some tearing. Vision is typically blurry during this time. Most patients nap for a couple of hours to rest the eyes. After several hours, the irritation goes away and the vision begins to clear. The day after surgery, most irritating sensations are completely gone and vision is remarkably clear.
7. What if I am really nervous?
A mild sedative is available prior to surgery to encourage relaxation during the procedure and to encourage sleep afterward. Dr. Schneider and operating room technicians often talk throughout the procedure to put patients at ease.
8. Are both eyes done at the same time?
Some patients may prefer to have each eye done on different days. In most cases, however, both eyes are done on the same day. This avoids the period of imbalance that occurs if one eye still needs correction while the other one doesn't.
9. What if I move my eye or blink during the procedure?
You will be lying back in a comfortable chair, staring up into a fixation light. During the procedure, a speculum, or lid separator, is used to hold the eyelid open and to prevent blinking. Dr. Schneider has complete control of the laser at all times and, if the need should arise, can stop the procedure until the patient can focus on the fixation light.
10. Will I need glasses after the surgery?
With any medical procedure, there is not a guarantee of perfect vision. Almost everyone experiences improved vision, however, and most see well enough to pass a drivers' test without corrective lenses. It is important to know that LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses. Beginning at around the age of 40, a condition called presbyopia usually appears, requiring reading glasses or bifocal correction. The laser cannot correct presbyopia at this time; however, there are some promising treatment options on the horizon.
11. How long will I need to take off work?
Most patients return to work within two-three days; some even go back the day after surgery.
12. Will LASIK interfere with my lifestyle?
Active sports should be postponed for two weeks or until the eye is fully healed, unless protective eyewear is approved by the surgeon. Swimming, hot tubs and saunas should be avoided, as well. After full recovery, normal activity can resume, and the ability to play sports without glasses makes them more enjoyable for many patients.
13. How long will the correction last?
LASIK is a permanent procedure. In some cases, however, an enhancement procedure may be required. Some patients' eyes may change throughout their lifetime, which can happen with glasses or contact lenses as well.
14. Is it true that it takes six months to improve vision after LASIK?
Fluctuation can occur, but visual improvement is almost immediate following the procedure. Most patients feel that major fluctuations have stopped after 4 weeks. At the same time, it may take additional time for all of the swelling in the eye to resolve and fluctuations to cease. Many patients do have healing that, in a minor sense, may continue to improve over six to nine months.
15. Are there complications?
The procedure is very safe, and that is why it has been so readily accepted. With any surgical procedures, however, there may be complications. Vision-threatening complications do exist, but they are extremely rare. These include infections (an incidence of 1 in 5,000) and irregular healing processes that can lead to something called "irregular astigmatism" that glasses cannot correct and contact lenses or further surgery may be required to improve. There are also complications, which may lead to temporary blurriness, temporary dependence on glasses or contact lenses or a need for additional surgery. In most cases, the patient can still do well and recover with good vision. It is for this reason that LASIK patients should confirm the experience of their surgeon to determine if he or she has specialized training in cornea surgery. Because LASIK is performed on the cornea, knowledge of the healing properties of the cornea and management of any complications are critical to the patient's well being. Knowing how to handle a complication, should one occur, can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome.
16. What is the success rate?
Success depends on several factors, the most important being the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Depending on the prescription, the surgeon can help determine the likelihood of reaching 20/40 or greater vision. Approximately 95 percent of eyes treated with LASIK reach 20/40 or better vision with one procedure, which is the requirement for driving legally without correction. If a patient does not achieve his or her goal with one procedure, additional correction often improves their vision to a satisfactory level.
17. I am farsighted. Can LASIK correct my vision?
In the low and moderate ranges, LASIK can treat farsightedness. For high levels of farsightedness, LASIK does not work as well and other refractive procedures may provide a better level of correction.
18. What about astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the eye is oval rather than round. The laser can treat most levels of astigmatism. The laser does this by removing more tissue in one direction of the eye than another to make it more round.
19.What about Dry Eyes and LASIK?
Many patients who desire LASIK surgery have dry eyes. They have become intolerant of their contact lenses because the dryness makes them uncomfortable. LASIK occasionally worsens dry eyes, but typically, this is temporary and usually treated with frequent artificial tear lubrication. In special cases of severely dry eyes, special punctal plugs that are placed in the lower eyelid tear ducts can be inserted with a significant improvement in dryness. These are easily removed in the office once the dryness resolves, or they can be left in place permanently.
20. I need reading glasses. Can LASIK correct my vision?
LASIK only corrects the distance vision. If LASIK is performed such that distance glasses are not needed, and the patient is over 40, it is likely that they will need to put on a pair of glasses to read. The exception to this is when patients choose to have monovision, when one eye is corrected fully for the distance and the other is left nearsighted for up-close vision. Only about 10 to 20 percent of patients choose to have monovision correction, and it is only recommended in patients who have tried it with contact lenses and liked the results.
21. What is the cost of LASIK?
The cost varies depending upon the patient's prescription, but with financing options that are available, can be quite affordable — as low as $3 a day. Low-interest financing programs are available from Dr. Schneider’s office.
22. Will insurance cover LASIK?
Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. Some special employee programs, however, do cover a certain percentage. Patients should inquire with their insurance representatives to determine benefits and coverage.
Risks and Limitations Neither your surgeon nor the surgeon's staff can promise or guarantee that the procedure will be effective or make your vision better than it was before the procedure.
Every precaution should be taken to ensure a safe, healthy result. It's the wise consumer, and the thoughtful individual, who pursues LASIK after thorough study. Patients are encouraged to study and explore their options carefully. We recommend that you set up a personal consultation with Dr. Schneider so that you can proceed with confidence that you have made the right choice.
Cataracts FAQ
WHAT IS A CATRACT?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can lead to vision problems. The most common type of cataract is related to aging. More than half of all Americans over the age of 65 will have a cataract.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
Cloudy or blurry vision.
Problems with light, such as headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight.
Colors that seem faded.
Poor night vision.
Double or multiple vision.
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses.
How is a cataract detected?
Cataracts are detected during a comprehensive annual eye examination. The exam includes: a visual acuity test, to measure the ability to see at various distances; pupil dilation, to allow the eye care professional to examine the lens and retina; and, tonometry, a test to measure fluid pressure in the eye.
How is a cataract treated?
In the early stages of a cataract, vision may be improved with glasses, magnifying lenses or stronger lighting. If these measures do not help, surgery is recommended.
What happens during the surgery?
Cataract surgery is a same-day procedure which takes only about twenty to thirty minutes. The patient is given an intravenous sedative and a topical anesthetic. The surgical procedure involves removing the natural lens, which has become cloudy, and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
What about follow-up care?
Patients are seen in clinic one day following cataract surgery. The next post-operative visit usually occurs two to four weeks after the post-operative visit.
When will vision return after surgery?
Most patients can resume daily activities almost immediately; however, vision may be blurry. The eye needs time to heal and adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye. Follow-up visits to the clinic are scheduled to evaluate progress.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safest and effective surgical procedures performed in the U.S. today. In over 90 percent of cases, patients who have cataract surgery experience better vision.
Will I Need Glasses or Contact Lenses After My Cataract Surgery?
Yes, you will likely need glasses to maximize your vision after cataract surgery. Insurance companies, including Medicare, do not pay for Laser Vision Correction or other procedures to eliminate your need for glasses. Medicare and all insurance companies have stated that cataract surgery should "allow the return of “functional” vision with glasses." If you wear glasses or contact lenses now, you will likely still need them after your surgery.
Some people do achieve glasses independence following cataract surgery. Some newer options for multifocal or accommodating intraocular lenses may be an option for you. Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for this newer technology. Medicare does allow you to pay the difference to acquire this technology if you desire. If glasses independence is important to you, talk to Dr. Schneider about what your options may be.
Do I Really Need to Use My Eye Drops?
I have had patients tell me that since their surgery was so pain-free and quick to recover, they decided not to use their drops thinking that they didn’t need them.
Blindness is a very real possibility, even with modern cataract surgery. By following the directions regarding post-op care, you will minimize the chances of a vision threatening post-op infection and blindness.
Does Dr. Schneider Use a Laser to Remove My Cataract?
No, Lasers do not work well to remove cataracts. Ultrasound works much better and so I use sound-waves (ultrasound) and not amplified-light (laser) to remove cataracts.
Does My Cataract Ever Come Back?
No, once the cataract has been removed, it does not grow back. 30% of the time, a small area of scarring can occur which blurs the vision after surgery. This can be cleared up by Dr. Schneider with the use of a YAG laser, and is an in-office procedure.
My Urologist placed me on a medicine called FLOMAX®. Is it important that I inform you about this medicine even if I took it years ago?
Yes, Flomax is a medicine used for the treatment of prostate and urinary symptoms. Once a person has been on Flomax it permanently changes the eye making cataract surgery more prone to complications. If you are on Flomax now, or have ever been on this medicine, please make sure to let Dr. Schneider know this.
Is Cataract Surgery more Difficult If I Have Had LASIK or LASER VISION Corrrection?
Yes, If you have had previous LASIK or refractive surgery, the calculations that determine the intraocular lens implant are less accurate than in a normal eye. This means that there is a good chance that you will need glasses or contact lenses to acheive your best vision after cataract surgery.
Financing & Billing FAQ
We are pleased you have chosen Schneider Eye and Wellness Center for your eye care needs. Health insurance coverage is complex and we understand the confusion over patient responsibility versus your insurance carrier. Therefore, we put together some information to help guide you through the process. Please feel free to discuss your financial matters with us at any time. It is our hope that we can make this process as smooth as possible.
In this section, you will find answers to the billing and insurance coverage questions that patients ask us most often.
Do I have to pay my co-payment at the time of registration?
You are required to pay your co-pay at the time of service. You will be billed for your deductibles, co-insurance and any non-covered services after we receive notification from your insurance company.
How do I know if my insurance company will cover my visits?
Coverage varies with each insurance company. Generally, we do not know whether a particular service will be covered. Medically necessary and appropriate services may not always be covered by your insurance contract. Please refer to your insurance member handbook, check with your employer or call your insurance company with questions.
When will I receive a bill?
If you verified your insurance information when you registered, you will not receive a bill until: Your insurance company has denied the claim; Your insurance company has paid the claim, leaving a co-insurance, deductible or non-covered service; Your insurance company has not responded to the claim.
When do I become responsible for my bill?
All patient account balances are due and payable upon receipt of your first monthly statement. However, we reserve the right to require payment at the time of service from any patient who has an overdue account. Payment of your bill is ultimately your responsibility.
Who can I talk to with questions about my bill?
If you should have specific questions about your financial situation or your account, please do not hesitate to call one of our Patient Account Representatives at 904.247.5575. They are available to assist you in finding the answers to your financial and billing questions.
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