Laser Eye Surgery - Ohio - Greater Ohio Eye Surgeons, Inc. - Free Info

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Greater Ohio Eye Surgeons, Inc.

Lasik Related Questions
What is laser vision correction? It is an outpatient treatment first performed in 1987 that uses a light beam to gently reshape the surface of the eye (the cornea) and improve vision. The light gently pulses to remove microscopic amounts of tissue, altering the curvature of the cornea and allowing visual images to be more sharply focused on the retina.
What are the benefits of laser vision correction? Laser vision correction reduces or eliminates nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and, with it, the need for glasses or contacts.
What is nearsightedness? The normal eye is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image on the back inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness, the cornea's curvature is too steep for the shape of the eye. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear blurry.
What is farsightedness? In a farsighted eye, the image focuses beyond the retina. In our youth, the innate accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often compensates for farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become less able to accommodate. For this reason, farsightedness most commonly becomes a problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes do not need correction until the individuals reach their forties or fifties.
What is astigmatism? The front of the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Astigmatism can make wearing contact lenses difficult or even impossible. Laser vision correction is now an FDA approved option for people with astigmatism.
Is laser vision correction safe? The FDA has approved the VISX laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for eligible patients. Millions of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision correction procedures, and over one million VISX laser procedures have been performed in the US since our first FDA approval in 1996. Virtually all people treated experience an improvement in vision that would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam without the aid of glasses or contacts.
Does laser vision correction hurt? The procedure itself is painless. Your eye is numbed with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure and no general anesthetic is necessary. You may experience some temporary discomfort after treatment; your doctor can prescribe pain medication if needed.
Do I have to wait for my regular eye exam? No. You can have laser vision correction as soon as you're ready and eligible for it.
What happens before the treatment? Your eyecare professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the procedure. Then your eyes will be photographed and a computerized map (corneal topography) will be created. This "map" will assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests the doctor uses to help plan your procedure.
What can I expect on the day of treatment? This is an outpatient procedure that takes less than 15 minutes to complete for most patients. Your entire visit will be complete in about an hour. First, you will relax in a reclining chair. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye, your eye doctor will position your head under a laser, and a retainer will be used to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids open during the procedure. The doctor enters your refractive error (meaning your prescription) into the computer. You will be asked to focus on a blinking light for a minute or less. The doctor will view your eye directly through a surgical microscope to ensure that you are fixating properly and can pause at any time. Once finished, you will get up, receive instructions from the staff, and rest for a few minutes. Afterward, you'll go home to rest and relax for several hours.
How well will I see after laser vision correction? Results vary with each individual. Doctors report that a vast majority of patients are highly satisfied. In fact, nearly all could pass a state driver's exam without glasses or contact lenses. As every patient is different you should ask your doctor about patients with vision problems like yours. A discussion with your doctor will help you to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Vision usually improves immediately after treatment though it's normal that some patients may experience small visual changes during the first several months.
How soon can I return to work? Some people return the day after treatment. 2 or 3 days of rest are suggested.
Are there any risks? There are risks that accompany all surgical procedures. Laser vision correction is performed using a computer-controlled light beam under the guidance of a trained and certified eye doctor. Please ask your eye doctor to discuss with you the risks and benefits of laser vision correction.
How does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism? The cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye, on the retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving vision.
How do I know whether I can have laser vision correction? Your eyecare professional can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. Some guidelines are: You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 21 years old. Your vision must be stable for at least 1 year before the laser procedure. You are not a good candidate if you have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you have a condition that deters or slows healing.
What's the difference between PRK, LASIK and RK? PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) both use the laser system to remove corneal tissue and thereby flatten the cornea for nearsightedness or steepen it for farsightedness. In the PRK procedure, the laser operates on the surface of the cornea. LASIK is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. The surgery is similar to PRK, but does not treat or alter the front surface of the cornea. The doctor uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a circular flap of corneal tissue. The flap is then lifted from the cornea while the doctor uses the excimer laser to remove small amounts of underlying tissue from the exposed cornea. The corneal flap is then repositioned and the eye is covered with eye shields. RK (Radial Keratotomy) is a non-laser procedure in which the surgeon uses a diamond blade to make a series of radial incisions into the cornea. RK was never studied or approved by the FDA.
Is surgery the only option to treat a cataract? Just because you have a cataract does not mean that you have to have it removed. Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if you are not happy with your vision and want to see better. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your vision.
Does cataract surgery hurt? Thanks to numbing drops and medications to help you relax, this procedure involves minimal discomfort.
Will I be asleep during cataract surgery? Since this procedure does not take very long, it is unnecessary to put you completely asleep with general anesthesia. Instead, your surgeon will use a local/topical anesthetic to numb your eye and you will remain awake during the surgery.
Who performs the procedure, a surgeon or a technician? A surgeon will perform the procedure. There will be a technician and nurse in the room to assist them.
I have cataracts in both eyes. Will the doctor treat both at the same time? Typically, doctors will perform surgery in the second eye two or three weeks after the first eye. All patients are different, so talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
How long will I be in the hospital? Patients commonly spend only a few hours at the hospital or surgery center, and are allowed to go home the very same day.
How long before I can see after surgery? Every patient and every eye is different, but patients commonly see well enough to drive the day after surgery. Ask your doctor how quickly he or she expects you to recover.
How long until I can return to normal activities? Most patients can resume normal basic activities like reading and watching TV by the next day, and return to work within two to seven days. Doctors typically recommend against any strenuous activity for two or more weeks. However, results vary for different patients, so you should ask your doctor what is best for you.
After surgery, will I be able to drive at night? Your ability to drive at night should be much enhanced once your cataract is removed. Patients with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may notice a ring of light around headlights and other point-light sources. These are typically mild, rarely bothersome, and tend to diminish with time.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery? It depends on what type of intraocular lens you elect to have implanted. Most patients do not need glasses or contacts for distance tasks following cataract surgery with a traditional monofocal IOL, but still rely on reading glasses for near tasks. However, in the clinical trials, four out of five AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients reported never wearing glasses for distance, intermediate or near tasks after their surgery.
Can the lens be replaced if it doesn't work? Although this would be unlikely, the IOL can be replaced with a different one if needed. Ask your surgeon how they would handle this situation.
Can my cataract come back? No, once a cataract has been removed it cannot return. However, over time, patients may complain that their vision has once again become cloudy. This sometimes-common condition, which may occur with any type of IOL, is known as a secondary cataract or "PCO." Secondary cataracts can be easily treated by a simple laser procedure performed in the office.
Any precautions after surgery? Every patient is different, so be sure to ask your doctor for advice on caring for your eye after the procedure. Your doctor may ask you to refrain from rubbing your eye or engaging in any strenuous activity for a few weeks after surgery.
Who do I call if I have a problem? Consult your doctor immediately if you have any problems, especially if you experience decreased vision or pain.
Are there any side effects or anything I will not like? There is a chance that you will experience halos or glare in your vision, but this is uncommon and usually goes away in time. Your intermediate in-between vision may not be as crisp as you near and distance vision, but four out of five AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients in the clinical study reported never needing glasses following cataract surgery in both eyes. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. You and your doctor should determine if the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is right for you.
Other Common Questions
Where is Greater Ohio Eye Surgeons located? The main office is located at 2330 E. High St., Springfield, Ohio 45505. Right behind Frisch's Big Boy. We also have offices in Urbana, Bellefontaine and London. See locations for directions.
What are the office hours? The main office is opened Monday thru Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM, some Tuesdays have extended hours to 7:00PM and we are open some Saturdays from 8:00AM to Noon.
What are office hours for the other offices? Urbana - Monday morning, Tuesday late afternoon early evening and Friday morning. Bellefontaine - Tuesday afternoons. London - Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.
How can I get directions to all the offices? Just click on LOCATIONS and select the office you want. You can then get a printable map.
What insurace carriers do you contract with? We are listed as providers with most carriers. If you are in doubt give us a call or just check with your carrier to see if we are a listed provider.
Are you taking new patients? YES, we should be able to get you in within a few weeks. If it's an emergency even sooner.
Do I need a referral? We don't require one but your insurance carrier may. It is your responsibility to find this out. You can find this out by looking at your coverage information or by contacting your carrier direct. The refferal will be sent to us by your primary care doctor.
What can I expect at my first visit and what should I do to prepare for it? This depends on the reason for the visit. All new patients should bring their insurance cards, a list of medications and health history. If the reason for the visit requires you to be dialated you should bring a driver.
What is the average time spent for an appointment? Depending on the reason for the appointment it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. This would be determinded by what testing and type of screening needs to be done.
In case of an emergency will I always get to see one of the doctors there? One of our doctors is always on call for the office 24 hours a day seven days a week. Just call the office and even if it is not during office hours our service will page the doctor on call.