IF I HAVE LASER VISION CORRECTION, WILL I NEVER USE GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES AGAIN? AM I GUARANTEED 20/20 VISION?
There is no guarantee that you will never need glasses. 95% of all people who have had LASER VISION CORRECTION have resulting vision of 20/40 or better. This means you can drive without glasses. According to the motor vehicle agency the need for reading glasses is a natural part of the aging process and is not corrected by laser vision correction.
WHAT IS PRK? (PHOTO-REFRACTIVE KERATOTOMY)?
PRK is an excimer laser procedure in which a microscopic layer of tissue is removed from the central cornea, flattening it. It is effective for most people who have nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
SINCE THEY BOTH USE THE EXCIMER LASER WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASIK AND PRK?
The difference between PRK and LASIK is that LASIK involves less post operative pain and a quicker healing time. In LASIK, a corneal flap is created, the laser then removes a microscopic layer of tissue from the inside of the cornea and then the flap is replaced.
WHO DOES THE SURGERY IN YOUR OFFICE? HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN DOING IT?
Dr. Jonathan Ditkoff, having performed thousands of procedures for more than 15 years.
WHAT MAKES A PERSON A BETTER CANDIDATE FOR LASIK OR PRK?
There are individual characteristics that make a patient a better candidate for LASIK vs. PRK. These include pupil size, dry eye, hobbies, occupation, corneal shape and corneal thickness.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF PRK AND LASIK?
To date, PRK and LASIK have shown results that have been stable.
ARE LASER VISION CORRECTION OR PRK PAINFUL? AM I GIVEN ANY ANESTHESIA?
You are given topic eye drop anaesthetic for both procedures, and will feel no pain. Post operatively, LASIK CORRECTION involves virtually no pain, perhaps just a slight feeling as if there is something in the eye. PRK involves some post operative pain, and a bandage contact lens is applied to alleviate this.
HOW LONG DOES LASER VISION CORRECTION TAKE?
All the excimer procedures take only minutes. However, your anaesthetic drops are applied about 20 minutes before the procedure begins, and you usually leave the surgical suite within a half an hour following surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE MY EYE DURING THE PROCEDURE?
Dr. Ditkoff holds your head in the proper position and observes and tracks fine eye movements through a microscope. If any large eye movements occur the tracking technology has safeguards built into it that will allow him to resume treatment to the appropriate area of the cornea once the eye is re-aligned.
AFTER LASER VISION CORRECTION, WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
Most people return to a normal schedule of activity within one to two days after LASIK and three to four days for PRK. For certain activities, such as swimming, it is recommended that you wait at least two weeks. Dr. Ditkoff will discuss this with you in advance of your surgery.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Dr. Ditkoff will go over the benefits and risks of the surgery with you at your free consultation.
CAN YOU PERFORM LASER VISION CORRECTION ON BOTH EYES ON THE SAME DAY? IF IT IS DONE ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS, HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED BETWEEN EACH EYE?
Depending on your needs and Dr. Ditkoff’s recommendation, LASER VISION CORRECTION can be performed on both eyes on the same day or on each eye weeks apart.
WHAT VISION PROBLEMS CAN YOU CORRECT WITH LASER VISION CORRECTION? ARE ALL PEOPLE WITH REFRACTIVE ERRORS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
LASER VISION CORRECTION is performed for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
WHAT IS MYOPIA? CAN LASER VISION CORRECTION CORRECT IT?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is when the cornea is too steep and light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it; this results in clear near vision and blurry distant vision.
Yes, LASER VISION CORRECTION can correct myopia.
WHAT IS HYPEROPIA? CAN LASER VISION CORRECTION CORRECT IT?
Hyperopia, also know as farsightedness, is when the cornea is too flat and light rays focus behind the retina. Both near and distant vision are usually blurry. Yes, LASER VISION CORRECTION can correct hyperopia.
WHAT IS ASTIGMATISM? CAN LASER VISION CORRECTION CORRECT IT?
With astigmatism, the curve of the cornea is irregular (football shaped, instead of round), causing light rays to focus at multiple points and resulting in blurred or double vision at all distances.
Yes, LASER VISION CORRECTION can correct astigmatism.
DOES MEDICAL INSURANCE PAY FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION?
Although some insurance companies will pay for these procedures, most do not, on the belief that they are not medically essential procedures. We offer several payment plan options – our surgical counselor would be please to discuss them with you at the time of your appointment.
WHERE ARE YOUR LVC PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
Our laser vision correction procedures are performed at our state-of-the-art outpatient surgery centers. We usually perform them at our state of the art facility in West Orange, NJ.
WHEN WILL I SEE A CHANGE IN MY VISION?
After LASIK most patients will notice a change in their focus within 24 hours after surgery. Some people see an immediate change. It may take a few weeks for the final vision to sharpen with PRK.
WHAT TYPE OF LASER DO YOU USE?
We use the Visx laser S4 Iris Tracking and Dr. Ditkoff is certified in its use.
WHAT IS A MICROKERATOME?
A microkeratome is the instrument that creates the corneal cap. Dr. Ditkoff finds the Hansatome to be the safest and most technologically advanced one available.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION?
You can pay by cash, credit card or check or by using one of our payment plans available.
WHO WILL ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS? WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE DOCTOR?
Dr. Ditkoff, our corneal surgeon will be available at your free consultation, and before during and after your surgery. We have laser vision coordinators and surgical counselors in our office who can also assist you.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION?
The only way to know if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction is to come into our office for a complimentary consultation. At that time you will see an informative video and then meet with Dr. Ditkoff who will determine which, if any, procedure is right for you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH MY RESULTS?
If appropriate for your case, an enhancement may be performed to further correct your vision. This would be determined between you and Dr. Ditkoff. Any enhancements are included in the original price – there are no additional fees for this.
WHAT IS LASER VISION CORRECTION?
LASER VISION CORRECTION is an excimer laser procedure, in which a thin layer of the cornea is lifted (the corneal cap) and then the excimer laser shapes the internal cornea. The corneal cap is then replaced.
WHAT DO YOU SEE WHILE THE PROCEDURE IS BEING DONE?
During the procedure your eye is fixed on a green beam of light
WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH?
The cost of LASER VISION CORRECTION includes all pre-operative testing and examinations, follow-up examinations for one year after the procedure is done, the fee for use of the laser and also the surgery center including staffing and topical anesthesia,post-op eye drops, the doctor’s fee, and if necessary any enhancements.