Laser Vision Correction  

Millions of people worldwide are already enjoying the benefits of Laser Vision Correction, including thousands of eye doctors and their staff members. And now so can you. In this section we will cover what refractive surgery is, how you know you are a candidate and what steps to take to begin the process.

 

What is Laser Vision Correction?

There are a number of different types of Laser Vision Correction. Bartlett Eye Clinic offers three of the most innovative and tested types, PRK, LASIK and CustomVue.

PRK (or Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surface Laser procedure to reduce or eliminate near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It involves lifting up a flap of cornea, and applying the laser to the eye. The flap is then replaced and the incision self heals usually within 24 hours.

CustomVue is an exciting innovation in laser vision correction that sets a new standard for visual quality. Your vision is unique — as personal as your fingerprint or your DNA. CustomVue results in correcting the unique imperfections in your vision.

CustomVue uses a technology, which provides your eye doctor with a map of your vision. Now your eye doctor can custom tailor a correction for the unique characteristics of your vision.

 

Is Laser Vision Correction for You?

Most people with refractive errors can benefit from Laser Vision Correction, as it is now the procedure of choice for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Your eye care professional can tell you if Laser Vision Correction is right for you. Some guidelines are:

Have a laser vision consultation at no cost to you. Dr. Bartlett will be able to do a brief examination to determine if you are a candidate.

Once it is determined that you are a candidate you will need to schedule a complete eye exam. Your eyes will then be photographed and if doing CustomeVue a computerized map 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.

 

The Procedure

Laser Vision Correction surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than 15 minutes to complete for most patients. Your entire procedure will be completed in about an hour.

First, you will relax in a reclining chair. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye, the 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 (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. 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.

Once finished you will get up, receive instructions from the staff, and rest for a few minutes. You may experience some temporary discomfort after treatment. The doctor can prescribe pain medication if needed. Afterward, you’ll go home to rest and relax for several hours.

To see a short movie of the procedure, click on the link below and click on LASIK from the drop-down list box.

See the movie

 

FAQ’s 

 

What expectations should I have for my vision after surgery?

This is different for everyone. Most patients notice improvement right after the surgery. It may take others a few days. Your vision will fluctuate slightly for the first month. This will decrease as time goes by, and after three months your vision should be stable.

 

Is the surgery painful?

Your eye is completely anesthetized with eye drops so there is no pain during the procedure. Later that day, some people report a light scratchy sensation for a few hours that is similar to an eyelash in the eye. Although patients vary in their sensitivity to pain, the overwhelming majority of our patients experience minimal discomfort.

 

Can I work the next day?

We recommend that you take the day off. People do work the next day after surgery but it is impossible to predict who will or will not be uncomfortable. If you work in a dirty or dusty environment you should not work the next day.

 

Should I have both eyes done at the same time?

It is our practice to correct both eyes at the same time. Most of our patients find this arrangement much more convenient. It is safe and accurate, and we have had no problems as a result. However, if a patient specifically wishes to have eyes done on separate visits, we will accommodate them.

 

Does insurance cover the procedure?

Most insurance companies do not cover Laser Vision Correction. However, a few offer a discount off the total price, such as VSP, Eye Med, and Spectara.

 

Do you offer payment plans?

We are in partnership with a couple different finance companies that offer payments for up to 24 months. Please call our business office at (425)-820-2020 and ask for Jenny. She will be happy to discuss with you all payment options. You can also visit our partners websites by clicking on the link below.

 

What do I do now?

Have a laser vision consultation at no cost to you. Dr. Bartlett will be able to do a brief examination to determine if you are a candidate.

Once it is determined that you are candidate you will need to schedule a complete eye exam. Your eyes will then be photographed and if doing CustomeVue a computerized map 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.