LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

does a person with diabetes have a chance at having the surgery?

Answer:

Dear Marty, As long as your diabetes has not affected your retina, then you could probably be treated wiht Lasik. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

I have extremely bad near-sighted vision. I've had one of my retna's tear due the the extreme myopia. My vision is about -17.5/-18. I was wondering what type of options I have. I'm 22 years old and I am afraid further complications like another torn retna will seriously harm my vision. I would love an opinion. Thank you very much for you time. Sincerely, Lyra

Answer:

Your myopia is indeed quite high Lyra. Currently the laser (LASIK) could correct about two-thirds of your prescription, but not all of it. A newer technology on the horizon is intra-ocular lens implants, also known as implantable contact lenses. These lenses are similar to the lens implants we use for cataract surgery patients, and they can correct very high degrees of myopia. These lenses are still considered investigational, and long term studies are not complete. One question is whether they may cause cataracts or glaucoma later in life. They will probably be approved in one years time, pending FDA approval. Check with us again next year to review your options. Sincerely, John D. Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

I have worn glasses for 20 years as I have never been able to comfortably wear contacts. I am 33. My prescription has changed five diopters over the past two years (three during pregnancy and two since then). My eye doctor states that I cannot have laser vision correction due to the constant change in my eyes. Is this true?

Answer:

Your eyes should be stable in terms of your refraction for at least one year prior to having the LASIK procedure. If you wish to have our center evaluate your eye further, schedule a complimentary consultation by calling Pam at 1-800-824-1073.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Is spontaneous rupture of the eye a complication of LASIK surgery?

Answer:

Dear Marcia, This is not a complication of Lasik. Sincerely Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

I had my Lasik procedure a few days ago. Prior to the procedure I was a presbyopic myope (-4.50 distance and 1.50 add.) However, I have been over-corrected and am now around a +0.75 to +1.00 power in both eyes. As you can imagine, this is less than ideal. I am now haiving considerable trouble seeing clearly anything within about 30 feet. My Doctor says it is too soon to know what my final results will be, but I am very scared. I don't want to remain hyperopic. My questions are: 1. What are the chances that I will regress to a plano or slight minus power, and in what period of time? 2. If I don't regress, can an enhancement procedure be done that can correct the hyperopia? Thanks for responding.

Answer:

Dear Steve, There is a very good chance that your eyes will improve considerably probably within the next three months. Reading glasses are an option in the meantime. The laser can also be used to reverse any permanent hyperopic shift. My advise is to be patient. Sincerely Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

It is time to have my eye examination, But my question is that when I had my last eye exam. I was told I would probably have to have bifocals. My question is, If I have to have bifocals would I benifit by having corrective laser surgery. T hanks.

Answer:

Dear David, Laser surgery can correct both distance and reading problems if you choose to have "monovision"- one eye for distance the other for reading. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Lasik Center

Question:

Is the laser vision correction available for people with astigmatism and if so, how much astigmatism can a person have? Thanks.

Answer:

LASIK, the most advanced form of laser vision correction, is the perfect treatment for astigmatism. Not only can the laser optically correct the condition by reshaping the surface of the cornea, but it can at the same time treat any astigmatism that you may have. Very high levels can be treated, beyond 5 diopters. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, please call Pam at (800)824-1073. Sincerely, John D. Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

how much does lasik surgery run for both eyes

Answer:

Dear Debbie, Each center charges independently. At The Lasik Center, we charge $4400 for both eyes if you require long-term financing- $4000 if you pay on the day of the procedure (credit cards are fine) Sincerely Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

Thank you for the answer. Two follow ups please. 1. Someone told me that increasing the size will weaken the cornea further and create a large flat region that will further damage the optics of the cornea. How serious a concern is this? 2. Is there any chance a future technique will be able to restore the cornea to what it was, and would a further operation now make this more difficult? I honestly just want to get back as much of my previous corrected vision as possible. I don't care about glasses anymore. Steven

Answer:

Dear Steven, Before doing any further treatment, the thickness of your cornea would be measured. If there was a danger of weakening the cornea, then the re-treatment would not be done. I cannot tell you if you would be able to have a re-treatment done. Also, I am not aware of any new treatments which could help your problem- I suggest visiting a TLC Center in your area- these centers are typically very conservative, and would not tend to treat unless there was a good chance for improvement. Sincerely Alexandra Chebil (The Lasik Center)

Question:

At present I am living in Taiwan (R.O.C.) and would like to have Lasik treatment - could you name any reputable practitioners here? Also, the pollution here is quite high and causes occaisional irritation in my eyes, would this be a problem post Laser Treatment? Does Lasik treat the whites of your eyes? What is a reasonable sum to pay for treatment of both eyes? Do many eye doctors themselves undergo this treatment? Thankyou.

Answer:

Dear Mr. Holder: Unfortunately, I am unable to recommend a physician in Taiwan. The LASIK procedure only treats the cornea of the eye and does not affect the whites. I know of many physicians who have had the procedure done and would not hesitate to have it done myself if I needed it. Our charge is $1900.00 per eye which is an average cost here for LASIK. Good luck to you. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Is correction complete or are reading glasses still needed in some cases after the Lasik procedure? Can contact lenses be worn at a later date if needed?

Answer:

Dear Mr. Dixon: Contact lenses may be worn after LASIK, but are rarely needed. Reading glasses may be needed if you are over age 40. There is an alternative called monovision. If you would like more information, please schedule a complimentary consultation by calling Pam at (800)824-1073. Sincerely, John D. Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

I wear soft contact lenses, the left one being a toric lens due to what I have been told is "internal" astigmatism. I am very nearsighted in both eyes. In the past, I have been told that I am not a candidate for laser vision correction. Has the procedure advanced to the point where I am a potential patient? I am also led to believe that health insurance plans don't consider this necessary surgery and therefore traditionally don't cover any part of the procedure. So could you give me a "ballpark" estimate of the cost for both eyes, please? Thanks.

Answer:

Thank you for your email. It sounds like you may be treatable. Most insurance companies don't cover the cost which runs around $4400 for both eyes. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Lasik Center

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