LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

About how much does Lasik cost?

Answer:

Dear Mark, The cost of Lasik is $2,200 per eye. Payment plans are available. Our fee includes a life-time guarantee for good distance vision. (free retreatments). Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Laser Center Irvine CA.

Question:

I was considering having LASIK surgery done, but was concerned about the dryness in my eyes. I'm especially interested in the effects of smoking marijuana after surgery since it often causes dryness and irritation in the eyes. Has anyone done any research or know of any effects of smoking marijuana and LASIK surgery?

Answer:

Dear Marty, Lasik can be done even with dry eyes-many people with dry eyes cannot wear contacts and opt for Lasik for this same reason. I am not aware of any specific tests pertaining to lasik and smoking marijuana. Sincerely Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

I am scheduled for the Lasik procedure and after doing some research I am quite comfortable with it. I am concerned regarding one complication I have read about; epithileal ingrowth. Could you please explain this complication. How is it treated/prevented? How do I know if it is occurring?

Answer:

Epithelial ingrowth is rare and usually occur in a surgeons first 500 cases. The best treatment is meticulous surgery when you are performing LASIK.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I believe that I was told in a recent LASIK consultation that approximately 60% of the individuals that undergo the procedure get 20/20 vision or better. I asked for the stats but have yet to receive them. Do you know the hard stats regarding the results of the procedure? Where can I find them? What can I expect?

Answer:

Dear Kevin, It is not always possible to accurately predict your visual out-come after lasik. Results depend on the health of your eyes, and the strength of your prescription (more predictable with mild to moderate, worse with severe prescriptions). Most of my patients (98%) obtain 20/20 vision although some require "enhancements" which we offer at no additional fee. If you wish to obtain global results, contact www.visx.com, a prominent laser manufacturer. Thank-you, Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D.

Question:

Is it important in choosing a doctor to perform LASIK that he/she have performed a significant number of LASIK procedures previ

Answer:

The doctor's experience is one of the main factors in the success of the treatment. The "learning curve" for lasik is around 500 treatments, so your doctor should have performed at least that many. After 500 successful treatments , the quality of treatment should be good.

Question:

What results can I expect from LASIK?

Answer:

LASIK improves the uncorrected vision—one's visual capacity while not wearing corrective lenses—in most patients who have the procedure. Over 90% of patients with low to moderate myopia to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states and provinces consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision, and patients with high myopia (more than -7D) and high hyperopia (more than +4D) should have lower expectations. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks and complications and possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.

Ella Faktorovich, M.D.
San Francisco, CA

Next Step

• Learn about LASIK Eye Surgery in the Articles Section
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