LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

What's the current going rate for Lasik surgury and what are the prospects for the continued price reductions for this type of surgury?

Answer:

Dear Chris, At the Lasik Center, the fee for Lasik is $2000 per eye. Most centers with highly trained surgeons will charge at least this much. When the fee is lower, you may be getting an older type of laser, or part of your follow-up care may not be included. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center (800) 841-3717

Question:

I had LASIK over 1 year ago on both eyes. My right eye is now -1.0D and stabalized. Are intrastromal corneal rings an alternative to LASIK enhancement?

Answer:

Dear Gerald, I do not believe there have been any rings implanted after Lasik, although this may be possible as long as your "flap" is not too large and thick. I would recommend the Lasik enhancement. Sincerely, Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

My daughter had lasik surgery a week ago. one eye is now 20/30 the other is now 20/60 and very blurry. The doctor told her she has a central island in that eye and it will take longer to heal. Could you explain this to me please. Thank you.

Answer:

Dear Marcia, Thank you for your email. Central islands can occur when the central part of the cornea receives less laser energy than the periphery. This is usually a form of "artifact" and disappears gradually. This may take a few months, but eventually does clear up the vision. Sincerely, Dr. Alexndra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

I have severe near-sightedness. My eye doctor suggested that I seriously limit wearing my soft contact lenses because my eyes are not getting enough oxygen. I have tried RGP lenses and have found them to be extremely uncomfortable. LASIK is not an option for me since my near-sightedness is caused by the length of my eyeball and not its shape. Is there anything that I can do besides give up and wear my two-inch thick glasses? I would appreciate any information on alternatives. Thank you.

Answer:

Your statement is not correct; LASIK solves near-sightedness exactly such as yours. Most, if not all nearsighted people have longer eyes, the laser changes the surface curvature of the cornea, and thereby corrects the optics of the eye, putting things in focus! I strongly urge you to come by the office for a complimentary consultation, where we can explain the procedure in detail with diagrams and other graphics. Please call Pam our laser vision coordinator at 1-800-824-1073 to set up a free evaluation with no obligation. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

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

Question:

I am 56 nearsighted (6.00) and considering Lasik surgery.Do eye muscles cause the shape of eyeball to change so focus is not properly aligned in the eyeball? If so, will I have to redo surgery periodically (just as one might need new prescriptions with glasses? Or is this a permanent surgery which stabilizes the prescription? ALSO- What problems are there down the road with scar tissue??

Answer:

The near-sightedness is not related to the eye muscles at all, but mainly to the shape, curvature, and length of the eye. The LASIK surgery reshapes the curvature of the cornea, thereby optically correcting the near-sightedness. This is a permanent optical correction, and should not have to be repeated in the future. There should be no scarring whatsoever. I would encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation by calling our laser vision coordinator Pam at 1-800-824-1073. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

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

Question:

I am 56 nearsighted (6.00) and considering Lasik surgery.Do eye muscles cause the shape of eyeball to change so focus is not properly aligned in the eyeball? If so, will I have to redo surgery periodically (just as one might need new prescriptions with glasses? Or is this a permanent surgery which stabilizes the prescription? ALSO- What problems are there down the road with scar tissue??

Answer:

The near-sightedness is not related to the eye muscles at all, but mainly to the shape, curvature, and length of the eye. The LASIK surgery reshapes the curvature of the cornea, thereby optically correcting the near-sightedness. This is a permanent optical correction, and should not have to be repeated in the future. There should be no scarring whatsoever. I would encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation by calling our laser vision coordinator Pam at 1-800-824-1073. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

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

Question:

I am 47 years old. I have been nearsighted all my life, about 20/200 most of the time. Last year I had to have bifocals added. This year the bifocals are not working. Can I have lasik surgery if my eyes are still changing? Thank you!

Answer:

Yes, but you will need reading glasses for near work.

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

Question:

I had lasik surgery on both eyes 10 days ago and still have discomfort. My eyes were very dry before the surgery and I know the surgery makes them dryer. They also itch. How long will the discomfort last? How long before they feel normal again? My eyes also feel stiff and kind of like they used to feel sometimes when I left my contacts in too long, like I would love to take them out but of course there is nothing to take out, and I'm dying to rub them. Also I have a lot of floaters since the surgery. I had them off and on before. Could the lasik have stirred them up or caused additional ones? Also can you tell me when the flap will be "totally healed" where I won't have to worry if I touch or rub my eye it could move. I'm dying to rub my eyes because they itch and are sore. I know it's never a good idea to rub your eyes, but when would it be safe to do so? When will the flap be totally healed as tho I never had a procedure? When can I feel secure that there won't be any infection, flap shift etc.? Also is there anything else I can do for the dry stiff feeling accept eye drops? What about the "plug"? How does that work and is it temporary or permanent and can you feel it? Thanks!

Answer:

Thank you for your email. The dryness eventually disappears- temporary "plugs" last two weeks and can help very much. After one month you can rub your eyes. There are also mild allergy drops that could help the itch. Eventually your eyes will feel normal. Sincerely Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

Will having dry eyes effect having the Lasik surgery and is there anything that can be done for dry eyes other than using drops?

Answer:

Dear Denise, Your eyes may become temporarily more dry after Lasik, but this will gradually go back to the way it was before treatment. Other tan drops and ointments, there are plugs that can be placed in your tear ducts that may help a lot- ask your eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Sincerely Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

What are the costs related to having Lasik performed on each eye?

Answer:

We feel that we have a very reasonable charge for the Lasik procedure. The cost is $1900.00 per eye which is a global fee covering all expenses related to the surgery. All pre operative exams (3), the surgeons fee, the laser facility charges, post operative exams for one year, and a lifetime warranty. If at any time you need to have an enhancement or retreatment done, that is included in your original cost as well. In our office you will receive personal care from beginning to end with the surgeon himself. We do not send you elsewhere for outside care as is done in many commercial centers. If you would like a free, no obligation consultation to determine if you are indeed a candidate for LASIK please call Pam at 1-800-824-1073. Thank you.

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

Question:

I am planning on LASIK in the near future. Do you have a preference between a superior hinge of the corneal flap or a nasal (horizontal) hinge? What are the advantages/disadavantages of each. (Is it personal preference?).

Answer:

Dear David, I do not have a personal preference as I have worked well with both types of instruments. There is no real advantage to either one-however other surgeons may prefer one over the other. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

Please advise me on finding an experienced surgeon who does cornea translants and lasik, and/or one who has had success with lasik on a cornea transplant patient. I live in Charlotte NC. Thanks

Answer:

I am sorry, but we do not know of specific corneal surgeons out of our immediate region. Try contacting the local university, and good luck. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

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

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