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I walked into South Orange County’s TLC Laser Eye Center earlier this week reservedly optimistic about the potential to do something that could be life-changing. For over 30 years, I’ve worn glasses and contact lenses due to nearsightedness. While I’ve become accustomed to the challenges of dry, irritated eyes at the end of a long day or the reduction in peripheral vision when wearing my glasses, I’ve always wanted to know “Am I a candidate for LASIK?”
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the question of whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK has likely crossed your mind. Despite my nursing background, I knew very little about the procedure, and my concerns included everything from recovery time and cost to discomfort and complications. Rather than consulting Doctor Google, scheduling a consultation appointment is a more productive way to clarify any concerns or misconceptions about the procedure.
Before my LASIK consultation appointment, I answered a few general medical questions during a short questionnaire. The first appointment is meant to be comprehensive, in order to determine whether or not you are a LASIK candidate. During this consultation appointment, you’ll learn about the 2 different types of refractive eye surgeries and which one is appropriate for you, receive a personalized treatment plan, and understand the cost of the procedure and the best option for financing it, if desired.
Since you will undergo a series of eye exams, you should bring your contact lenses and glasses. My vision was tested with and without my contact lenses and my eyes examined through a series of tests in order to determine the stability of my prescription and any specific vision conditions that could make me ineligible for the procedure. The tests are simple and non-invasive and I felt comfortable during my entire visit asking questions about the procedure.
A surgeon who performs the procedure then explained the two types of laser procedures that are used to correct vision through a short video. While I do have a medical background, my knowledge of corrective laser eye surgery is limited and I found her explanation to be simple and clear. My concerns about pain and complications were clarified and I walked away with a greater understanding of just how life-changing this procedure can be.
One of the most surprising things I learned during my consultation appointment was how quick the procedure is at just 5-10 minutes. Prior to the procedure, you’ll need to stop wearing contact lenses for approximately 1-2 weeks in order to ensure the best results since lenses can change the shape of your eye and thus the prescription. While you will be awake during the procedure, you’ll receive a light sedative that will help you relax and then sleep to help speed the recovery time. For most LASIK patients, the recovery time is short and normal activities like driving and working can be resumed within 24 hours. While you will have some restrictions when it comes to vigorous activity and swimming, they are relatively minimal and won’t likely disrupt your day-to-day life.
Complications of LASIK are minimal and include infection or slight halos with night vision. My biggest concern was pain during and after the procedure, but I was assured that the combination of a sedative and numbing eye drops means that patients virtually feel no pain or discomfort. It is recommended that those who undergo LASIK rest for the first 24 hours and avoid reading or computer usage to allow the eyes to heal after the procedure.
After my consultation, I learned that I am a candidate for LASIK! Up until my appointment, I didn’t allow myself to get overly excited about the possibility of waking up with 20:20 vision. I am already thinking about how freeing it would be to travel without having to carry extra contact lenses, disinfecting solution and glasses…to be able to swim freely without worrying about losing a contact lens or having irritated eyes. While anyone who wears contact lenses or glasses understands that life can be modified to accommodate these required vision aids, it is freeing to know that I can do something about it.
LASIK surgery is considered elective and most insurance companies do not pay for it directly. However, if you have a flexible spending plan and/or vision benefits, it is possible to use that money towards the procedure. Many LASIK providers offer comprehensive plans that include a consultation appointment, the procedure, and follow-up appointments. Some offer a lifetime guarantee should you require touch-ups.
During my consult, I learned TLC Laser Eye Center is offering $500 off the cost of the procedure for each eye, which offers a savings over $1000! This is good news for me (click here for suggestions from ARSC on paying for LASIK).
For more information about vision correction procedure options, visit www.americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org.
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