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LASIK - Your Decision 
The decision to have LASIK or
other laser vision correction is an
important one that, ultimately, only you can make. It is
important that you have realistic expectations and that your
decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The
goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective
lenses. Laser vision correction does not always create 20/20 vision. It cannot
correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye.
Your doctor will provide you with additional information that
will allow you to make an informed decision.
Steps to Laser Vision
Correction
Complimentary
Consultation
This is an
information-gathering session for you to tell us your
goals and expectations of laser vision correction.
Also, we will address your concerns of undergoing a
procedure. We will obtain corneal measurements as well
as your current eyeglass prescription to help determine
which procedure would provide optimal results. You will
also meet with Dr. Armesto and have the opportunity to
ask questions about the procedure.
Refractive Surgery
Evaluation
A comprehensive dilated eye exam
is performed. This exam is to confirm that your eyes are
healthy and to determine your degree of near or farsightedness
and also astigmatism. Several specialized tests are also done.
We will analyze the surface of the eye (cornea) for dryness, measure the
corneal thickness and the pupil size. The measurements from
this exam will give the doctor the information he needs for you
to have an optimal result.
LASIK
Surgery Fees
We offer
two laser procedures: All Laser LASIK or Advanced
Surface Ablation. Each procedure has its own fee.
We do not use tiered pricing depending on technology
used or the amount of correction needed.
The fee covers all aspects of the surgery and all
follow-up care for one year.
Payment
options:
Payment in full is
required the day of your procedure. That payment can be paid by
cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover).
You can use a flex spending account. Also check your
vision insurance for LASIK surgery discounts.
LASIK is an
excellent investment in your personal well-being. Act now and
see your world clearly!!
LASIK Quick
Facts
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Dr. Armesto is a fellowship-trained corneal refractive
surgeon.
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Dr. Armesto has performed all aspects of refractive surgery
since 1990 and LASIK since 1997.
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Dr. Armesto has performed thousands of LASIK procedures to
date.
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LASIK surgery does not hurt. Eye drops are used to numb the
eye. The patient is awake during the procedure.
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LASIK takes only a few minutes. You are at the laser center
for about 60 minutes.
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Refractive procedures are done at the Fredricksen Outpatient
Center. This is the same location as Dr.
Armesto's office.
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Dr.
Armesto uses the most advanced technology available today.
He uses the Ziemer FEMTO Laser to create the flap. The
VISX Star S4 ActiveTrak excimer laser is used to reshape the
cornea. This is the most study-proven laser in the
industry. Seven out of ten doctors prefer the VISX
laser systems.
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Before your procedure you will have a
Custom Vue Wavescan. This technology produces a
detailed map of your eye. Much like a fingerprint, no
two are alike.
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Recovery takes about one to three days. Patient is required to use
drops for approximately one week. Patient should not use
makeup for one week. No swimming or use of hot-tubs for two
weeks.
LASIK Q & A
 Does
laser vision correction hurt?
You do not feel pain during the surgery. Your surgeon will
place anesthetic drops in your eyes before your procedure.
Patients report a feeling of pressure during the procedure and
mild discomfort for a day or so.
What
happens on the treatment day?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you will spend
about 60 minutes at the laser center. You will need to arrange
for someone to drive you home.
What
happens after surgery?
A clear eye shield will be placed over your eyes. You will
leave the shields in place until the next morning.
If
you have surface ablation laser, you will have a bandage contact
lens in the eye for about four days. Postoperative instructions, including use of eye drops, will be
reviewed with you. You will be sent home with instructions to
rest with your eyes closed. You will probably notice improved
vision, but it will still be blurry when you leave the center.
Your vision will continue to improve as the hours go by.
When can
I go back to work?
Many people return to work the next day, but a day or two of
minimal use of your eyes is recommended.
Surface
ablation laser patients should plan to be off work for about
three days.
Are
there any side effects?
Some people experience "dry eyes," which usually is easily
alleviated with drops and disappears over time. Another side
effect may be starbursts or halos around lights, especially at
night. Usually this effect lessens or disappears over time
too. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur;
although fortunately, this is rare.
Will
insurance cover this procedure?
Insurance typically does not cover this procedure as it is
considered an elective surgical procedure.
Some vision
insurance companies ask the surgeon to discount their fee. We
honor most of these discounts. You will need to check with your
vision insurance.
The LASIK
Procedure
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After your eye
has been completely numbed using "eye drop" anesthesia,
an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to
prevent you from blinking. For
LASIK patients, a corneal flap is created.
This thin flap is created with a blade-free approach.
Dr. Armesto uses Ziemer's FDA-approved FEMTO LDV laser.
During this process
you may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort.
We also offer an all-laser procedure called Advanced
Surface Ablation without the corneal flap. Not
everyone is a candidate of LASIK. Patients with
thin corneas may actually be better candidates for the
surface ablation procedure.
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A
flap is created on the cornea.
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To treat
nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This
is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of
the cornea. You will be asked to look directly at a
target light while the laser reshapes the cornea,
usually in less than a minute. |
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To treat
farsightedness, the central cornea must be made
steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser
beam to remove tissue from around this area. |
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To treat
astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By
changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in
one direction more than the other. |
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LASIK
Astigmatism |
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With LASIK, the
protective flap is folded back in place where it bonds
securely without the need for stitches. After LASIK,
some patients report a slight discomfort that usually
goes away within 12 to 24 hours.
With
Advanced Surface Ablation, the doctor will place a
protective bandage contact lens on the eye. This makes
it more comfortable during the 3 to 5 day healing
process. Dr. Armesto will see you in the office the
next day. It is very important that you keep all your
postoperative appointments. |
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The cornea
is closed without the need for stitches.
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For
more information on VISX,
click here.
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