How do I know if I am a candidate for laser vision correction?
We recommend that you come in for a complimentary consultation. We can begin determining if you are a good candidate by checking your glasses, evaluating your vision, measuring your corneal thickness, taking a picture of your corneal surface and evaluating its shape, and examining your eyes. If you are a good candidate, you will have an opportunity to watch an educational video on laser vision correction and discuss your findings with Dr. Kalski.
What is the best procedure?
There are different kinds of laser vision correction procedures to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism: Advanced surface laser procedures (PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK) and all-laser custom LASIK surgery. With all of these techniques, a precise, cold beam of ultraviolet light is used to vaporize microscopic amounts of corneal tissue and etch your prescription on the front of your eye. Ultimately, these procedures offer a 98% chance of achieving 20/40 or better vision without glasses for distance. There are, however, some significant differences between these techniques. Dr. Kalski most frequently performs LASIK because of the rapid recovery time and little or no postoperative discomfort. Custom Laser Vision Correction is performed with a state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser. Dr. Kalski uses an Intralase femtosecond laser for making the flap during LASIK Surgery. All-laser, bladeless custom LASIK surgery is the most advanced procedure available to patients today.
Are there any risks?
There have been no reported cases of blindness from laser vision correction, but, as with any kind of surgical treatment, there are always risk and complication possibilities that will be thoroughly explained at your visit. Dr. Kalski’s complication rate for laser vision correction is less than 1%.
Is the procedure painful?
It is unlikely that you will experience any pain during the treatment because of the effective numbing eye drops used. A mild sedative is given to patients as needed. Most patients feel pressure for only a few seconds during the procedure. Following the treatment, it is possible to experience tearing, a slight stinging and/or a gritty sensation. These symptoms are temporary and usually disappear in a few hours.
How long will the procedure actually take?
On treatment day, you should plan on being at our laser center for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. You will be in the laser suite for approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Your family or friends are invited to accompany you and watch the surgery, or wait for you in our waiting area. Someone should be available to drive you home.
When will my vision improve?
Most LASIK patients notice an immediate improvement, others notice an improvement after several hours, and some notice the improvement the next day. The vast majority of patients have functional vision on the first or second day.
Do the results last?
Your vision improvement is permanent. It is highly unlikely that you will need any additional treatment after laser vision correction. However, if additional treatment (an “enhancement”) is necessary and is recommended by Dr. Kalski, it is performed at no charge to you within 1 year of your procedure. Dr. Kalski’s enhancement rate is 2%. It is important to know that laser vision correction does not prevent any age related conditions from occurring, such as the need for reading glasses.
How much experience does Dr Kalski have?
The surgeon, Richard S. Kalski, M.D., has performed thousands of refractive procedures including over 6,000 LASIK procedures. Dr. Kalski is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and completed fellowship training in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at the prestigious Sydney Refractive Surgery Center (now the Australia Eye Institute) in Sydney, Australia, in 1995. He performed laser vision correction in Australia even before the techniques were available in the United States. He was also a Fellow in Refractive Surgery at the International Center for Refractive Surgery in the Turks & Caicos Islands. He was named a VISX “Star Surgeon,” placing him in the top 5% of surgeons nationwide. His credentials and years of experience make him uniquely qualified to be a laser vision correction specialist. However, he emphasizes practicing his art in a highly personalized, high quality manner.
Is financing available?
Yes, there are financing plans available including flexible monthly payment plans. Our staff can give you all the details at your complimentary consultation.
Can I talk with someone who has had laser vision correction?
Absolutely! Dr. Kalski’s patients love bragging about their new vision and are happy to share their experiences with people considering laser vision correction.
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