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Frequently Asked
Questions
| Do you have
questions about the services that we provide? |
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if
you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
Refractive
Disorders
Laser Vision
Correction
What
is nearsightedness?
The normal eye is a
perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image
on the back inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With
nearsightedness, the cornea's curvature is too steep for the shape of
the eye. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images
of distant objects to appear blurry.
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What
is farsightedness?
In farsightedness the
image focuses beyond the retina. In our youth, the innate
accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often compensates for
farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become less able to
accommodate. For this reason, farsightedness most commonly becomes a
problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes do not need correction
until the individuals reach their forties or fifties.
Farsightedness can be
corrected by any method that increases the total refractive power of
the eye. Eyeglasses and contact lenses do this by putting in front of
the eye "positive" lenses that are thicker in the center
than at the edge. PRK does it by making the central part of the cornea
more steeply curved.
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What
is astigmatism?
The front of the
astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football.
Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Astigmatism
can make wearing contact lenses difficult or even impossible. Laser
vision correction is now an option for people with astigmatism who
want clear, comfortable vision.
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What
is laser vision correction?
It is an outpatient
treatment that uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the surface
of the eye - the cornea - thereby improving vision.
The light gently
pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, modifying the
curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on
the retina.
The VISX System is
FDA approved for use in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and
astigmatism. This approval means that the FDA has recognized that
laser vision correction with VISX is a safe and effective procedure.
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How
does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness
and astigmatism?
The cool beam of light
gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a
normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye, on the
retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving your
vision.
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Is
laser vision correction safe?
Yes. Over one
million patients worldwide have had this treatment performed on them
successfully.
The FDA has
recognized laser vision correction for Nearsightedness,
Farsightedness, and Astigmatism, and found the treatment safe and
effective for eligible patients.
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Does
laser vision correction hurt?
No, the treatment
itself is painless. Some patients may experience discomfort for one to
three days after treatment.
Many patients compare
this to the sensation of sand in the eye. Pain medication can be
prescribed to alleviate any discomfort during the recovery.
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How
do I know I can have laser vision correction?
The doctors at
Brookhaven Eye Surgery can tell you if laser vision correction is
right for you. Some guidelines are:
- You must
have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old for
nearsightedness or farsightedness and 21 years old for astigmatism
- Your
vision must be stable for at least one year before the laser
procedure
- You are
not a good candidate if:
You have degenerative or autoimmune diseases
You're pregnant or nursing
You have a condition that makes healing
difficult
Call us to schedule a
free consultation.
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What
happens before the treatment?
One of the physicians
at Brookhaven Eye Surgery will conduct a thorough examination to
determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the laser
procedure.
Your eye is
photographed and a computerized map, called corneal topography, is
made.
This assesses the
shape of your cornea, and is one of the many diagnostic tests the
doctor uses to help ensure highly accurate results.
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What
can I expect the day of the treatment?
This is an outpatient
procedure. The laser treatment takes less than one minute for most
patients. The entire procedure usually takes fifteen minutes. And your
visit will be complete in less than an hour.
First, you will relax
in a reclining chair. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye,
then your eye doctor will position your head under the laser, and a
retainer will be placed to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids
open during treatment.
The treatment begins
when you focus on a blinking light. Microscopic amounts of tissue,
less than the thickness of a human hair, will then be removed from
your cornea by the gently pulsing light. Afterwards, some drops or
ointment will be placed in your eye for protection and comfort.
You'll walk out of
the treatment center with new vision, immediately! You'll visit your
eye doctor for follow-up exams periodically during the first year.
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How
soon can I return to work?
Some people go back
the day after treatment.
Two or three days of
rest are suggested.
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How
well will I see after laser vision correction?
Results vary with
each individual. In a recent study, 98% of patients treated for
nearsightedness and/or astigmatism with the VISX STAR Excimer Laser
System™ saw well enough to pass a driver's test without glasses in
most states.
Typically, your
vision improves immediately after treatment.
Some patients may
experience small vision changes during the first few months: this is a
normal occurrence.
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How
much will it cost?
Consider the laser
vision correction as cost-effective, compared to what you would have
to spend on glasses, contact lenses, and lens care over the course of
twenty years. The difference is, you'll have reduced or eliminated
dependence on glasses and contacts.
Some medical plans
may cover the cost. However, most medical plans consider this an
elective treatment and therefore do not pay for the procedure. Ask
your health insurance provider.
Call our office for
the current fee schedule. Brookhaven Eye Surgery offers payment and
financing plans for qualified applicants.
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250 Patchogue-Yaphank
Road
Suite 1
East Patchogue, NY 11772
Tel: (631)
475-3355
Fax: (631)
475-1384
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Toll
Free 1-877-809-EYES
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E-Mail
- info@brookhaveneye.com
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