FAQ
Common LASIK Questions Answered by Shah Eye Center Doctors
It's natural to have questions when considering the iLASIK Procedure. Shah Eye Center staff will take the time needed to answer your questions, concerns and will provide support during the entire process. Here are a few quesions our patients have asked.
Is the LASIK procedure safe?
The technology used in the iLASIK™ procedure is very safe and effective . Doctors have been performing laser vision procedures for over a decade, and 31.4* million procedures have been performed worldwide to date. At Shah Eye Center you must be evaluated to see if you’re a candidate for iLASIK™. This evaluation is a critical step in making sure that your procedure is safe and your outcome expectations are achieved or exceeded.
Do I qualify for LASIK?
Shah Eye Center wants to make sure that LASIK surgery is an optimal option for your individual needs and that you are a good candidate. For every procedure performed there are 10 times that number who are good candidates that have not had the procedure.
- The majority of people are good candidates but there is always the exception. You and your Shah Eye Center surgeon must agree on your vision outcome expectations.
- If you are not a candidate for LASIK our surgeons will explain why. Those individuals that were not candidates have, many times over, thanked Shah Eye Center team for clarifying the obstacles and outcome expectations.
What is iLASIK™?
iLASIK™ is a LASIK procedure that uses a combination of some of the most advanced computer technology available. There are three parts to iLASIK™.
At Shah Eye Center, only medical doctors who are ophthalmologists, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, are allowed to perform iLASIK™ surgery.
- Our board certified doctor’s use the WaveScan Custom Vue system to obtain an in-depth evaluation of your eyes. This is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available, which enables our doctors to better determine an expected outcome prior to proceeding with your LASIK surgery.
- The IntraLase® Femotosecond Laser, again one of the most advanced technological LASIK tools, is used to create a small flap in the cornea.
- 3. The VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser System, innovative laser technology, is used to reshape your cornea.
Am I awake during the iLASIK™ procedure?
You ARE AWAKE during the iLASIK™ Procedure, but you may be given medication to relax. Your eyes will be numbed with drops, and aside from a little pressure, our patients are generally comfortable during the procedure.
Will both eyes receive iLASIK™ during the same visit?
Typically BOTH EYES are treated during the same visit, but this also depends how comfortable you are with having both eyes treated at the same time.
How long does the iLASIK™ procedure take?
The actual iLASIKT™ procedure generally takes approximately less than 10 minutes per eye.
What kind of outcome can I expect from my iLASIK™ procedure?
Outcomes can vary. This is why it is important that you and your Shah Eye Center surgeon agree on your expectations of how you will see after the procedure. Ninety-eight percent of mildly to moderately nearsighted patients participating in the CustomVue Clinical Trials3, submitted to the FDA, could see 20/20 or better one year after treatment. Outcomes may vary.
Data on file, AMO Development, LLC. CustomVue Procedure Clinical Trials submitted to the FDA; 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007. 2Market Scope, 2006 Comprehensive Report on the Global Refractive Surgery Market, 3Outcomes may vary. 98% of mildly to moderately nearsighted patients participating in the CustomVue Clinical Trials submitted to the FDA could see 20/20 or better one year after treatment.
What are the risks associated with iLASIK?
Potential side effects to laser refractive surgery may include glare, dry eye, as well as other visual anomalies. iLASIK™ requires use of an intralase laser that gently sculpts a thin flap on the cornea, which could result in potential flap related complications. Consult with your Shah eye care professional and Patient Information Booklet, provided to you by your Shah Lasik consultant, regarding the potential risks and benefits for laser refractive surgery. Results may vary for each individual patient. LASIK is for most people, but not for all people. Age, medications, pregnancy or nursing mothers, certain diseases, health of the eyes, outcome expectations discussed between you and your Shah Eye Center surgeon and other factors help determine if you are a good candidate. But even if you are a good candidate, there are risks. For information visit the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
What does the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administrations suggest on finding the right LASIK doctor?
Finding the Right Doctor - If you are considering refractive surgery, make sure you:
- Compare. The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only from procedure to procedure, but from device to device depending on the manufacturer, and from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure.
- Don't base your decision simply on cost and don't settle for the first eye center, doctor, or procedure you investigate. Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life.
- Be wary of eye centers that advertise, "20/20 vision or your money back" or "package deals." There are never any guarantees in medicine.
- Read. It is important for you to read the patient handbook provided to your doctor by the manufacturer of the device used to perform the refractive procedure. Your doctor should provide you with this handbook and be willing to discuss his/her outcomes (successes as well as complications) compared to the results of studies outlined in the handbook. Even the best-screened patients under the care of most skilled surgeons can experience complications.
Under the care of an experienced doctor, carefully screened candidates with reasonable expectations and a clear understanding of the risks and alternatives are likely to be happy with the results of their refractive procedure.
*Source: iLASIK. iLASIK is a trade mark of Abbott Laboratories Inc. Abbott Park, Illinois, USA.
