Treatment FAQs

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Vision Correction Treatment FAQs

Optical technology has changed rapidly over the past decade. As a result, many people still have an antiquated understanding of vision correction surgeries and treatments. If you are uncertain about the procedures and what they entail, read on to learn the facts.

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Jump to: LASIK Surgery | PRK / ASA | Refractive Lensectomy | Phakic IOL | Cataract Surgery

LASIK Surgery

What exactly is LASIK?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a two-step surgery in which a thin layer of the cornea is lifted and the inner cornea is sculpted to correct its shape and allow for better vision. Learn more >
What is IntraLase®?

IntraLase is the first step of LASIK surgery at Eye Surgical Associates. In this procedure, a laser forms the corneal flap, creating a much cleaner edge than is possible with a blade. The process is completely computer-driven, reducing the risk of human error.
What is Advanced CustomVue™?

Advanced CustomVue is the second step of LASIK surgery at Eye Surgical Associates. This procedure utilizes WaveScan™ technology to measure the imperfections in the eye with a level of precision that's 25 times that of standard methods. Surgeons then use the data to create a blueprint of the eye that's as unique as a fingerprint, allowing for custom vision correction. The process is completely computer-driven, reducing the risk of human error.
Does LASIK help all kinds of vision problems?

LASIK surgery can correct any type of refractive error. People with most cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism will all benefit from LASIK.
Can I get LASIK?

If you're at least 21 years old, in general good health with no eye diseases, and you have a stable vision prescription, then yes! Learn more >
If I can't get LASIK, are there alternatives?

Yes, you can elect to have photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), refractive lensectomy or Phakic intraocular lens implants if you suffer from extremely severe refractive errors. Learn more >
What is the difference between LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)?

Both surgeries use a laser to reshape the cornea. However, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. As a result, the procedure requires less instrumentation but a longer healing period. Learn more >
Is LASIK safe?

LASIK surgery is extremely safe. About 32 million LASIK procedures have been performed to date, making it the most common elective vision procedure in the United States. All branches of the U.S. military and NASA have approved LASIK surgery for their service people.
Is LASIK effective?

At Eye Surgical Associates, surgeons use computer-operated lasers instead of blades to perform all LASIK surgeries. This method eliminates the risk of human error. Outcomes may vary, but 98 percent of nearsighted patients participating in the Advanced CustomVue™ FDA Clinical Trials could see 20/20 or better one year after treatment.
Does LASIK hurt?

LASIK surgery is relatively painless. Anesthetic drops numb your eyes, so all you feel is slight pressure. You will remain awake and comfortably reclined throughout the procedure. You may choose to receive medication to help you relax. Some patients experience slight discomfort in the 12 to 24 hours following the treatment, but medication is available to alleviate this possibility.
How much time does LASIK surgery take?

Typically, both eyes are treated during the same visit, and it takes less than 10 minutes per eye. You will need to schedule pre- and post-op exams, but these are generally short visits and are essential for your health.
How much does LASIK cost?

When you consider how much you might spend on contacts and eyeglasses for the rest of your life, LASIK surgery is clearly a more cost-effective vision solution. Eye Surgical Associates offers a range of pricing and financing options designed to make LASIK affordable for everyone.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) / Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)

What exactly is PRK / ASA?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), also called advanced surface ablation (ASA) is a type of vision correction surgery in which a computer-controlled excimer laser reshapes the cornea to allow for better vision. Learn more >
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK / ASA?

Both surgeries use a laser to reshape the cornea. However, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. As a result, the procedure requires less instrumentation but a longer healing period. Learn more >
Should I have PRK / ASA or LASIK?

LASIK is usually the preferred laser vision correction surgery, but some people with extreme near- or farsightedness may not qualify for LASIK surgery. In these cases, PRK may be the best option for vision correction.
Is PRK / ASA as effective as LASIK?

Yes, PRK is usually just as effective as LASIK surgery.
Is PRK / ASA safe?

Yes, PRK is extremely safe.
How much time does PRK / ASA surgery take?

The PRK / ASA surgery and recovery period takes longer than LASIK does. The actual procedure takes just a few minutes, and both eyes can be treated during the same visit. But following surgery, you must wear a protective contact lens for several days. Eyedrops must be used frequently for the first four to five days and periodically for up to several weeks. Visual recovery also takes longer than with LASIK.
How much does PRK / ASA cost?

When you consider how much you might spend on contacts and eyeglasses for the rest of your life, PRK is clearly a more cost-effective vision solution. Eye Surgical Associates offers a range of pricing and financing options designed to make PRK affordable for everyone.

Refractive Lensectomy

What exactly is refractive lensectomy?

Refractive lensectomy is a form of elective vision correction surgery in which the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Learn more >
What is the difference between refractive lensectomy and PRK?

PRK involves the use of a laser to perform vision correction, while refractive lensectomy involves the replacement of the eye's natural lens with a synthetic one. Refractive lensectomy eliminates the need to ever have cataract surgery.
What is an IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens made of plastic or silicone. During cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy, a surgeon replaces the eye's natural lens with an IOL. These procedures are irreversible. During Phakic IOL implant surgery, the IOL is implanted without removing the eye's natural lens and can be removed if necessary.
Should I have refractive lensectomy or LASIK?

LASIK is usually the preferred laser vision correction surgery, but some people with extreme near- or farsightedness may not qualify for LASIK surgery. In these cases, refractive lensectomy may be the best option for vision correction.
Is refractive lensectomy as effective as LASIK?

Yes, refractive lensectomy is usually just as effective as LASIK surgery.
Is refractive lensectomy safe?

Yes, refractive lensectomy is extremely safe.
How much time does refractive lensectomy take?

Each eye must undergo refractive lensectomy during a separate visit. The surgery itself is fairly quick, and the self-sealing incision heals quickly and allows for a comfortable recuperation. If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, you may need micro-incisions in the cornea at the time of the refractive lensectomy.
How much does refractive lensectomy cost?

When you consider how much you might spend on contacts and eyeglasses for the rest of your life, refractive lensectomy is clearly a more cost-effective vision solution. Plus, patients who undergo refractive lensectomy will never need to have cataract surgery. Eye Surgical Associates offers a range of pricing and financing options designed to make the surgery affordable for everyone.

Phakic IOL

What exactly is a Phakic IOL?

A Phakic intraocular lens (IOL) is an implantable contact lens. During this procedure, the artificial lens is placed inside the eye without removing the natural lens. Learn more >
How do I know if Phakic IOL implants are right for me?

The ideal candidate for Phakic IOL implants is someone who is severely nearsighted or farsighted and therefore may not be a candidate for PRK or LASIK. The vision specialists at Eye Surgical Associates can discuss your options and help you determine which procedure is best for you.
What is an IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens made of plastic or silicone. During cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy, a surgeon replaces the eye's natural lens with an IOL. These procedures are irreversible. During Phakic IOL implant surgery, the IOL is implanted without removing the eye's natural lens and can be removed if necessary.
Are Phakic IOL implants as effective as LASIK?

Yes, Phakic IOL is usually just as effective as LASIK surgery.
Are Phakic IOL implants safe?

Yes, Phakic IOL is extremely safe.
How much time does a Phakic IOL implant take?

Each eye must undergo the Phakic IOL implant during a separate visit. The surgery itself only takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How much do Phakic IOL implants cost?

When you consider how much you might spend on contacts and eyeglasses for the rest of your life, Phakic IOL implants are clearly a more cost-effective vision solution. Eye Surgical Associates offers a range of pricing and financing options designed to make the surgery affordable for everyone.

Cataract Surgery

What exactly is cataract surgery?

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens. During cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision and uses an ultrasonic instrument to remove this lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Is cataract surgery effective?

Yes, the surgery is extremely effective, with a success rate higher than 95 percent.
Is cataract surgery safe?

Yes, cataract surgery is extremely safe.
What is an IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens made of plastic or silicone. During cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy, a surgeon replaces the eye's natural lens with an IOL. These procedures are irreversible. During Phakic IOL implant surgery, the IOL is implanted without removing the eye's natural lens and can be removed if necessary.
What is difference between traditional and premium IOL implants?

In cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). A traditional IOL can correct for either nearsightedness or farsightedness, but you will probably still need to wear glasses to see at some distances. Premium IOLs correct for more complex refractive errors, including astigmatism and presbyopia, or the inability to focus on close objects — as in people who otherwise need bifocals. If you choose to receive premium IOLs, you may never have to wear glasses again.
Will Medicare or heath insurance cover cataract surgery?

Traditional IOLs are covered by most insurance plans. Medicare recipients will have to pay an additional fee for premium IOLs. Premium IOLs may cost more, but you will save money over time by enjoying reduced dependence on glasses and contacts.
Are premium IOLs riskier than traditional IOLs?

No. Both types of IOLs are equally safe.
Which IOL is best for me?

The vision specialists at Eye Surgical Associates can help you determine which IOL is right for you, depending on the procedure you are undergoing.
What is AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL?

During cataract surgery, the surgeon can replace the eye's natural cloudy lens with the AcrySof ReSTOR premium intraocular lens (IOL) to correct presbyopia, or the inability to focus on close objects — as in people who otherwise need bifocals or reading glasses.
What is Toric IOL?

During cataract surgery, the surgeon can replace the eye's natural cloudy lens with the Toric premium intraocular lens (IOL) to correct astigmatism in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How much does cataract surgery cost?

Eye Surgical Associates offers a range of pricing and financing options designed to make cataract surgery affordable for everyone.