Currently the FDA has approved laser vision correction for nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. Not everyone is a candidate, there are several other factors to consider. High nearsightedness, astigmatism and far sightedness are not good candidates, and certain eye and medical conditions are not suitable for LASIK surgery.

To get the process started we recommend you call for a phone consultation with our patient counselor. If you can, have your eyeglass or contact lens prescription available and we can tell you if you are a potential laser vision candidate. If you are, we can schedule a no cost to you evaluation with one of our doctors who can discuss which procedure, if any, is best for you.

Laser Vision Correction has been shown to reduce people's dependence on glasses and contacts. Over 95% of Dr. Blecher's patients who undergo laser vision correction achieve 20/40 vision or better. This will enable you to pass a driver's license exam without glasses. Our counselor will be happy to review the potential benefits and risks of Laser Vision Correction with you.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE ACTUALLY TAKE?

You will be at the Laser Center approximately two hours. The time in the surgery suite with the doctor is 15 to 20 minutes. The actual laser treatment time is approximately one minute per eye.

IS THE LASER PAINFUL?

The procedure itself is not painful, although some temporary discomfort is not unusual. Post operatively, most patients experience little or no discomfort. After the procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty, or watery. These are temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most patients.

WHAT KIND OF VISION CAN I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?

Many patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure, although it is normal to be somewhat blurred immediately after an operation. The next day, most patients have excellent vision and do not need any glasses or contacts. Patients continue to see a gradual increase in their visual acuity during the first five to seven days after the procedure.

DO YOU HAVE FINANCING PLANS?

TLC Laser Centers has various financing plans available and will work with you to develop a flexible payment plan to meet your requirements. Of course all major credit cards are accepted, and financial arrangements must be completed before the day of your procedure.

DOES INSURANCE COVER REFRACTIVE SURGERY?

Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery an elective surgery and it is not usually a covered benefit. However, it is certainly worth checking with your insurance company and we encourage you to call them.

CAN BOTH EYES BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME?

Because of the advanced technology associated with laser vision correction, both eyes are most often treated at the same time.

DO THE RESULTS LAST?

Refractive surgery is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, refractive surgery will not prevent any age related conditions such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses), or cataracts. In a small number of cases, eyes do change over time and develop a new prescription, but the effect of the laser on the preoperative prescription is permanent.

HOW MUCH WORK WILL I MISS?

Most patients return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. The doctor can give you more details on what you can expect when you come in for an evaluation.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY?

While enjoying a very high success rate, refractive surgery is still surgery and like all surgery has some degree of risk associated with it. At Philadelphia Eye Associates we never loss sight of the fact that our most important goal is safety and we have one of the best track records in the industry. Your surgeon will go over the informed consent and review the potential risks and how we can try to avoid them. You should always be sure to have all your questions answered before having surgery.

WHAT ABOUT SOME OF THE OTHER PROCEDURES I'VE HEARD ABOUT TO CORRECT MY VISION?

There are many new and exciting ways to correct refractive errors, including the need for reading glasses we all will need as we get older. The surgeons at Philadelphia Eye Associates keep up to date on all these developments. At the present time, they do not feel that any of them offer a proven and reasonable alternative to LASIK. Watch this website for any new developments in this exciting field.

For more information about vision correction please visit TLC website.