FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL:
Q: What is Laser Vision Correction surgery (LASIK, PRK) and how does it work?
Laser vision correction surgery is a procedure that utilizes a “cool” laser to gently reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) involves using the laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) utilizes a precise laser to make a flap in the front part of the cornea as well as a second laser that is performed in a deeper part of the cornea. Your surgeon will discuss which procedure may be better for you at your consultation.
Q: What is All-Laser LASIK (or) Blade Free LASIK?
Our surgeons are committed to providing the most advanced, proven, and safe technology to provide the best outcome for our patients. This is why only we only provide blade-free surgery utilizing the WaveLight Laser Suite for your procedure. Older technology utilizes a knife to make the flap, which can result in a higher rate of complications that are virtually eliminated with the WaveLight Laser Suite.
Q: How do I determine if I am a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
The best way for you to determine if you are a candidate is for you to have a thorough examination by one of our surgeons. The pre-operative examination is called a consultation and usually takes about 2 hours. There are a few criteria to consider:
- You must be 18 years of age and have healthy eyes to be a candidate.
- You will not be a candidate if you are pregnant or nursing. You should wait three months after your pregnancy or after you have stopped nursing to schedule your consultation.
Q: Who will my surgeon be and what will he do?
We have a team of surgeons to guide and educate you through your consultation and surgery. Damien Macaluso, MD and Jordan Masters, MD are board-certified cornea and laser vision surgeons. Unlike some centers, where you never meet your surgeon prior to your surgery, our surgeons are involved in all aspects of your care. Your surgeon will examine your eyes during your consultation and take the time to answer all of your questions. If you would like to have some of the post-operative care performed by your local optometrist or ophthalmologist, our surgeons will work closely with your eye doctor to provide you with a high level of care and results.
Q: What laser do you use?
Our surgeons take pride in investing in the most advanced and up-to-date technology available. We only perform all-laser, blade-free LASIK. This FDA approved technology encompasses a suite of diagnostic and treatment technology including the WaveLight EX500, WaveLight FS200, and the WaveLight Topolyzer VARIO.
Q: What are the risks?
No procedure is completely free of risk; however, laser vision correction is proven to be very safe. Fortunately, the chance of having a vision-reducing complication is extremely rare and has been documented in a number of clinical studies to be less than 1%. During your consultation, your surgeon will go over the risks and side effects with you in greater detail.
Q: Is Laser Vision Correction safe?
Laser Vision Correction is very safe, provided you are a good candidate and much of the success depends on whether or not you are a good candidate. Your surgeon performs an extremely thorough examination to let you know if you are a good candidate. During this process, we find that approximately 15% of patients who consult with us for Laser Vision Correction are not good candidates. If you are a good candidate, this will be the “visual event” of your lifetime. Do your research to see if you are a good candidate prior to having Laser Vision Correction and choose your provider carefully.
Q: How much does laser vision correction cost?
Many of the questions we receive regarding LASIK is about the cost. It is important to fully understand what is covered by the Laser Vision Correction fee. We believe in honest and straightforward pricing and offer options to make it an affordable investment. Some centers will offer “lost leaders” and “bait and switch” tactics which is an unethical, disrespectful, and unacceptable way of providing health care. We are completely transparent about our pricing and what is included. There is no increased cost for higher prescriptions or astigmatism. Our center utilizes only the most advanced diagnostic technology as well as the best available laser technology. We are the only center in the region that performs All-Laser LASIK and our pricing is competitive with centers utilizing similar technology in the Carolinas and South East region. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing leading-edge state-of-the-art vision correction surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We maintain the highest level of personal attention for each patient and personally perform the pre-operative examination and the Laser Vision Correction procedure.
Q: How can I pay for my laser vision correction procedure?
The consultation examination to determine if you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction and the procedure are not covered benefits with most insurance companies. We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.
Q: Do you offer financing?
We are pleased to offer the Care Credit card, North America’s leading patient payment program. Care Credit lets you begin your procedure immediately then pay for it over time (plan options extend up to 60 months) with monthly payments you can choose to fit your budget. Care Credit works like a regular credit card, but it is exclusive for healthcare services. Care Credit offers low monthly payment plans for services not commonly covered by insurance, including LASIK. They also have no-interest financing (we participate with plans up to 18 months). The application process can be done over the phone or via the Internet and is fast and confidential.
Depending on your particular HealthCare Savings Account, laser vision correction may be paid with tax-free (pre-tax) dollars. Since funds placed in these accounts are not taxed, they go much further in covering eligible medical expenses. Laser vision correction is often an eligible expense. Please consult your employer to find out if you are eligible for a Flexible Spending Plan, and if your HSA can be used to pay for LASIK surgery.
Q: Do you participate with my insurance?
Most insurance programs do not cover LASIK, as it is an elective surgery. However, Asheville Eye Associates participates with most insurance discount programs. Please contact your vision insurance provider for details regarding your policy.
Q: Why should I choose Asheville Eye Associates for my Laser Vision Correction?
When it comes to the health of your eyes, there is no substitute for training, experience, and commitment to your results. At Asheville Eye Associates, we deliver personalized outstanding care in a comfortable environment and we evaluate and treat you as an individual. The Asheville Eye advantages:
- Fellowship trained cornea surgeons nationally recognized for excellence in Laser Vision Correction.
- Highly trained and experienced staff
- Personalized care through your preoperative examination, procedure and postoperative care
- Utilization of the safest, most advanced Laser Vision Correction technology
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- Over 55 years of service excellence and commitment to the community
Q: Will I still need reading glasses after my laser vision correction? What is monovision?
Laser Vision Correction does not treat the need for reading glasses (presbyopia). As we age, (usually after 40-50 years of age), the fine focusing lens of your eye hardens and no longer provides clear reading vision (presbyopia). This means that even if you have Laser Vision Correction, you will still need reading glasses to see clearly up close, just like everyone else.
Q: What is monovision?
There is the option to correct one eye for distance and leave the other eye slightly nearsighted for near vision, this is called monovision. Many patients over 40 years old are already doing this with their contact lenses and we can duplicate this with Laser Vision Correction. If you think you are interested in monovision, you can discuss this option with your surgeon at your preoperative exam.
Q: Can I see my current eye doctor for the screening exam and the postoperative care?
Yes. We work with many eye doctors in the area who are trained in the preoperative examination and postoperative care for laser vision correction. We can work closely with your current eye doctor to provide you with shared care throughout your laser vision experience. Please feel free to contact us to see if your eye doctor is already working together with our Laser Vision Correction team.
THE CONSULTATION EXAM
Q: Can I drive after my Laser Vision Correction evaluation / exam?
Your eyes will be dilated, so you should have someone drive you to and from your appointment if you don’t feel comfortable driving when your eyes are dilated.
Q: How much do you charge for a consultation exam?
We offer a complimentary consultation with your surgeon. If you are a candidate and elect to have surgery, it is sometimes necessary for additional testing which may be performed at a later date prior to your surgery. There is no charge for the additional testing.
Q: How long do I need to be out of my contacts prior to my screening exam?
Your contact lenses MUST NOT BE WORN for a specified period of time prior to the examination. This will confirm that your eyes are stable and that the measurements will be correct for your surgery. You MUST abide by the requirements listed below.
If you wear:
- SOFT CONTACT LENSES WITHOUT CORRECTION FOR ASTIGMATISM: DO NOT WEAR FOR 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE CONSULTATION EXAM
- SOFT CONTACT LENSES WITH CORRECTION FOR ASTIGMATISM (TORIC LENSES): DO NOT WEAR FOR 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE CONSULTATION EXAM
- SOFT LENSES THAT YOU SLEEP IN ROUTINELY: DO NOT WEAR FOR 3 WEEKS BEFORE CONSULTATION EXAM
- GAS PERMEABLE OR HARD LENSES: DO NOT WEAR 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE CONSULTATION EXAM
Q: What if I wear contacts and don’t have a pair of glasses?
You should see your eye care provider who prescribed your contacts and get a pair of glasses. If you do not have an eye care provider, we can do this for you at your screening exam; however, you will need to return for at least one additional visit prior to surgery.
Q: How long does the screening take?
Plan to be at our main office (8 Medical Park Drive in Asheville) for about 2 hours. Your eyes will be dilated, so you should have someone drive you to and from your appointment if you don’t feel comfortable driving when your eyes are dilated. This is an extremely comprehensive evaluation and we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to determine if you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction. Please bring your calendar with you, if you would like to schedule surgery after learning that you are a candidate.
Q: Will I need to have my eyes dilated?
Your eyes will be dilated, so you should have someone drive you to and from your appointment if you don’t feel comfortable driving when your eyes are dilated.
Q: I want to schedule a consultation to see if I am a candidate. What is the next step?
Call our Laser Vision Correction Patient Counselor to schedule your complimentary consultation to determine if you are a candidate!