LASIK FAQ

Frequently Asked Lasik Questions

Please take the time to read through these important FAQ regarding Lasik eye surgery in Houston:

Who do more Eye Doctors in Houston refer their eye surgery to?

More than 275 Houston area eye doctors send their patients to Dr. Wade and Dr. Mayo for eye surgery including LASIK and cataract surgery in Pasadena / Houston. Who knows more about which surgeons get the best results than other eye doctors who have referred their patients, their families and themselves to the doctors at the ECT for more than 20 years.

Am I a candidate?

94% of people who are more than 21 years old, in good general health, with no existing eye disease and are either near sighted, far sighted or have astigmatism with a stable prescription for 1 year or greater are candidates. Find out for yourself with a FREE VIP LASIK Consultation at the Eye Center of Texas. You can also call us at 713-395-1515 or email us at: ectinfo2@eyecenteroftexas.com.

For more information about the safety of LASIK, please click here

How long has Lasik been done?

FDA approved the Excimer Laser for Laser Vision Correction in the US in 1995. More than 10 million have been done in the US since then.

What is Custom Lasik?

More Lasik procedures have been done with the VISX CustomVue laser than any other in the US. It is the only laser that uses the advanced CustomVue treatment to allow for Custom Lasik vision correction with measurement precision 25 times greater than conventional Lasik. It has an eye tracker that follows the eye during the Lasik procedure reducing problems associated with eye movements during the treatment. It is the only laser that tracks the eye in all three dimensions and the only laser that adjusts for the rotation of the eye when people lie down using advanced iris registration technology.

Today the VISX laser is the most widely used laser in the US for laser vision correction. Just like a fingerprint, each person’s vision is 100 percent unique to their eyes. Before recent advancements in technology, doctors were only able to use standard measurements to correct vision, meaning that prescriptions could only provide a certain level of correction. Now through the use of sophisticated computers, we can measure very subtle irregularities than can be smoothed out with the laser and many times result in vision better than 20/20 and giving better night vision as well.

While results may vary, 98% of nearsighted patients participating in the CustomVue Lasik Clinical Trials subimitted to the FDA were able to see 20/20 or better after treatment. People are 4 times more satisfied with their night vision than with conventional lasik. An independent study recently conducted by the U.S. Navy demonstrates that Custom LASIK produces better quality outcomes compared to conventional LASIK for vision correction. The study, the first of its kind, found that 97% of patients treated with Custom LASIK acquired 20/20 vision, versus 88% with conventional LASIK. Custom LASIK can help military personnel see better at night and also avoid the challenges of using glasses or contact lenses in the battlefield. This is why both NASA and the US Armed Forces have approved Lasik for astronauts and fighter pilots.

What is blade free, IntraLase Lasik, and why is it better?

By using the new Intralase Laser, Drs. Wade and Mayo may avoid the complications related to the microkeratome and the steel blade.

The IntraLase method has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes, and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results at the Eye Center of Texas.

Unlike mechanical instruments, IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what’s best for your eye. With the IntraLase method, pulses of laser light create your corneal flap.

The process takes only about 30 seconds from start to finish— it’s quiet and it’s comfortable. The flap is then lifted so the next step of LASIK—the reshaping of your cornea—can be performed with the VISX CustomVue laser. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is more accurate than mechanical microkeratomes (handheld devices with a thin metal blade) that surgeons may also use to create a corneal flap.

The IntraLase method has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes, and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results at the Eye Center of Texas. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this—while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you’re being treated with the most advanced technology there is. In a survey of clinical practices, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred up to 3 to 1 by patients over the vision in the mechanical blade–treated eye (among those who stated a preference). In a clinical study comparing the IntraLase laser to the leading microkeratome, more patients achieved 20/20 vision or better in standard and custom LASIK surgery when the IntraLase method was used to create the corneal flap.

Because of the superior accuracy of the IntraLase method, certain patients who were ineligible for LASIK may now be able to have treatment. Ask the eye doctors at the Eye Center of Texas today if you are a candidate.

What is iLasik?

iLASIK specifically refers to using the IntraLase femtosecond laser to create the iLASIK flap combined with the Advanced CustomVue Wavefront-Guided excimer laser technology. This combination of two advanced technologies in iLASIK has produced some of the best results we’ve ever seen in laser vision correction.

In many patients, the Intralase may provide an even more precise result with better vision and an increased margin of safety, compared to conventional lasik using the traditional bladed microkeratome. Dry eye symptoms after surgery may be less significant with the Intralase as well. Intralase combined with Custom Wavefront LASIK has produced some of the best results ever achieved with laser vision correction. Not all patients are candidates for this technology. In a research study of patients treated with one eye using Traditional LASIK, and the other eye using Intralase LASIK, patients stating a preference preferred the vision in their Intralase eye 3 to 1 over the Traditional LASIK.

The US military now runs several facilities utilizing iLASIK to meet the intense visual demands of its mission-critical pilots and aviators flying multi-million dollar fighter jets.

Technological advances used in the iLASIK procedure convinced NASA that iLASIK was good enough for our astronauts. The visual demands placed upon astronauts are intense, and the stakes are high. The US military now runs several facilities utilizing iLASIK to meet the intense visual demands of its mission-critical pilots and aviators flying multi-million dollar fighter jets. At the Eye Center of Texas, we believe it is critical for us to have this same advanced iLASIK technology for our patients. Even your most-extreme lifestyle is nothing compared to being ejected from an F-22 Raptor or landing on an aircraft carrier at night, but you deserve the same level of quality vision.

It is the most commonly performed operation in medicine, and the safest. No operation is 100% safe but LASIK comes close. LASIK takes only 15 minutes. Patients rarely even need pain medication afterwards and most go about their normal routine the next day.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in North America. It is a highly effective outpatient procedure that is suitable for most low, moderate and higher prescriptions. LASIK uses a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye.

The Procedure…

Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
A protective flap is created with the Intralase laser and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.
Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of your cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.
The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.
Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

Why should I rely on the VISX CustomVue laser for my laser vision correction?

More Lasik procedures have been done with this VISX laser than any other in the US. It is the only laser that uses the advanced CustomVue treatment to allow for Custom Lasik vision correction with measurement precision 25 times greater than conventional Lasik. It has an eye tracker that follows the eye during the Lasik procedure eliminating problems associated with eye movements during the treatment. It is the only laser that tracks the eye in all three dimensions and the only laser that adjusts for the rotation of the eye when people lie down using advanced iris registration technology.

Today the VISX laser is the most widely used laser in the US for laser vision correction. An independent study recently conducted by the U.S. Navy demonstrates that for individuals who require Custom LASIK, this procedure produces better quality outcomes compared to conventional LASIK for vision correction. The study, the first of its kind, found that 97% of patients who met the requirements for Custom LASIK acquired 20/20 vision, versus 88% with conventional LASIK. Custom LASIK can help military personnel see better at night and also avoid the challenges of using glasses or contact lenses in the battlefield. Soldiers who wear eyeglasses just have gas masks with prescription eye inserts that can limit peripheral vision. Click here for more information on the Intralase laser by Abbott Medical Optics.

What Technology do the US Armed Forces and NASA rely on?

The National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) has announced the approval of Bladeless Custom LASIK vision correction for their astronauts – the same bladeless custom technology that is also available the Eye Center of Texas. NASA’s approval came following a review of extensive military clinical data using the same two lasers employed in our Bladeless Custom LASIK. The research showed that the use of the combination of technologies provided superior safety and vision – results Drs. Wade and Mayo agree are unparalleled.

Some notable findings of the many military clinical trials of this procedure include the following: an evaluation of Custom LASIK in 100 military personnel showed that 95 percent achieved 20/20 uncorrected vision or better; these patients, on average, were previously only able to read the first line (the big “E”) of the vision assessment chart. In an evaluation of 785 aviators, 89% of Navy pilots rated their ability to land on an aircraft carrier as moderately to significantly better after laser vision correction. None said it was worse after surgery. A separate study determined that more than 90 percent of marksmen had improvement in marksmanship skills after laser vision correction; a significant result given the visual precision of marksmen. An independent study recently conducted by the U.S. Navy demonstrates that Custom LASIK produces better quality outcomes compared to conventional LASIK for vision correction. The study, the first of its kind, found that 97% of patients treated with Custom LASIK acquired 20/20 vision, versus 88% with conventional LASIK. Custom LASIK can help military personnel see better at night and also avoid the challenges of using glasses or contact lenses in the battlefield.

How long does the treatment take? How long will my recovery be?

The laser treatment itself takes about 15-40 seconds, based on the degree of correction necessary. The total process is approximately 5 minutes per eye. Typically, you’ll notice improvement in your sight immediately, and you can usually go back to work and drive the next day. Recovery varies based on each individual’s own healing time. Full recovery of your vision usually takes several weeks but may be longer. In most cases, both eyes will be corrected during the same visit to our facility.

What will happen during my Lasik procedure?

You will arrive 60 minutes prior to the procedure to take a mild sedative (Valium). You will be given numbing drops so you won’t feel pain. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure once again with you and answer any questions you might have. The iLASIK procedure only takes a few minutes. The Intralase laser is used to make a thin flap in your cornea. The flap is then lifted and the VISX laser is used to reshape your cornea based on your unique vision/eye characteristics. This correction is completely computer driven. It’s safe, fast and painless. You will be checked approximately 10 minutes later by one of our doctors then you should go home and rest with your eyes closed the rest of the day. You will be in our office for approximately 1 1/2 hours. We will be checked by a doctor the next day when most people are already seeing close to 20/20!

What are the visual results?

98% of nearsighted patients receiving CustomVue Lasik can see 20/20 or better. 70% see better than 20/20.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effect of LASIK is dry eyes. It usually lasts three to six months and can be treated with medicated eye drops. Some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye not only causes discomfort, but can reduce vision due to intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This condition may be permanent. Intensive drop therapy and use of plugs or other procedures may be required. Other possible side effects of LASIK are halos around lights, particularly at night, reduced vision due to glare from lights or the sun and a scratchy sensation due to dry eyes after LASIK surgery. The under or over correction of the vision error is possible and may require additional surgery. Pink or red spots on the white of the eye may be visible after LASIK surgery.

DISCLAIMER: Results may vary. As with any surgical procedure there are risks associated with CustomVue TM treatments. Eye Center of Texas wishes to disclose any an all risks associated with iLASIK, LASIK and PRK. Please click here to learn more about risks associated with these procedures.

Severe side effects are less common but still possible. As with most surgical procedures, infection and inflammation may occur requiring antibiotics or even another surgery. A problem with the corneal flap such as wrinkles or a shifted flap, although rare, could require surgical treatment. There is a small chance that, even after additional surgery, vision will be worse than it was before surgery.

Your chances of experiencing side effects from LASIK eye surgery increase if you already suffer from certain eye conditions such as dry eye, keratoconus (deterioration of the cornea), thin corneas, and previous eye surgeries. Other health issues also can contribute to problems with LASIK surgery. A comprehensive evaluation for complicating conditions should be completed before undergoing the operation.

DISCLAIMER: Results may vary. As with any surgical procedure there are risks associated with CustomVue TM treatments. Click here to learn more about the risks.

Will I be in any pain?

The treatment itself is painless. You may feel a pressure feeling during the IntraLase procedure. Typically, people experience discomfort and a “gritty” feeling during the first 2 to 4 hours after the treatment. Patients will be given medications they can use if they experience any discomfort.

How long before I am able to engage in active sports?

You can start resuming your normal activities 1 day after LASIK surgery. Resume exercise 7 days after Lasik. We ask that you refrain from swimming for 2 weeks. Scuba diving is OK 4 weeks post op.

Can I afford the treatment?

For about the price of a daily cup of coffee you can have Lasik! Schedule a no-obligation, anytime consultation. This is the “First Step,” and it’s free. It’s probably the most important money you don’t have to spend, ever.

We’ll measure your eyes and then sit down and in a relaxed, private consultation. We’ll go over your options, answer your questions, and address your concerns. Then take your time, and decide in an informed fashion what is best for you.

WHAT ABOUT THE LIFESTYLE COSTS OF NOT HAVING LASIK?

Do you realize how much time you spend cleaning and caring for your contacts?
What type of lifestyle compromises do you continue to make because of your contacts?
Have you ever found yourself on the road without your contact supplies?
Have you ever had a contact-related eye infection?

Maybe it’s time to consider the iLASIK Procedure? Dr. Wade and Mayo do not want finances to get in the way of excellent, spectacle free vision. We have made Zero Percent financing for up to 24 months available to qualified candidates. For about the price of a daily cup of coffee you can be free of your contacts and glasses.

When shopping for price, make sure you are getting the whole cost. Does the quoted price include everything, the exams before, the care after, all the tests, and all fees? Our prices are all inclusive, one price covers all the surgery and workup. Click here to learn how affordable laser vision correction can be with a recognized leader in refractive surgery: www.carecredit.com.

Money shouldn’t be the reason you’re putting off having the iLASIK procedure. We know that the simple saying, “you can’t put a price on great vision” doesn’t change the fact that you have to find a way to pay for the procedure. Here’s a candid perspective on the financial ramifications of the iLASIK procedure: Eyeglasses usually have to be replaced once a year or so. And contact lenses – depending on the type you use – can be extremely costly, especially when you add in the cost of solutions. You’ll find that laser vision correction can probably pay for itself in a few years time. Talk about it with your doctor.

Are there risks?

iLASIK is an elective procedure with other alternatives including eyeglasses, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), conventional LASIK, and other refractive surgeries. The eye doctors at the Eye Center of Texas can determine whether you are a suitable candidate during your free consultation. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with the treatment. One of the risks associated with LASIK is the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery and the risk of loss of vision. It is important to discuss the risks associated with the procedure and any questions you may have about the procedure with the doctors at the ECT. The iLASIK procedure is not without risks. To review a comprehensive list of these risks, please click on the link below. Infections with contact lenses do occur, so considering this risk, the hassle of contacts and the lifetime costs of wearing contacts, maybe it’s time to consider the iLASIK procedure.

Is Lasik proven and effective?

The technology used in the iLASIK procedure is very mature (the laser systems used today have been in use for 18 years) and very safe. Drs. Wade and Mayo have been performing LASIK for more than a decade. They have performed more than 55,000 Lasik procedures. Approximately 32 million LASIK procedures have been performed to date, making it the most common elective vision procedure in the U.S. In fact, all branches of the U.S. military recently approved LASIK for their servicemen and women. NASA has approved Lasik for our astronauts thanks to studies using iLASIK technology”.

For more information concerning the safety and effectiveness of LASIK, please click here

What do I need to do to get started?

Schedule a free consultation at one of our 5 locations to determine if you are a good candidate for the iLASIK procedure. You can also call us at 713-395-1515 or email us at ectinfo2@eyecenteroftexas.com.

Eye Doctor Web Marketing by Ceatus Media Group LLC