LASIK FAQs

• How good will my vision be after LASIK?
• How many procedures has Dr. Sanders performed?
• How much does LASIK cost?
• Which lasers does Dr. Sanders use?
• How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?
• What can I expect on the day of surgery?
• How soon will my vision recover?
• What are the complications or side effects of LASIK surgery?
• Do I need to stop my contact lenses before surgery?
• What is Advanced Surface Ablation?
• What are my other options for refractive surgery?
• What are my options if I wear bifocals?
• Why should I choose Dr. Sanders as my surgeon?

How good will my vision be after LASIK?
Most of Dr. Sanders’ patients can expect to have 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery and many will have better than 20/20 vision. Each patient’s results depend on multiple factors including what their vision was before surgery. Dr. Sanders uses the best technology available so that patients can achieve an optimal result. He will discuss what result you can expect at the time of your consultation.

How many procedures has Dr. Sanders performed?
Dr. Sanders has performed over 3000 refractive procedures and has been performing laser vision correction since it was first approved over 10 years ago. Dr. Sanders has performed LASIK on many of his physician colleagues and on local and national celebrities.

How much does LASIK cost?
Unlike other laser centers which charge varying fees for different lasers and different prescriptions, Diagnostic Eye Center has one fee for all patients. Dr. Sanders strongly believes in using the best technology for each patient and does not choose the laser based on cost. Also, unlike some laser centers which add fees for pre-op or post-op care, the fee at Diagnostic Eye Center includes all costs. Financing is available and can make LASIK affordable for virtually everyone. Financing can be accessed online or in the office at the time of your consultation.

Which lasers does Dr. Sanders use?
Dr. Sanders uses the Intralase femtosecond laser to make the flap. He then uses either the Allegretto Wavelight wavefront optimized laser or the Visx Star 4 custom laser to perform the treatment, choosing the laser best suited for the patient’s eyes.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?
The first step is scheduling a free consultation. At the consultation, you will have several key measurements performed on your eyes to determine if you can have LASIK or another refractive procedure. You will also meet with Dr. Sanders to discuss your options and expected results. You will tour our office and meet our experienced LASIK staff. If you elect to proceed, all pre-op testing can be usually be performed at that time and if you choose, financing can also be arranged at that time.

What can I expect on the day of surgery?
After arriving at the Laser Center, you will be given a tour of the facility. Several final measurements will be made to confirm measurements obtained in the office. Most patients are given a mild sedative and wait in a relaxation room. The 2 step LASIK procedure is then performed. Anesthetic drops are applied to reduce any discomfort. The Intralase laser creates a flap. We then wait about 10 minutes before performing the actual treatment. Guests can view the entire procedure on video monitors in a private area. Following the procedure, we again ask you to relax with your eyes closed. You will be at the Laser Center for a total of about 2 hours. Most patients do not experience pain during or after the procedure.

How soon will my vision recover?
You can expect you vision to be blurred the day of the procedure. Most patients see about as well as they did with glasses or contacts the very next day. Virtually everyone feels comfortable enough to drive the next day. Most patients go back to work the next day.

What are the complications or side effects of LASIK surgery?
Although LASIK surgery is very safe and effective, there are potential side effects and complications. Most patients experience some dryness immediately following surgery which usually resolves after several weeks or months. Frequently, Dr. Sanders will treat dry eye syndrome before proceeding with LASIK to minimize this side effect. Glare and halos are much less frequent with the newer generation of lasers and is rarely a problem. Loss of vision from LASIK is extremely uncommon, particularly if patients are screened properly. Dr. Sanders will elaborate on any specific risks to you at the time of your consultation.

Do I need to stop my contact lenses before surgery?
Contact lenses change the shape of your eyes and interfere with crucial measurements we must take. Therefore, you need to be out of contact lenses prior to your procedure. We recommend one week for soft lenses and one month for gas permeable or hard lenses.

What is Advanced Surface Ablation?
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is laser vision correction without making a flap. The treatment is perform directly on the corneal surface. Final visual results are similar when comparing LASIK and ASA. There are a few conditions where ASA is preferred, such as thin corneas, dry eye syndrome, and epithelial basement membrane disease. There is a theoretical advantage in that there can be no flap complications, such as displacement of the flap; however flap complications are very uncommon. The disadvantages are that most patients experience some post-operative pain and a longer visual recovery time of up to 2 weeks. Dr. Sanders can discuss ASA with you during your consultation.

What are my other options for refractive surgery?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Sanders will discuss which options are available and will recommend which procedure will give you the best result. Other options that are available include advanced surface ablation, conductive keratoplasty, incisional keratotomy, Intacs, implantable contact lens, refractive lensectomy, and others. For most patients, LASIK remains the best option.

What are my options if I wear bifocals?
LASIK can only correct distance vision or near vision but not both at the same time in older patients. For patients who wear bifocals now, there are 2 options. One is to correct only the distant vision and then wear drugstore readers for close vision. The other option is called monovision in which one eye is corrected for distance and the other is corrected for near. Premium intraocular lenses now provide another alternative. These lenses are implanted in the eye and can correct distant and near vision simultaneously. Dr. Sanders can discuss this option with you at your consultation.

Why should I choose Dr. Sanders as my surgeon?
Aside from his years of experience with LASIK and high success rate, there are many other reasons to choose Dr. Sanders for your LASIK procedure. Dr. Sanders uses the best technology currently available. He treats each patient individually just as he would like to be treated. In fact, Dr. Sanders has had LASIK surgery, so he can empathize with patients going through the process. He sees all his patients at each visit instead of delegating that to optometrists, which is the norm in many practices. Dr. Sanders knows how LASIK can be a life changing experience and truly enjoys sharing that with his patients.