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| Are You a Candidate? |
| Most people ARE laser vision correction candidates! Since a LASIK surgeon can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, many people who currently wear glasses and/or contact lenses do qualify. Here are a few guidelines:
You must be at least 18 years of age. Growth spurts can change the way children see, so it is best to wait until they reach adulthood.
It is helpful to have a stable prescription so that the best-corrected vision can be achieved for you with your LASIK procedure.
You should not have any abnormalities or prior diseases that could affect the healing process. Consult our surgeons with any specific questions on prior eye conditions that might preclude you from having laser vision correction.
Consider your lifestyle รข?? ask how LASIK can change your life. For most people, having their vision corrected is quite a positive milestone in their lives. The decision to undergo laser vision correction is an extremely personal one. You must think about the things that you enjoy doing (i.e., outdoor activities, sports, occupation, etc.) and your reasons for having the procedure. We can help you weigh the pros and cons.
Reading glasses are NOT correctable by any form of laser vision correction at this time. Technology is working on this aspect, but it may not be available for a few more years. |
| Can I play sports with my contact lenses on? |
| Contact lenses are a great option for vision correction when playing sports. There are two new specialized colored lenses made especially for when playing sports that reduce certain environmental factors. The Amber colored lens is great for sports such as baseball, soccer and tennis. The Grey-green colored lens is ideal for sports such as golf and track which are played in bright sunlight where glare is a concern. |
| Do colored contact lenses really change eye color? |
| Colored contact lenses are available in various colors and shades. There are lenses available to enhance a light eye and lenses that will change a brown eye to blue, green, violet, hazel and many other colors. They work and they are fun. |
| I have astigmatism, am I a candidate for contact lenses? |
| Lenses that correct astigmatism are available in both soft and hard lenses and are now available in a soft disposable wearing schedule. |
| I need reading glasses or a bifocal. Are there bifocal contact lenses available?
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| Special bifocal contact lenses are available in both soft and hard lenses. Several manufacturers have recently introduced disposable bifocal contact lenses. As an alternative, your eye care professional may choose to fit you with a system called monovision whereby one eye is fit with a distant lens and the other with a reading lens. |
| Is it difficult to care for your contact lenses when removing them? |
| There are many choices available in lens cleaning and disinfecting. A popular choice is a one-bottle solution that is used to rinse, clean, disinfect and remove protein on contact lenses. |
| What about laser surgery to correct my vision? |
| Laser vision correction is available for both nearsighted and farsighted patients. The surgery is performed by an Ophthalmologist who often works in conjunction with an optometrist for pre and post operative care. Our practice can provide more information regarding the benefits and risks associated with laser vision correction. |
| What are disposable contact lenses and what are the benefits to wearing contact lenses? |
| Disposable contact lenses are soft contact lenses that are replaced frequently. The recommended wearing time will be determined by the manufacturer and your eye care professional. The benefit of replacing contact lenses on a frequent basis is to prevent discomfort, dryness, blurred vision and allergic reactions that can result form a buildup of protein and lipid deposits on the lenses. Our practice can provide the options and help you in choosing the appropriate frequency for you. |
| What is astigmatism? |
| The front of the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Laser vision correction is now an option for people with astigmatism who want clear, comfortable vision without glasses or contacts. |
| What is farsightedness? |
| Again, a normal eye will focus on an object, and the image is formed on the retina. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, causes the cornea to be too flat, and images are formed behind the retina. |
| What is nearsightedness? |
| The normal eye is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image on the back, inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness, or myopia, the cornea's curvature is too steep for the shape of the eye. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear blurry. |
| Will I still need glasses if I wear contact lenses? |
| Contact lenses may be worn most of the day. A pair of glasses should be available for times when you may not feel like wearing your lenses, if you tear a lens, seasonal allergies, eye infections or if you are traveling and lose a lens. |