Q: 1. What is refractive surgery?

A: Refractive surgery is a procedure to lessen your dependence on corrective lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

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Q: 2. Do you offer refractive surgery?

A: Yes, we offer refractive surgery. We specialize in LASIK and PRK, both of which use the excimer laser to re-shape the cornea. This is state-of-the-art technology.

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Q: 3. What is PRK?

A: PRK is a laser procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. We use the cool beam of the excimer laser to re-shape your cornea. PRK differs from RK, which uses radial incisions (cuts) to flatten the cornea.

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Q: 4. What is LASIK?

A: LASIK is a surgical procedure used to correct a wide range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. A thin layer of the cornea is lifted to create a protective flap. The cool beam of the excimer laser re-shapes the cornea and the flap is then returned for a quick, natural recovery. Patients experience little discomfort and can return to work the next day.

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Q: 5. What is nearsightedness?

A: Nearsightedness is a refractive error that can be treated with LASIK. If you are nearsighted, distant objects are blurry while close objects are clear. This is also called myopia.

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Q: 6. What is farsightedness?

A: Farsightedness is a refractive error that can be treated with LASIK. The technical term for farsightedness is hyperopia. Hyperopia requires an individual to use their focusing ability to see objects far away and more focusing ability than customary for near objects. Severe hyperopia can cause blurred images for both near and far objects.

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Q: 7. What is astigmatism?

A: Astigmatism is when the front surface of your eye is not perfectly round; it can be described as being shaped like a football. Astigmatism can cause distortion of both near and far objects.

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Q: 8. What are the differences between PRK and LASIK?

A: In both procedures the cool beam of the excimer laser is used to re-shape the cornea. The approach to accessing the area of the cornea to be treated is different, however. LASIK patients experience rapid visual recovery (with minimum discomfort) because a protective flap is created using an instrument called a microkeratome.

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Q: 9. Is LASIK covered by insurance?

A: Currently LASIK is considered an elective procedure and is generally not covered by insurance. However, we encourage you to contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage; you may also consider contacting your human resources manager if you have a flexible spending account. Many patients choose to use this account for elective procedures or take advantage of our convenient payment plan.

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Q: 10. Is LASIK an FDA approved procedure?

A: Yes!

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Q: 11. Does the procedure hurt?

A: The actual procedure does not hurt; drops are used to numb the eye. Some patients experience a slight pressure sensation during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort such as scratchiness, mild irritation and dry eyes. A post-operative kit with drops will control these symptoms.

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Q: 12. What are the side effects?

A: With any surgical procedure there are possible side effects. The most common side effects to LASIK are sensitivity to light, night glare, dry eyes and mild irritation. Most side effects are temporary and will subside within one to three days. Remember that the best side effect is better vision!

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Q: 13. How long will I be off work?

A: Anywhere from 1 to 3 days depending upon your procedure and your occupation.

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Q: 14. What type of anesthetic is used for LASIK?

A: Your eye is numbed with drops, not needles. Occasionally patients are given a mild oral sedative to calm them; however, you do need to be awake and alert during the procedure.

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Q: 15. Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed?

A: The overwhelming majority of patients that have had LASIK do not wear glasses for daily activities. Patients may need reading glasses around age 40 due to the normal aging of the eye (known as presbyopia.) Some patients many need a minimal prescription for night driving.

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Q: 16. I wear bifocals now, and my doctor says that I'll still need to wear reading glasses even if I have LASIK done. Why is this?

A: The excimer laser will not correct your need for reading glasses (which is known as presbyopia.) Presbyopia occurs around age 40 when our eyes lose the flexibility required to focus between objects far and near.

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Q: 17. What does LASIK mean?

A: LASIK stands for "Laser in situ Keratomileusis." It is the use of a laser to re-shape the cornea without destroying the adjacent cell layers.

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Q: 18. How many LASIK procedures have you performed?

A: The surgeons at Twin Cities LASIK have performed more than 25,000 procedures.

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Q: 19. What is "dry eye?" How do you detect it and how do you treat it?

A: Dry eye can be typical of patients that have previously been bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause or taking birth control pills. During a LASIK evaluation, your surgeon will perform a simple test used to determine if you are likely to have dry eye. If appropriate, further testing will be given to determine the extent of the condition.

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Q: Can I have too large of pupils to have this procedure?

A: Larger pupils do have a higher incidence of glare while driving at night. During your pre-operative exam your pupils will be measured in dim and light illumination. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the relative risk of glare or "halo's."

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