Why is laser refractive surgery
relatively more expensive in comparison to other techniques?
The high capital cost of the excimer laser system results in laser
refractive surgery being costlier than other techniques. Also adding
to costs are expensive consumables.
Amongst LASIK-PRK, LASIK is more expensive than PRK since it involves
extra instrumentation expense due to the use of the microkeratome.
How safe is the treatment?
Extremely safe. If the doctor and the patient co-operate during
the course of the treatment, then there is hardly any chance for
complications to arise.
Is there a chance of the refractive
error coming back in the long run?
No. The healing process is over approximately six months after the
treatment. Thereafter there is no chance of getting the number back.
How long is the treatment? Is
it painful?
The entire process takes less than ten minutes in which the laser
treatment itself takes only a minute or two. The treatment is not
painful. No injections are necessary. However, for about one day
after the treatment the patient might experience some pain.
Does the patient have to stay
at the hospital?
No, the patient can go home immediately. Things that irritate the
eye should, however be avoided for 2-3 weeks. For instance, in bright
light one may need to wear sunglasses. The patient needs to put
eye-drops for a few weeks after treatment.
Who can undergo this treatment?
Anybody who wears spectacles or contact lenses can undergo this
treatment. But it is not advisable for persons whose number has
changed significantly in the past year or is likely to change again
in future. This treatment is not recommended for children.
Can both eyes be operated together?
Yes, Both eyes are normally treated together. When you get both
eyes treated together, you save on time, and follow-up visits, and
the visual recovery is also somewhat faster. However, this does
carry some additional risk, so if you are more comfortable getting
one eye treated at a time,that is also possible. Please discuss
this issue with your New Vision Doctor.
Can young children undergo this procedure?
Normally, in young children, the refractive error is not stable.
It is only once boys come to the age of around 18, and girls to
the age of around 17, that the error becomes stable. Since it would
be meaningless to repeatedly treat a single individual, it is better
to get treated once the error is stable, that is, after 17-18 years
of age.
There are some exceptions to the rule, however. We would recommend
LASIK in those young children who are below 9 years of age, and
have a significant difference in the refractive error between two
eyes. Those children who are above 9, and have a significant difference
in the refractive error between two eyes, and are contact lenses
intolerant are also good candidates for LASIK.
Can the procedure be done on
the same day as the consultation?
Generally we don't recommend getting LASIK done on the same day
as the consultation. This is because we generally dilate (make it
wider) the pupil of the eye, to look at the lens and retina during
the consultation. It is difficult to do the procedure when the pupil
is dilated. Your eye doctor may consider doing the procedure after
a few hours though.
Why are the charges different
among different centers?
Different centers were set up at different times, and their cost
structures are different. Hence, rates differ across centers. You
are free to undergo the procedure wherever you feel appropriate,
based on convenience and pricing. You need not undergo consultation
or follow-ups at the same center.
Does LASIK cause any systemic
difficulties?
No, LASIK does not cause any systemic difficulties. Its effect are
restricted to the eye, and there are no documented cases, where
any other effects have been shown. |
