Frequently Asked Questions
about All-Laser Custom LASIK

YOUR All-Laser Custom LASIK QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Q: What happens at the complimentary VIP All-Laser Custom LASIK consultation*?

A: During this thorough 2 1/2 hour eye examination, you will learn more about All-Laser Custom LASIK as an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. Our doctors and staff will perform a detailed evaluation of your eyes to determine if you are a candidate for All-Laser Custom LASIK. You will also meet with a patient counselor to discuss recovery time, your expectations and financing options. Dr. Manger will personally examine your eyes and answer any questions you may have. It is important that you bring your glasses, contact lenses, and prescriptions to this exam.

Q: What is LASIK and how does it work?

A: All-Laser Custom LASIK is the result of over a decade's worth of technical refinement, combining all of the latest All-Laser Custom LASIK technology in one efficient and advanced LASIK procedure. All-Laser Custom LASIK is completely performed with the increased safety, accuracy and greater predictability of computer-controlled, cold beam lasers. And All-Laser Custom LASIK has been approved by the FDA to treat the broadest range of vision imperfections - including mild to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Even patients who wear over-the-counter reading glasses or bifocals may now benefit from All-Laser Custom LASIK. Both eyes are treated the same day, patients usually experience little or no postoperative discomfort, and visual recovery is quick. In fact, most of our patients return to work and other normal activities the very next day.

Q: Thousands of doctors perform LASIK. What qualifications set Dr. Manger apart from the other surgeons in his field?

A: Few doctors can match Dr. Manger's laser vision correction qualifications and expertise. With 28 years of experience, Dr. Manger has performed over 64,000 LASIK procedures. In fact, he is not only one of the most experienced All-Laser Custom LASIK surgeons in the Western United States, he has excellent LASIK success rates. Dr. Manger is also one of a select group of ophthalmologists in the country who is board-certified in LASIK by the American Board of Eye Surgery, meaning his surgical skills have been tested and certified by a select panel of surgeons.

Q: When it comes to All-Laser Custom LASIK, is technology more important than an experienced surgeon?

A: Make no mistake about it, even the most advanced technology cannot compensate for lack of surgical experience and skill. While having the latest technology is important and certainly can affect your outcomes, you can expect better results from a surgeon with significant experience, and chances of complications are minimized when your care is entrusted to a seasoned doctor. You should find a doctor who has both a wealth of experience and the latest technology available at his fingertips - at Saddleback Eye Center, we are fortunate to have both.

Q: I have seen other doctors advertise All-Laser Custom LASIK at discount prices. Why should I choose Saddleback Eye Center?

A: With some practices, a lower price for All-Laser Custom LASIK comes at the expense of patient care or surgical experience. In other words, you get what you pay for. You wouldn't consider shopping for the cheapest brain surgeon, and you shouldn't shop for the cheapest eye surgeon either! You only plan to have All-Laser Custom LASIK once, so don't let price be the major determining factor for your procedure. Dr. Manger is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the country and his standards for success are higher than most LASIK surgeons: more than 99% of his nearsighted patients see 20/15, 20/20 or 20/25 following All-Laser Custom LASIK. And over 70% see better than 20/20! The industry standard for success is 20/40 or better.

Q: I thought LASIK was always All-Laser?

A: Some people are surprised to learn that traditional LASIK is only partly performed by a laser. The first step in traditional LASIK uses a metal blade in a mechanical device to cut into the surface of the eye to create a corneal flap. The second step is performed by an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. All-Laser Custom LASIK replaces the blade in the first step of the procedure with Intralase - a computer-controlled cold beam laser. This treatment is 100% all-laser, 100% blade-free, providing patients with a safer, more precise approach to laser vision correction.

Q: What is the difference between All-Laser Custom LASIK and standard laser
vision correction?

A: First, there is no blade used during All-Laser Custom LASIK. Replacing the blade with a laser considerably enhances the safety and accuracy of the procedure. And because the flap is created with the precision of a cool-beam laser, Dr. Manger is able to sculpt the corneal tissue at the exact depth required for excellent visual results, more predictability and the premium level of safety our patients expect. Second, All-Laser Custom LASIK is the first procedure completely personalized for your eyes offering potentially sharper, crisper vision than your glasses and contacts. And third, the ultra-precise and sophisticated ActivTrak and Iris Registration technology ensure a higher level of safety and accuracy. With All-Laser Custom LASIK you enjoy the peace of mind that your procedure is 100% all-laser, 100% blade-free and 100% personalized just for you.

Q: Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed after All-Laser Custom LASIK?

A: Most patients who have All-Laser Custom LASIK with Dr. Manger no longer need glasses for their daily activities. But, if you're over age 40, you still may need to wear reading glasses because of the normal aging process of the eye. This condition, known as presbyopia, occurs naturally, as you get older, whether or not you have had LASIK. However, thanks to All-Laser Custom LASIK, many patients over 40 are happily discovering that Dr. Manger now offers the possibility of increased freedom from reading glasses and bifocals. Ask us for details!

Q: Are there any risks associated with All-Laser Custom LASIK?

A: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with All-Laser Custom LASIK, but in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, All-Laser Custom LASIK can be a safe and successful procedure. Nevertheless, you should talk with Dr. Manger and his staff about any risks associated with the procedure, as well as all the benefits. Keep in mind that at Saddleback Eye Center, you are in the hands of a highly experienced and skilled eye surgeon who has built his reputation on both precision and safety.

Q: Is All-Laser Custom LASIK painful?

A: Anesthetic eye drops should prevent you from feeling any discomfort during the procedure, though some patients do experience a mild sensation of pressure on their eyes while the procedure is taking place. Once you return home following All-Laser Custom LASIK, it is normal to experience mild discomfort, watery eyes, or light sensitivity. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve in a short amount of time.

Q: How soon after All-Laser Custom LASIK can I return to my regular activities like driving, going to work or exercising?

A: In most cases, people who have had All-Laser Custom LASIK can return to work and most normal activities the next day. However, be sure to consult your doctor before you engage in swimming or any other physical activities such as tennis or racquetball.

Q: What if I do not end up with full correction after my laser vision procedure?

A: Approximately 4-5% of our patients will need an "enhancement" after the initial procedure to achieve optimal results. Dr. Manger will weigh the probable benefits, patient expectations, and potential risks when determining whether or not an enhancement is necessary. At Saddleback Eye Center, any necessary enhancements are covered under your initial fee for a full two years following your procedure.

Q: Is All-Laser Custom LASIK affordable?

A: Saddleback Eye Center offers many affordable payment plans for your All-Laser Custom LASIK procedure from low monthly payments to 0% financing. Our most popular plan is our 24 months ZERO% financing* (on approved credit). The approval process is easy and confidential. To learn more about our financing options,click here!

*No Interest if Paid in Full within 24 Months
On purchases of $1,000 or more with your CareCredit card. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance, including optional charges, is not paid in full within 24 months or if you make a late payment. Minimum Monthly Payments Required. Click here for details. Regular fee schedule available at time of consultation.