LASIK FAQ about All-Laser Custom LASIK
Q: What happens at the free VIP LASIK exam?*
A: During this thorough 2½ hour VIP LASIK exam, you will learn about All-Laser Custom LASIK as an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. Our doctors and staff will perform a series of 14 tests on your eyes to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Manger will personally examine your eyes and answer any questions you may have. You will also meet with a patient counselor to discuss recovery time, what to expect during the procedure and financing options. It is important that you bring your glasses and contact lenses 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 LASIK technology in one efficient and advanced procedure. All-Laser Custom LASIK is performed completely 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 Dr. Manger’s 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 surgeons can match Dr. Manger’s laser vision correction qualifications and expertise. With 30 years of experience, Dr. Manger has personally performed more than 68,000 LASIK procedures. He is not only one of the most experienced All-Laser Custom LASIK surgeons in the United States, he also has excellent LASIK success rates. More than 99% of Dr. Manger’s patients see 20/20 or better following surgery. Dr. Manger is 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. Dr. Manger also takes a very hands-on approach to patient care. Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Manger will personally examine your eyes during your initial exam, he performs your procedure and is available for your post-operative care. Also unlike some LASIK surgeons, Dr. Manger has remained steadfast in his decision to operate out of only one location so he can personally attend to every patient’s needs.
Q: When it comes to All-Laser Custom LASIK, is technology more important than an experienced surgeon?
A: The success of your vision correction procedure will be a direct result of the experience of the surgeon you choose. Experts in the LASIK industry have agreed for years — LASIK is 90% surgeon and 10% technology. 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 outcome, 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 surgeon who has performed a minimum of 40,000 successful LASIK cases. You will only find this level of skill in LASIK surgeons who have devoted their practice to performing LASIK every day for the past 10-15 years.
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 mechanical metal blade 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 a computer-controlled cold-beam laser. This treatment is 100% all-laser and 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 corneal flap is created with the precision of a laser, Dr. Manger is able to sculpt the corneal tissue at the exact depth required for the premium level of safety his 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 technology ensures 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: I have seen other doctors advertise LASIK at discount prices. Why should I choose Dr. Manger?
A: With many practices, a lower price for LASIK comes at the expense of patient care or surgical experience. In other words, you get what you pay for. You only plan to have LASIK surgery once, so don’t let price be the major determining factor for your procedure. Dr. Manger decided years ago that he was not willing to discount LASIK at the expense of patient care and surgical outcomes.
A recent Wall Street Journal survey shows that more than 15% of patients who received «discount» LASIK were unhappy with their visual results. Some of these patients, dissatisfied after surgery elsewhere, have come to Dr. Manger seeking improvement. Half the time he can help them by doing another LASIK surgery to get them the great vision they want, but half of the time he can’t fix their vision. Dr. Manger is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the country and his standards for success are higher than most LASIK surgeons. Although the industry standard for success is 20/40 or better, Dr. Manger has committed himself to producing the best results for each and every one of his patients. His outstanding success rate reflects his high standards: 99.7% of his patients see 20/20 or better after their LASIK procedure.
Q: Can I really get rid of my glasses?
A: Most patients who have All-Laser Custom LASIK with Dr. Manger no longer need glasses for their daily activities. However, 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 age, whether or not you have had LASIK. Dr. Manger offers these patients a procedure known as «blended monovision» where you can see both distance and near without glasses for most, if not all, activities. This is an improvement over the «monovision» procedure offered by most other LASIK surgeons. Our doctors are experts in «blended monovision» and will help you make the decision that is right for you. If you are considering LASIK and currently using reading glasses, ask if Dr. Manger’s «blended monovision» is right for you.
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, the procedure is very safe and successful. Experienced LASIK surgeons like Dr. Manger report a complication rate well under 0.1%. 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 with Dr. Manger, you are in the hands of a highly experienced and skilled eye surgeon who has built his reputation on precision, safety and unsurpassed results.
Q: Is All-Laser Custom LASIK painful?
A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions when patients come in for their LASIK exam. When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Manger, LASIK does not hurt and the procedure itself is essentially painless. Anesthetic eye drops will prevent you from feeling any discomfort during the procedure, though some patients do experience a mild sensation of pressure on their eyes. The most frequently heard comment after LASIK with Dr. Manger is «If I had known it was that easy, I would have done it years ago.»
Q. What happens if I blink or move my eye during the procedure?
A: This is another big concern for patients. We frequently hear patients say, «I have all the confidence in the world in Dr. Manger, but I’m afraid I can not keep my eyes still.» Don’t worry — blinking or moving your eyes during the procedure is not a concern. We hold your eye open with a gentle device, and the lasers are equipped with eye trackers that will follow any small movement your eye may make during the procedure. These eye trackers are so sophisticated that they can track eye movements up to 400 times per second — ensuring the laser beam is centered on your pupil at all times.
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 very next day. However, be sure to consult your doctor before you engage in swimming or any other physical activities such as martial arts.
Q: What if I do not end up with full correction after my laser vision procedure?
A: Approximately 3% of our patients will need an «enhancement» after the initial procedure to achieve their optimal visual result. 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 enhancement is covered under your initial fee for a full two years following your LASIK procedure.
Q: Is All-Laser Custom LASIK affordable?
A: Studies have shown that the cost of LASIK is lower than the cost of contact lenses and solution over a 10-year period, and the cost of glasses over a 20-year period. Getting a quality procedure from a highly accredited and experienced surgeon like Dr. Manger is well worth the investment. 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 0% financing† (on approved credit). The approval process is easy and confidential. Learn more about our LASIK financing options.
†No Interest if Paid in Full within 24 Months On purchases of $1,000 or more with your CareCredit card. A minimum purchase amount may be required for promotional plans longer than 6 months in duration. On promo purchase balance, monthly payments required, but no Finance Charges will be assessed if (1) promo purchase balance paid in full in 24 months, and (2) all minimum monthly payments on account paid when due. Otherwise, promo may be terminated and treated as a non-promo balance. Finance Charges will be accrued at the Purchase APR and assessed from purchase date. Standard terms apply to non-promo purchase and optional charges. Promo purchases on existing accounts may not receive full benefit of promo terms, including reduced APR if applicable, if account is subject to penalty APR. Payments over the minimum will be applied as required by applicable law. As of 2/1/10, APR 24.99% & on all accounts in default, Penalty APR: 29.99%. Minimum Finance Charge of $2.00. Subject to approval by GE Money Bank. Regular fee schedule available at time of consultation.
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