FAQ

The Most Commonly Asked Questions about LADARVision

How do I know that LADARVision can help me see more naturally without corrective lenses?
LADARVision can help many patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism to reduce or eliminate their dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Six months after surgery, 95.9% of patients with myopia and 93.2% of those with astigmatism could see 20/40 or better, meeting the legal driving requirements in most states. Also there was no need for distance correction in 96.2% of the myopic (nearsightedness) eyes and 93.4% of the astigmatic patients. Because of its exclusive tracking and small spot features, the LADARVision excimer system paces each laser pulse to the appropriate location the cornea. Results, however, may vary due to individual healing responses.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for LADARViwsion?
Since each patie3nt is unique, it is always important to have a consultation with your refractive surgeon and medical staff. They will help you determine whether you are good candidate for LADARVision. You must be over 21 years of age with a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for the past twelve months to be eligible. Also, your right of correction must be between –1.00 and –10.00 diopters (myopia/nearsightedness) with up to –4.0 diopters and less for astigmatism. Conditions such as an unhealthy cornea, pregnancy, significant disease or certain medications may disqualify you as a candidate for laser vision correction.

Does the laser burn?
The LADARVision excimer system uses a cool, ultraviolet laser that shapes the corneal tissue without burning or cutting.

What are the risks associated with LADARVision?
Only your refractive surgeon can help you assess the risk factors that are relevant in your particular case. As with any surgical procedure, the outcome of LADARVision can never be guaranteed. However, the risk of serious complications arising from PRK is extremely rare. Infection does sometimes occur in a very small number of patients. Moderate complications may include delayed healing of the corneal surface, a feeling of something in the eye, corneal haze, scarring, over or under-correction and the development of astigmatism. Halos, unusual light effects, poor night vision and a reduction in visual acuity are some of the other side effects, which may occur. Please refer to a complete description of side effects and complications at the end of the brochure.

Don’t all excimer lasers track the eye?
Today, only LADARVision has the approval for a system that has an active eye tracker that accommodates the slightest and fastest eye movements in order to assure the placement of the laser beam.

Will LADARVision hurt?
LADARVision is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself is virtually painless. You will be fully awake the whole time. Anesthetic eye drops are sued to numb the eyes or a mild sedative to help you relax may be used prior to the sugary. However, some patients may experience a feeling of pressure or irritation, or even pain for a day or two after surgery. Side effects vary greatly from patient to patient, so discuss this with your doctor.

Can I afford LADARVision?
Take the time to make the calculation and you will be surprised by the total cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses over a period of years. Your surgeon may be able OT help your explore financing options that will make LADARVision affordable for you.