Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are your financing options and current interest rates?

Answer:

We have no interest options up to 18 months and extended payment plans up to 48 months. You will pay no interest if you make the minimum monthly payment on time each month and pay the account off within the promotional financing period. The rates on our extended payment plans will vary depending on your credit score. Interest rates can start at 11.99%.

Question: How do I apply for Chase Health Advance Financing Options?

Answer:

We have a very simple and convenient application process. You can apply online through the financing page on our web site at Chase Health Advantage. You can also get an instant credit decision if you apply in our office. We can also fax you an application to complete and fax or E-mail back. If you prefer that we take your information over the phone, we can do that as well.

Question: How long will it take to get an answer on my credit application?

Answer:

If your application is received online, you will know within seconds. If the application is faxed, Chase will fax back an answer within minutes of receiving the completed application. If you apply by phone, we will know the credit decision within 30 minutes.

Question: If I am declined, can my (boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend, cousin, aunt, uncle, boss, co-worker, neighbor) apply for me?

Answer:

If you are declined, ask us if you can qualify with a co-applicant. We generally require that all individuals using the account be either the applicant, co-applicant or an authorized user. Only persons living in the same household as the account holder can be added to an account as an authorized user.

Question: How can I add an authorized user to my account?

Answer:

To become an authorized user, the applicant/account holder must provide written authorization to Chase requesting that you be added to the account as an authorized user. The authorized user form can be obtained directly from Chase.

Question: How long do I have before my approval expires?

Answer:

You can use your credit approvals any time within 90 days from the date of the original approval. If you think your procedure/treatment will take longer than 90 days, simply call our office and ask for additional time to use your account.

Question: Can I use my account for other procedures/treatments after I am finished with this one?

Answer:

Yes, you can use your account for any dental, orthodontic, cosmetic, vision correction, or veterinary procedure at any participating practice at any time while your account is active. After the initial 90-day approval period, all you need to do is contact any participating doctor/practice you desire and they can get an authorization for additional charges up to your maximum credit line on your account.

Question: What is a cataract?

Answer:

A cataract is a “clouding” of the natural crystalline lens inside your eye. It is similar to a steamed-up or blurred focusing lens inside a camera. Ultraviolet exposure, genetics, aging, diabetes, trauma, and the use of steroid medicines can all cause cataracts. They are removed using a procedure called phacoemulsification, which is an ultrasonic process of internal fragmentation allowing for small, sutureless incisions, pain-free surgery, and rapid rehabilitation.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests should I expect during my initial evaluation?

Answer:

* IOL Master
* Specular Microscopy

Question: Must I have my cataract removed?

Answer:

You MUST have your cataract removed only if delay in its removal could cause permanent damage to your eye. If the cataract is causing glaucoma or is preventing necessary treatment of the back of the eye, then the cataract should be removed immediately to prevent further injury.

For improvement in vision, the cataract procedure is elective. However, the best visual results are obtained in patients who don’t postpone surgery until the cataract is extremely dense and more difficult to remove. In addition, patients who delay surgery tend to have higher complication rates than those who have regular check-ups and opt for surgery when visual difficulties are no longer improved by a change in glasses. In keeping with our philosophy, we are treating the patient, not the eye, and the surgeon and patient must together discuss the goals of surgery. The goal should not be simply to improve vision, but to significantly improve vision along with your lifestyle.

Question: Will my medical problems prevent me from undergoing cataract surgery safely?

Answer:

Pre-operatively we ask a family physician to evaluate you in order to ensure that your blood pressure, blood sugar, and general medical problems are under control. Since the procedure is performed with anesthetic drops alone (no injections), there is minimal risk associated with the procedure. The topical medications used during surgery are the same classes of medications used during the pre-operative exam. If you tolerate the pre-operative examination, then you should do well with the procedure.

Question: What about my age?

Answer:

Any patient who can undergo a thorough eye examination can undergo surgery if the procedure is performed with a topical anesthetic-drops alone. We do ask that a family member or friend accompany you for the procedure, which takes only 5-10 minutes. The pre-operative preparation takes approximately 90 minutes and we will observe you for an additional 30 minutes post-operatively to ensure your safety and to review your post-operative instructions.

Question: What if my family doctor tells me I can’t be put to sleep for the surgery?

Answer:

You will not be put to sleep during our surgery. With topical anesthesia, we administer only a minimal amount of relaxing medication so that you will remain conscious during the surgery. You will remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure and recover very quickly post-operatively.

Question: What if I am using blood thinners like Coumadin?

Answer:

Unlike other surgeries, cataract surgery is virtually a bloodless procedure. Therefore, you may safely undergo this surgery while remaining on blood thinners. In fact, we ask that you take all of your medications up to, and including, the day of surgery.

Question: Do I have to avoid all activities post-operatively?

Answer:

No. You will be able to bend over immediately after surgery, pick up 20-30 pounds, and shower, provided you don’t get water into your operative eye. We do ask that you wear an eye shield at bedtime for the first few weeks after surgery so that you do not inadvertently rub the eye during sleep. Typical follow-up evaluations are scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks, with glasses being prescribed between the 3rd and 6th week visit. These check-ups can be conveniently scheduled with your local eye doctor who will relay your report electronically to Commonwealth Eye Surgery.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests are available to help with the diagnosis of glaucoma?

Answer:

* Gonioscopy
* Fundus Photography
* Visual Fields
* Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Question: If a member of my family has glaucoma, does that mean I will also develop it?

Answer:

There is a genetic predisposition toward glaucoma, so if you have a family member with this disease, you are at higher risk. Researchers are discovering specific genes that identify individuals at risk, but testing is not yet clinically available. Conversely, having a relative with glaucoma does not mean you will develop glaucoma.

Question: How will I know if I have glaucoma?

Answer:

You may not be able to tell. Only in acute angle closure glaucoma does the patient experience symptoms which include a red, painful eye, steamy vision, halos around lights, a mid-dilated pupil, brow ache, and nausea. In most cases glaucoma is asymptomatic and can be detected only by an eye exam.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests should I expect during my initial evaluation?

Answer:

Orbscan (Pachymetry)
Digital Pupillometry
ZyWave Exam

Question: Does it hurt?

Answer:

During application of the safety ring, you will feel a firm pressure on the eye, similar to that when one pushes on the eyeball. The actual laser treatment is painless.

Question: How long until I see better?

Answer:

By the following morning there is usually a dramatic improvement. The refraction is usually stable within 3 to 6 weeks.

Question: How long must I take eye drops?

Answer:

Patients typically administer antibiotics and steroid drops for 5 days after surgery.

Question: Why must I stop wearing my contacts before my evaluation or surgery?

Answer:

Contact lenses mold the cornea. For accuracy, we must allow the cornea to resume its natural shape prior to the pre-operative surgical measurements . This requires discontinuance of soft contact lenses for three days or hard contacts for three weeks prior to the examination.

Question: What if I am slightly under corrected or over corrected?

Answer:

Less than 4% (national average is 12-15%) of our LASIK patients require an enhancement/re-treatment, which is generally performed twelve weeks post-operatively.

Question: Will I need reading glasses?

Answer:

That depends on your age. From 18 to 40, patients usually do not require reading glasses. Those over 40 almost always require reading glasses for some near tasks.
Some patients choose a monovision correction, which means that one eye is corrected for distance and the other is corrected for near. This can allow for good distance and near vision without glasses. However, many patients cannot tolerate monovision correction unless they have been successful monovision contact lens wearers.

Question: What are my odds of good vision without glasses or contact lenses with the use of Bausch and Lomb’s Technolas 217z?

Answer:

99.7% of patients read 20/40 or better
87.3% of patients read 20/20 or better
*These are the actual results reported by the FDA during the approval studies performed on the Technolas 217z and looked at a wide range of visual acuities. Commonwealth Eye Surgery will provide you with our expectations based on our own real world historical data during your complimentary initial evaluation.

Question: What are my odds of good vision without glasses or contact lenses with the Wavefront Customized (Zyoptix) treatment?

Answer:

99.4% of patients read 20/40 or better
91.3% of patients read 20/20 or better
70.3% of patients read 20/16, which is BETTER than 20/20
*These are the actual results reported by the FDA during the approval studies performed on the Technolas 217z and looked at a wide range of visual acuities. Commonwealth Eye Surgery will provide you with our expectations based on our own real world historical data during your complimentary initial evaluation.

Question: What if I accidentally rub my eye and my vision is suddenly poor?

Answer:

We provide eye shields as prophylaxis, but in the rare event that an accident occurs, simply cover the eye with the shield and return. If the flap has been displaced, we can gently float the flap back into position and seal it.

Question: What about halo effects at night?

Answer:

Halo effects are highly variable in our patients’ subjective experiences. If one’s pupil enlarges past 8 mm, then some light can pass through untreated cornea outside the ablation zone of 7.0 mm. These uncorrected light rays can cause a halo effect which can be noticed during night driving. Sometimes, increasing the size of ablation zone for these patients would require an excessive amount of tissue removal centrally, and would lead to long-term regression and haze.
Accurate pupil size measurement is essential for patients considering laser refractive surgery, and yet, most measuring techniques are subjective in nature. A notable exception is the Procyon Digital Pupillometer, which digitally scans and records the pupil in dim, medium, and bright light, taking the guesswork out of pupil measurement. Commonwealth Eye Surgery is the first practice in Kentucky to utilize this technology, which clarifies your surgical options and maximizes your safety and results.

Question: What is LPI laser therapy?

Answer:

LPI, or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, is a surgical procedure used to prevent a severe form of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma.

Question: How does LPI laser therapy work?

Answer:

The doctor uses the argon laser to make a small opening in the colored part of the eye. This hole prevents the build up of fluid behind the iris and allows the fluid to reach the drains of the eye. This helps to lower the pressure within the eye.

Question: What can I expect during the LPI treatment?

Answer:

The LPI treatment is a quick outpatient procedure that is performed in our ambulatory surgery center. There are no needles, no stitches, and no shots. After placing numbing drops in your eye, your doctor places a contact lens on your eye in order to focus the laser energy.

Question: Is LPI treatment reimbursed by Medicare?

Answer:

Yes, LPI treatments are reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers.

Question: What can I expect after the LPI treatment?

Answer:

Your vision may be blurry for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Generally, the eye is mildly irritated for 1-2 days. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for the first few weeks to help treat any irritation or inflammation. Normal activities may be resumed following your surgery.

Question: How many treatments are required?

Answer:

One.Retreatments are extremely rare, and usually are necessitated only if you have chronic inflammation within the eye (iritis).

Question: What are the side effects with LPI treatment?

Answer:

Complications are rare, but some of the potential risks include blurred vision, increase in the pressure within the eye, minor bleeding, vision loss, or the need for either a retreatment or a different type of treatment.

Question: Will treatment be done on both eyes at the same time?

Answer:

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Question: Will I be able to drive home following the treatment?

Answer:

Yes

Question: What is YAG laser therapy?

Answer:

Months or years following cataract surgery, the lens capsule that contains the new artificial lens implant may become cloudy and cause blurred vision. The YAG (Yttrium Argon Garnet) laser creates an opening in the back portion of the lens capsule in order to restore your normal vision.

Question: How does YAG laser therapy work?

Answer:

The YAG laser delivers small, rapid bursts of energy that are focused on the cloudy capsule. The laser energy creates a small opening that allows light to enter the eye, thus restoring normal vision.

Question: What can I expect during the YAG treatment?

Answer:

The YAG treatment is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that is performed in our ambulatory surgery center. There are no needles, no stitches, and no shots. Drops are used to dilate the pupil and numb the eye. Your doctor places a contact lens on your eye to focus the laser energy. You may see flashes of light and hear clicking noises during the procedure, which takes only a few minutes.

Question: Is the YAG treatment reimbursed by Medicare?

Answer:

Yes, YAG treatments are reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers.

Question: What can I expect after the YAG treatment?

Answer:

Most patients should expect their vision to improve within 24 hours of the YAG treatment. Normal activities may be resumed immediately after surgery. Patients should anticipate “floaters” following the procedure, but these should dissipate within a few weeks.

Question: How many treatments are required?

Answer:

Only one

Question: What are the side effects with YAG treatment?

Answer:

The most common side effect is the presentation of “floaters” but these typically dissipate within a few weeks. Complications are rare, but may include increased pressure within the eye, a dislocation of the artificial lens implant through the opening that is created in the back portion of the lens capsule, or, rarely, a detached retina. If you are in a high risk group, your follow-up will be more extensive.

Question: Will treatment be done on both eyes at the same time?

Answer:

No, one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Question: Will I be able to drive home following the treatment?

Answer:

Yes

Question: What is SLT laser therapy?

Answer:

SLT, or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, is a clinically proven procedure that safely and effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

Question: How does SLT laser therapy work?

Answer:

Using an advanced laser system, pigmented tissue cells within the eye are selectively targeted. Laser energy is absorbed only by those targeted tissue cells, preserving and protecting surrounding tissue. This laser energy stimulates the natural healing response within the eye and results in greater fluid outflow, which in turn lowers eye pressure.

Question: What can I expect during the SLT treatment?

Answer:

SLT is an outpatient procedure performed in our ambulatory surgery center. Eye drops are used to numb the eye and treatment takes place in a standard exam chair with a slit lamp like the one used to examine your eye. The SLT laser is attached to the slit lamp. A contact lens is then used to hold your eye open and focus the laser energy onto the drainage area of your eye. Laser energy is released multiple times at the edge of your pupil and the procedure will take just a few minutes to complete. Most patients do not report pain during or after the treatment.

Question: Is SLT reimbursed by Medicare?

Answer:

Yes, SLT is reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in non-reimbursed prescription medication costs.

Question: What can I expect after the SLT treatment?

Answer:

Your vision may be blurry for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Generally, the eye is mildly irritated for 1-2 days. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for the first few days to help treat any irritation or inflammation. Do NOT stop using your regular glaucoma drops until advised by your doctor. A follow-up appointment will be recommended.

Question: How many treatments are required?

Answer:

As with any medical procedure, results may vary. However, unlike daily eye drops, SLT therapy is administered just once in a simple, fast, in-office procedure. Because glaucoma is a chronic disease, follow-up appointments with your eye care specialist are important. SLT can be safely performed on patients who have failed other laser surgeries or who have been on glaucoma medication therapy. SLT may be safely repeated if needed.

Question: What are the side effects with SLT?

Answer:

Unlike many glaucoma medications, there are no reported incidences of allergic reactions or systemic side-effects with SLT. Complications are rare, but may include inflammation, a temporary increase in eye pressure, blurred vision, headache, conjunctivitis, or eye pain.

Question: Will treatment be done on both eyes at the same time?

Answer:

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests are available to help identify retinal disorders?

Answer:

* Fundus Photography
* Ocular Coherence Testing (OCT)
* Fluorescein Angiography

Question: I have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Does this mean that I will go blind?

Answer:

No. Macular degeneration affects only the central part of your vision. At its worst, macular degeneration causes great difficulty with detail vision such as reading and seeing faces, but you will always be able to see to walk around and do most activities of daily living.

Question: Can I do anything to stop the progression of macular degeneration?

Answer:

Some research seems to indicate that the use of zinc, antioxidants, and lutein may slow the progression of macular degeneration. Specialists also believe including spinach in one’s diet may be beneficial. Smoking doubles the risk of vision loss with macular degeneration.

Question: Any other tips?

Answer:

All patients with macular degeneration should have an Amsler grid (a checkerboard-like pattern) posted in a prominent place in their homes so that they see it every day. They should observe the grid with each eye independently daily. Should they note any new waves, distortions, or missing areas in the grid, or should they note any change in their vision, they should return for evaluation immediately.

Question: Is there any treatment for Macular Degeneration?

Answer:

Certain types of macular degeneration, if caught early, may be treatable with laser photocoagulation. Research is also being done using submacular surgery, macular translocation, radiation, and photodynamic therapy. But only with a timely examination and diagnosis can the treatment be optimized.

Question: I have diabetes. Can this affect my vision?

Answer:

Yes. Before one is diagnosed with diabetes and the stabilization of blood sugar levels achieved, the vision may fluctuate with blood sugar levels. It is usually not a good idea to get new glasses until the blood sugar is stable. Infrequently, diabetes can present with diplopia (double vision). Also, diabetics can develop cataracts at an early age, which fortunately is easily rectified with surgery.After several years, diabetes can cause leakage of blood and fluid into the retina which can result in loss of vision. At this point, laser treatment may be beneficial.In severe cases, diabetes can cause the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and/or the vitreous. These new vessels are very fragile and can leak large amounts of blood into the eye or pull the retina out of position. We treat these vessels with laser photocoagulation. In resistant cases, the vitreous may need to be removed as well.

Question: I have diabetes. How often should my eyes be examined?

Answer:

All diabetics should schedule, at a minimum, a yearly exam including a dilated retinal evaluation. You may require monthly to quarterly exams, depending on the severity of your disease.

Question: Can my general physician do my eye exams?

Answer:

General medical doctors typically do not have the equipment to provide a detailed eye exam. These exams can be performed by your local optometrist, a general ophthalmologist, or a retinal subspecialist. Until laser or surgical treatment is indicated, a diabetic patient typically does not need to see a retinal subspecialist.

Question: What are your financing options and current interest rates?

Answer:

We have no interest options up to 18 months and extended payment plans up to 48 months. You will pay no interest if you make the minimum monthly payment on time each month and pay the account off within the promotional financing period. The rates on our extended payment plans will vary depending on your credit score. Interest rates can start at 11.99%.

Question: How do I apply for Chase Health Advance Financing Options?

Answer:

We have a very simple and convenient application process. You can apply online through the financing page on our web site at Chase Health Advantage. You can also get an instant credit decision if you apply in our office. We can also fax you an application to complete and fax or E-mail back. If you prefer that we take your information over the phone, we can do that as well.

Question: How long will it take to get an answer on my credit application?

Answer:

If your application is received online, you will know within seconds. If the application is faxed, Chase will fax back an answer within minutes of receiving the completed application. If you apply by phone, we will know the credit decision within 30 minutes.

Question: If I am declined, can my (boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend, cousin, aunt, uncle, boss, co-worker, neighbor) apply for me?

Answer:

If you are declined, ask us if you can qualify with a co-applicant. We generally require that all individuals using the account be either the applicant, co-applicant or an authorized user. Only persons living in the same household as the account holder can be added to an account as an authorized user.

Question: How can I add an authorized user to my account?

Answer:

To become an authorized user, the applicant/account holder must provide written authorization to Chase requesting that you be added to the account as an authorized user. The authorized user form can be obtained directly from Chase.

Question: How long do I have before my approval expires?

Answer:

You can use your credit approvals any time within 90 days from the date of the original approval. If you think your procedure/treatment will take longer than 90 days, simply call our office and ask for additional time to use your account.

Question: Can I use my account for other procedures/treatments after I am finished with this one?

Answer:

Yes, you can use your account for any dental, orthodontic, cosmetic, vision correction, or veterinary procedure at any participating practice at any time while your account is active. After the initial 90-day approval period, all you need to do is contact any participating doctor/practice you desire and they can get an authorization for additional charges up to your maximum credit line on your account.

Question: What is a cataract?

Answer:

A cataract is a “clouding” of the natural crystalline lens inside your eye. It is similar to a steamed-up or blurred focusing lens inside a camera. Ultraviolet exposure, genetics, aging, diabetes, trauma, and the use of steroid medicines can all cause cataracts. They are removed using a procedure called phacoemulsification, which is an ultrasonic process of internal fragmentation allowing for small, sutureless incisions, pain-free surgery, and rapid rehabilitation.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests should I expect during my initial evaluation?

Answer:

* IOL Master
* Specular Microscopy

Question: Must I have my cataract removed?

Answer:

You MUST have your cataract removed only if delay in its removal could cause permanent damage to your eye. If the cataract is causing glaucoma or is preventing necessary treatment of the back of the eye, then the cataract should be removed immediately to prevent further injury.

For improvement in vision, the cataract procedure is elective. However, the best visual results are obtained in patients who don’t postpone surgery until the cataract is extremely dense and more difficult to remove. In addition, patients who delay surgery tend to have higher complication rates than those who have regular check-ups and opt for surgery when visual difficulties are no longer improved by a change in glasses. In keeping with our philosophy, we are treating the patient, not the eye, and the surgeon and patient must together discuss the goals of surgery. The goal should not be simply to improve vision, but to significantly improve vision along with your lifestyle.

Question: Will my medical problems prevent me from undergoing cataract surgery safely?

Answer:

Pre-operatively we ask a family physician to evaluate you in order to ensure that your blood pressure, blood sugar, and general medical problems are under control. Since the procedure is performed with anesthetic drops alone (no injections), there is minimal risk associated with the procedure. The topical medications used during surgery are the same classes of medications used during the pre-operative exam. If you tolerate the pre-operative examination, then you should do well with the procedure.

Question: What about my age?

Answer:

Any patient who can undergo a thorough eye examination can undergo surgery if the procedure is performed with a topical anesthetic-drops alone. We do ask that a family member or friend accompany you for the procedure, which takes only 5-10 minutes. The pre-operative preparation takes approximately 90 minutes and we will observe you for an additional 30 minutes post-operatively to ensure your safety and to review your post-operative instructions.

Question: What if my family doctor tells me I can’t be put to sleep for the surgery?

Answer:

You will not be put to sleep during our surgery. With topical anesthesia, we administer only a minimal amount of relaxing medication so that you will remain conscious during the surgery. You will remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure and recover very quickly post-operatively.

Question: What if I am using blood thinners like Coumadin?

Answer:

Unlike other surgeries, cataract surgery is virtually a bloodless procedure. Therefore, you may safely undergo this surgery while remaining on blood thinners. In fact, we ask that you take all of your medications up to, and including, the day of surgery.

Question: Do I have to avoid all activities post-operatively?

Answer:

No. You will be able to bend over immediately after surgery, pick up 20-30 pounds, and shower, provided you don’t get water into your operative eye. We do ask that you wear an eye shield at bedtime for the first few weeks after surgery so that you do not inadvertently rub the eye during sleep. Typical follow-up evaluations are scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks, with glasses being prescribed between the 3rd and 6th week visit. These check-ups can be conveniently scheduled with your local eye doctor who will relay your report electronically to Commonwealth Eye Surgery.

Question: What is LPI laser therapy?

Answer:

LPI, or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, is a surgical procedure used to prevent a severe form of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma.

Question: How does LPI laser therapy work?

Answer:

The doctor uses the argon laser to make a small opening in the colored part of the eye. This hole prevents the build up of fluid behind the iris and allows the fluid to reach the drains of the eye. This helps to lower the pressure within the eye.

Question: What can I expect during the LPI treatment?

Answer:

The LPI treatment is a quick outpatient procedure that is performed in our ambulatory surgery center. There are no needles, no stitches, and no shots. After placing numbing drops in your eye, your doctor places a contact lens on your eye in order to focus the laser energy

Question: Is LPI treatment reimbursed by Medicare?

Answer:

Yes, LPI treatments are reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers.

Question: What can I expect after the LPI treatment?

Answer:

Your vision may be blurry for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Generally, the eye is mildly irritated for 1-2 days. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for the first few weeks to help treat any irritation or inflammation. Normal activities may be resumed following your surgery.

Question: How many treatments are required?

Answer:

One

Question: What are the side effects with LPI treatment?

Answer:

Complications are rare, but some of the potential risks include blurred vision, increase in the pressure within the eye, minor bleeding, vision loss, or the need for either a retreatment or a different type of treatment

Question: Will treatment be done on both eyes at the same time?

Answer:

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Question: Will I be able to drive home following the treatment?

Answer:

Yes

Question: What is SLT laser therapy?

Answer:

SLT, or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, is a clinically proven procedure that safely and effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

Question: How does SLT laser therapy work?

Answer:

Using an advanced laser system, pigmented tissue cells within the eye are selectively targeted. Laser energy is absorbed only by those targeted tissue cells, preserving and protecting surrounding tissue. This laser energy stimulates the natural healing response within the eye and results in greater fluid outflow, which in turn lowers eye pressure.

Question: What can I expect during the SLT treatment?

Answer:

SLT is an outpatient procedure performed in our ambulatory surgery center. Eye drops are used to numb the eye and treatment takes place in a standard exam chair with a slit lamp like the one used to examine your eye. The SLT laser is attached to the slit lamp. A contact lens is then used to hold your eye open and focus the laser energy onto the drainage area of your eye. Laser energy is released multiple times at the edge of your pupil and the procedure will take just a few minutes to complete. Most patients do not report pain during or after the treatment.

Question: Is SLT reimbursed by Medicare?

Answer:

Yes, SLT is reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in non-reimbursed prescription medication costs

Question: What can I expect after the SLT treatment?

Answer:

Your vision may be blurry for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Generally, the eye is mildly irritated for 1-2 days. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for the first few days to help treat any irritation or inflammation. Do NOT stop using your regular glaucoma drops until advised by your doctor. A follow-up appointment will be recommended.

Question: What are the side effects with SLT?

Answer:

Unlike many glaucoma medications, there are no reported incidences of allergic reactions or systemic side-effects with SLT. Complications are rare, but may include inflammation, a temporary increase in eye pressure, blurred vision, headache, conjunctivitis, or eye pain.

Question: Will treatment be done on both eyes at the same time?

Answer:

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests are available to help identify retinal disorders?

Answer:

* Fundus Photography
* Ocular Coherence Testing (OCT)
* Fluorescein Angiography

Question: I have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Does this mean that I will go blind?

Answer:

No. Macular degeneration affects only the central part of your vision. At its worst, macular degeneration causes great difficulty with detail vision such as reading and seeing faces, but you will always be able to see to walk around and do most activities of daily living.

Question: Can I do anything to stop the progression of macular degeneration?

Answer:

Some research seems to indicate that the use of zinc, antioxidants, and lutein may slow the progression of macular degeneration. Specialists also believe including spinach in one’s diet may be beneficial. Smoking doubles the risk of vision loss with macular degeneration.

Question: Any other tips?

Answer:

All patients with macular degeneration should have an Amsler grid (a checkerboard-like pattern) posted in a prominent place in their homes so that they see it every day. They should observe the grid with each eye independently daily. Should they note any new waves, distortions, or missing areas in the grid, or should they note any change in their vision, they should return for evaluation immediately.

Question: Is there any treatment for Macular Degeneration?

Answer:

Certain types of macular degeneration, if caught early, may be treatable with laser photocoagulation. Research is also being done using submacular surgery, macular translocation, radiation, and photodynamic therapy. But only with a timely examination and diagnosis can the treatment be optimized.

Question: I have diabetes. Can this affect my vision?

Answer:

Yes. Before one is diagnosed with diabetes and the stabilization of blood sugar levels achieved, the vision may fluctuate with blood sugar levels. It is usually not a good idea to get new glasses until the blood sugar is stable. Infrequently, diabetes can present with diplopia (double vision). Also, diabetics can develop cataracts at an early age, which fortunately is easily rectified with surgery.After several years, diabetes can cause leakage of blood and fluid into the retina which can result in loss of vision. At this point, laser treatment may be beneficial.In severe cases, diabetes can cause the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and/or the vitreous. These new vessels are very fragile and can leak large amounts of blood into the eye or pull the retina out of position. We treat these vessels with laser photocoagulation. In resistant cases, the vitreous may need to be removed as well.

Question: I have diabetes. How often should my eyes be examined?

Answer:

All diabetics should schedule, at a minimum, a yearly exam including a dilated retinal evaluation. You may require monthly to quarterly exams, depending on the severity of your disease.

Question: Can my general physician do my eye exams?

Answer:

General medical doctors typically do not have the equipment to provide a detailed eye exam. These exams can be performed by your local optometrist, a general ophthalmologist, or a retinal subspecialist. Until laser or surgical treatment is indicated, a diabetic patient typically does not need to see a retinal subspecialist.

Question: What specialized diagnostic tests should I expect during my initial evaluation?

Answer:

* Orbscan (Pachymetry)
* Digital Pupilometry
* Zy Wave Exam

Question: Does it hurt?

Answer:

During application of the suction ring, you will feel a firm pressure on the eye-similar to that when one pushes on the eyeball. The fashioning of the flap and laser treatment is painless.

Question: How long until I see better?

Answer:

Within 18 hours there is usually a dramatic improvement. The refraction is usually stable within 3 to 6 weeks.

Question: How long must I take eye drops?

Answer:

Patients typically administer antibiotics and steroid drops for 5 days after surgery.

Question: Why must I stop wearing my contacts before my evaluation or surgery?

Answer:

Contact lenses mold the cornea. For accuracy, we must allow the cornea to resume its natural shape prior to the pre-operative surgical measurements, refraction, and keratotomy. The cornea resumes its shape in 3 days after discontinuance of soft lenses, but requires 3 weeks to resume its shape for hard or gas permeable lenses.

Question: What if I regress or am under corrected?

Answer:

Less than 4% of our LASIK patients require an enhancement, which is generally performed 12 weeks post-operatively.

Question: Will I need reading glasses?

Answer:

That depends on your age. From 18 to 40, patients usually do not require reading glasses. Those over 40 almost always require reading glasses.

Some patients choose a monovision correction (i.e., one eye corrected for distance and the other for near tasks). This can allow for good distance and near vision without glasses. However, many patients cannot tolerate monovision correction unless they have been successful monovision contact lens wearers.

Question: What are my odds of good vision without glasses or contact lenses with the use of Bausch and Lomb’s Technolas 217z?

Answer:

99.7% of patients read 20/40 or better

87.3% of patients read 20/20 or better

*These are the actual results reported by the FDA during the approval studies performed on the Technolas 217z. Commonwealth Eye Surgery will provide you with our expectations based on our own real world historical data during your complimetary initial evaluation.

Question: What are my odds of good vision without glasses or contact lenses with the Wavefront Customized (Zyoptix) treatment?

Answer:

99.4% of patients read 20/40 or better

91.3% of patients read 20/20 or better

70.3% of patients read 20/16, which is BETTER than 20/20

*These are the actual results reported by the FDA during the approval studies performed on the Technolas 217z. Commonwealth Eye Surgery will provide you with our expectations based on our own real world historical data during your complimentary initial evaluation.

Question: What if I accidentally rub my eye and my vision is suddenly poor?

Answer:

We provide eye shields as prophylaxis, but in the rare event that an accident occurs, simply cover the eye with the shield and return. If the flap has been displaced, we can gently float the flap back into position and seal it.

Question: What about halo effects at night?

Answer:

Halo effects are highly variable in our patients’ subjective experiences. If one’s pupil enlarges past 8 mm, then some light can pass through untreated cornea outside the ablation zone of 6.5 mm. These uncorrected light rays can cause a halo effect which can be noticed during night driving. Sometimes, increasing the size of ablation zone for these patients would require an excessive amount of tissue removal centrally, and would lead to long-term regression and haze.

Accurate pupil size measurement is essential for patients considering laser refractive surgery, and yet, most measuring techniques are subjective in nature. A notable exception is the Procyon Digital Pupillometer, which digitally scans and records the pupil in dim, medium, and bright light, taking the guesswork out of pupil measurement. Commonwealth Eye Surgery is the first practice in Kentucky to utilize this technology, which clarifies your surgical options and maximizes your safety and results.

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