FAQs

Cataracts

No, you will not be able to drive home following cataract surgery. You will need a driver to be on site while you are in surgery and they will need to stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

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.

Only one per eye.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  • A fast procedure with little or no discomfort
  • A highly customized procedure with advanced 3D imaging
  • A gentler and easier cataract removal
  • Laser precise incisions

Developed by Silicon Valley-based OptiMedica Corp., CATALYS is a new FDA market -leared medical device that features a state-of-the-art laser, advanced 3D imaging, and many other innovative features that can bring numerous benefits to Commonwealth Eye Surgery patients.

Glaucoma

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The doctor uses the argon laser to make a small opening in the colored part of the eye. This hole prevents the buildup 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

LASIK

(Proceed with caution as these activities have a high risk of water being forced into the eyes).

  • Water skiing
  • Wind surfing
  • Kayaking
  • Surfing
  • Racket sports –  squash, racquetball, badminton (but wear eye protection)
  • Swimming
  • Scuba diving; snorkeling
  • Sailing
  • Sun-tanning
  • Motorcycling, dirt biking, mountain biking
  • Parachuting
  • Baseball, basketball, football, soccer
  • Skiing

You may resume wearing eye makeup, but continue to avoid touching the eyes.

  • Resume sexual activity (avoid touching near the eyes)
  • Playing with children (be careful)
  • Drinking alcohol if desired
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears every 2-4 hours. You can switch to Theratears brand of tears if you desire after 3 months
  • Shower (but continue to avoid any soap or water in the eyes).
  • You may resume eye make-up.
  • Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed at postoperative examination.  If you have had only one eye treated, wear your contact lens/glasses while driving and take it slowly.  You may not see as well without good binocular vision.
  • Apply face make-up (but not eye make-up).
  • Use computers (but it is very important to keep eyes well lubricated).
  • Jogging, rollerblading, cycling, golf (mulligans for any shot into the sand trap) may be resumed
  • Continue to use your eye drops as directed for 5 days.  Allow about 3 minutes between the drops.
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears every 2-4 hours.  You can switch to Theratears brand of tears if you desire after 3 months
  • You may shampoo your hair, but avoid getting any water directly into your eyes.
  • You may wear facial make-up but no eyeliner or mascara.
  • Wear your shields for the next 3-5 nights.
  • Restrict movement to light activities. Work should probably be avoided.  Work at home is acceptable.
  • Driving short distances after the eye examination is okay if adequate vision is confirmed at the follow up visit.
  • Reading and watching TV is acceptable as long as adequate eye lubrication is maintained.
  • Flying in airplanes is okay but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes)-airplanes have very dry air.

Keep your eyes closed, your eye shields in place and do not rub your eyes. Go home, take a 4 hour “snooze” and take your pain medication as directed. Any discomfort usually dissipates after the first four hours. Do not get your face wet nor shampoo your hair tonight.

Yes, we offer financing through Care Credit. Care Credit offers many plans, including INTEREST FREE for up to 24 months. If you are interested in financing or if you have questions, our LASIK Coordinator will be happy to walk you through that process.

There are a couple of coal mining and telecommunication companies who have plans that can be purchased by their employees that does cover all or most of the expenses associated with LASIK surgery, but that is not typical at this point in time. However, many insurance plans do offer a discount towards LASIK. We would be happy to discuss your discount with you.

Prices can vary for numerous reasons, including: surgeon experience, types of equipment utilized during the evaluation, types of lasers and equipment utilized to make the “flap” during the procedure and used during the actual reshaping and treatment of the cornea, enhancement policies following surgery, etc. Price consideration aside, we always recommend that our patients speak with their local eye doctor to determine who he/she recommends for their respective patients, friends and family members. Your eyes are worth the absolute best!

Because of minor visual changes often experienced during or after pregnancy, we recommend waiting 6 months after either delivery or nursing.

Yes, although there are range limits for all 3 of the abovementioned visual limitations.

The ideal LASIK candidate is 18 years of age or older, requires a range of correction within normal limits of technology, has had a consistent prescription for 2 years, has a history of good eye health and is mature enough to consider both the potential risks and benefits associated with having LASIK eye surgery.

The best first step is to schedule a free evaluation at Commonwealth Eye Surgery. Our doctors will perform an extensive evaluation where it will be determined if you are a candidate for LASIK. Assuming you are a candidate for LASIK, the results of your evaluation will also determine whether you would benefit from traditional, custom and/or all laser LASIK.

Most patients report a feeling of pressure during parts of the surgery much like if you take your fingers and press firmly against your eyes when closed. Following surgery, it’s normal for your eyes to burn or feel “scratchy”, but this discomfort normally dissipates after the first few hours.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

The American Board of Ophthalmology requires completion of an accredited residency and evaluates each candidate’s cognitive skills through both vigorous written and oral examinations. Certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is the best guarantee that your eye surgeon is well trained in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease.

The Society for Excellence in Eye Care is a voluntary educational organization, open only to surgeons who have practiced several years and are highly recommended by their peer group. Along with the American College of Eye Surgeons, the Society for Excellence in Eye Care presents an international perspective on the latest development in eye surgical technology and technique. Fellowship awarded by this elite group of anterior segment surgeons is a mark of the surgeon’s willingness to embrace new technologies for the betterment of his or her patients.

Although the qualifications for the American Board of Ophthalmology include a completed residency with 25 cataract cases performed, the American Board of Eye Surgery (ABES) actually reviews 50 consecutive surgical procedures and assesses the indications, appropriateness, and the visual outcomes of surgery. Qualified candidates then have 5 videotaped surgeries evaluated by a panel of surgical examiners to confirm that the surgeon is using contemporary techniques and is skillful in his surgical approach. The reviewers have no knowledge of the surgeon’s identity, eliminating bias and underlining the objectivity of the process. In addition, the American Board of Eye Surgery requires each surgeon to be recertified every 7 years to ensure that the surgeon has updated his surgical skills and has kept pace with technological advances.