Are You a Candidate?

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At Family Eye Center, we will conduct a thorough examination to determine candidacy for LASIK. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed Patient Consent Form that will describe the procedure and the risks in detail. One of our staff members will review the form with you and answer your questions.

LASIK patients must be at least 18 years of age and must not be pregnant or nursing. The conditions listed below may present additional risks or complications and should be discussed with the optometrist, or the surgeon, prior to the day of the procedure. All are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Unstable refractive error
• Keratitis sicca (advanced dry eyes)
• Severe or poorly controlled glaucoma
• Severe or poorly controlled diabetes
• Recurring ocular herpes simplex
• Cataracts
• Active ocular inflammatory disease
• Vascular disease
• Heart condition requiring pacemaker regulation
• Severe amblyopia
• History of keloid formation
• Keratoconus (progressive thinning/steepening of the cornea)

Unrealistic Expectations

One of the best reasons not to have the LASIK procedure has nothing to do with the condition of your eyes. Unrealistic expectations can make you unhappy with the result. These expectations tend to fall into the following categories:

• "Perfect" Vision – Thanks to lots of publicity, many people will assume that LASIK is going to give them "perfect vision." The reality, of course, is somewhat different.

• LASIK is extremely precise, but not as precise as etching a prescription into a piece of glass or plastic for eyeglasses. This is because some factors, such as your healing response, may affect the outcome.

• Many people will come in to the office thinking that, after LASIK, they’ll never have to wear glasses again. Our goal is to make you less dependent on glasses, but not necessarily eliminate your need for them. In our experience, you may reasonably expect to perform the vast majority of functions (80% or more) without the need for corrective lenses after surgery. However, a thin pair of glasses for night driving may be desired.

What are the risks of having LASIK?

As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks. Although rare, they can occur, and that is why it is important to meet with your surgeon before you schedule your LASIK procedure. During this meeting, you will not only learn if you are a candidate, but Dr. Fischer's staff will explain the benefits and risks of laser vision correction to you. Then, before having LASIK, you can weigh the pluses and minuses, as they pertain to your individual situation. Some risks are:

• Depending on you prescription (refraction), results may vary. If you have a very high or very low refraction, you may have difficulty seeing 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses.

• There is a chance that you may be either under or over-corrected. Only a certain percentage of patients achieve 20/20 after surgery. Depending on you results, additional treatment may be necessary, and will be evaluated by Dr. Fischer.

• LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, either now, or in the future. LASIK corrects for nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) and astigmatism. Presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses, is not correctable with LASIK.

• Further complications, including infection and retinal detachment, although rare, may occur. This will be fully explained by Dr. Fischer's staff during your evaluation.

INFORMED CONSENT FOR LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS (LASIK)

Introduction

This information is being provided to you so that you can make an informed decision about the use of a device known as a microkeratome, combined with the use of advice known as an excimer laser, to perform LASIK. LASIK is one of a number of alternatives for correcting refractive error in LASIK; the microkeratome is used to shave the cornea to create a flap. The flap then is opened like the page of a book to expose tissue just below the cornea’s surface. Next, the excimer laser is used to remove ultra-thin layers from the cornea to reshape it to reduce refractive error. Finally, the flap is returned to it’s original position without sutures.

LASIK is an elective procedure: There is no emergency condition or other reason that requires or demands that you have it performed. You could continue wearing contact lenses or glasses and have adequate visual acuity. This procedure, like all surgery, presents some risks. Many of which are listed below. You should also understand that there may be other risks not known to your doctor which may become known later. Despite the best of care, complications and side effects may occur; should this happen in your case, the result might be affected even to the extent of making your vision worse.

Alternatives to LASIK

If you decide not to have LASIK, there are other methods of correcting your refractive error. These alternatives include, among others, eyeglasses, contact lenses, Radial Keratotomy (RK), Automated Lamellar Keratosplasty (ALK) and Photo refractive Keratotomy (PRK).