These criteria will be discussed with you thoroughly at the time of your consultation at our center. You will need to "pass" all of the criteria in order to be considered for laser vision correction surgery.

 The following questions are helpful in pre-determining your overall candidacy. If the answer to any of the following is YES, you may possibly NOT be a candidate for refractive surgery.

Do you have:
• An active collagen vascular disease (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus)?
• Diabetes? Have there been diabetic changes inside your eye on the retina?
• Sarcoidosis?
• A cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma?
• Chronic severely dry eyes?
• Are you taking Acutane (acne medication), Amiodorone, Pavorone, Cordiarone (heart medication), Coumadin, Plavix, Warfarin (blood thinning medications)?
• Corneal dystrophy (Fuch's dystrophy, Keratoconus, Pellucid marginal degeneration)?
• Optic nerve disease?
• Chronic fatigue syndrome?
• Multiple sclerosis?
• An uncontrolled seizure disorder?

Have you had any:
• Eyelid surgery within the last year?
• Serious eye infections within the last year?

Are you:
• Pregnant or nursing?
• Within 6 months of undergoing chemotherapy?
• An organ recipient?
• HIV positive?

Laser Vision Correction (LVC): What to Expect
You may feel some anxiety about Laser Vision Correction. But the laser eye surgery procedure is fast and reliable, and most people see better than they did with glasses or contact lenses. There is also minimal discomfort in the days following vision correction treatment.

Laser Eye Treatments
Vision problems as a result of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) have long been corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. While these methods do improve vision, they are often considered a hassle. Imagine being less dependant on your ill-fitting, uncomfortable glasses or contact lenses that dry out or tear. Thanks to The Eye Center, you may be able to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Laser Vision Correction is a commonly performed procedure that has been performed on millions of people around the world. The Eye Center offers the most popular forms of laser vision correction:

* AST
* Custom Wavefront AST
* PRK
* Custom Wavefront PRK
* LASIK
* Custom Wavefront LASIK

After your LVC procedure:
1-4 Days after Treatment

It is vital that you return for all post-operative evaluations, as scheduled by The Eye Center.

Go directly home after procedure. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. Wear sunglasses and keep your eyes closed.

-AST/PRK/Epi-LASIK

A soft contact lens bandage is place on operative eye(s). You will not need to take out this lens. Your surgeon will remove the contact lenses at your post-op exam. Keep your eyes closed for several hours (or take a nap). Wear clear plastic eye goggles when sleeping for the first 4 nights. Begin using eye drops (antibiotic, steroid, anti-inflammatory) and artificial tears as directed by your surgeon.

-LASIK

Keep your eyes closed for 2-4 hours (or take a nap). Keep clear plastic shields on until one-day post op appointment. Begin using antibiotic, steroid drops and artificial tears as directed by your surgeon.

Be very careful not to poke, rub, squeeze or touch your eyes -all could cause discomfort and could dislodge the contact lenses. If your eyes become dry or irritated, use the artificial tears frequently. Avoid staring. Blink frequently. Avoid soap and water in the eyes.

Take It Easy! Restrict activities to minimal, restful things and keep eyes well lubricated with artificial tears. We advise no reading, no computer work, and no watching TV. We recommend resting for the first 24 hours following surgery.

Your vision may be hazy or blurry. This is typical as your eyes continue to heal. Your eyes may burn, tear, itch, be slightly red/swollen or feel like there is something in them (like an eyelash). You may experience sensitivity to light, glare, starbursts or halos around lights. Any of these symptoms should decrease considerably within the first several days up to 2 weeks following treatment.

Contact The Eye Center immediately if you develop any unusual or worsening symptoms at any point following treatment.

1 Week after Treatment

Exercise can be resumed with eye protection, but minimize sweat in your eyes and avoid touching eyes. Continue to avoid strenuous and contact sports, swimming, whirlpools and hot tubs.

Be careful playing with children and pets so eyes do not get bumped or hit.

You can discontinue wearing eye shields at night. Continue to keep eyes well lubricated.

Carefully begin using lotions, creams and eye makeup, unless the doctor advises differently.

Discuss any other questions regarding resuming regular activities with our doctors.

3 Weeks after Treatment

Strenuous and contact sports can be resumed with eye protection, including swimming.

Lawn mowing and other outdoor activities can be resumed. Continue to take great care with your eyes to protect them from anything that might get into them.

3-6 Months after Treatment

It may take 3-6 months for vision to stabilize. Vision may fluctuate day to day. This is typical as eyes continue to heal.

Contact us immediately if you develop any unusual symptoms, if you experience severe pain or the unlikely event of your vision begins to get worse instead of better.