Am I a Good Candidate? | How The Eye Sees | Patient Testimonials | Frequently Asked Questions | Pricing/Financing

You are a good candidate for laser vision correction if:
1. You are 21 years of age or older
2. There is no significant change in your eye prescription for at least one year
3. Your myopia is within acceptable parameters
4. You have a low to moderate degree of
hyperopia or astigmatism
5. You have no ocular diseases
6. You have no corneal scars or keratoconus
7. You are not pregnant or nursing
8. You are not taking Cordarone, Accutane, or Norplant

Ultimately, the ophthalmologist will determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, or if your eye-care needs would be better served by another ophthalmic procedure.

When light rays hit the eye they pass through the cornea (window of the eye) and are focused on one point, the retina. Refractive errors occur when the cornea is shaped irregularly and the light is not directed properly on the retina.

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the cornea is too steep and the light rays focus on a point before the retina. Near vision will be clearer than distance vision. Distance visions starts to fade in adolescent years, and is eventually lost in the early twenties.

Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when the cornea is too flat and the light rays focus on a point behind the retina. In this instance, distance vision is clearer than near vision. Mild hyperopia can be accommodated for without glasses, but higher degrees need glasses or contact lenses for correction

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not round like a basketball, but is shaped more like a football. As light rays pass through the cornea, they cannot focus on a single point. Some degree of myopia or hyperopia is also usually present with astigmatism, so both errors will need to be corrected.

“I had the LASIK surgery five months ago. After 30 years of wearing glasses and contact lenses, I went from not being able to identify someone 10 feet away to seeing like I did as a child. Dr. Grochmal was precise, professional, and reassuring. He answered all my questions and put me at ease during the entire experience, which I may add, is entirely painless. I could not be more pleased with my choice of LASIK surgery by Dr. Grochmal.”

– Robert J. Mellendick

“Dr. Grochmal is extremely professional and the office staff could not be more pleasant. I have referred several friends to Dr. Grochmal and will continue to do so. LASIK surgery has definitely improved my quality of life.”

– Lee Trice

“Dr. Grochmal’s experience and confidence level regarding the LASIK surgery quickly dispelled my initial apprehension. Having the surgery was one of the best things I’ve done for myself. My vision is excellent and not having to use glasses for routine tasks, such as driving or watching TV, has been great. Thank you to Dr. Grochmal and his staff!”

– Kevin Meyd

“I’ve been enjoying my 20/20 vision for two years now. Thanks to LASIK (monovision), Dr. Grochmal corrected one eye for close vision and one for distance vision – the best of both worlds. For the first time since I was six years old, I am able to read and see in the distance without glasses or contact lenses. It has been extremely helpful to me in my professional life as an associate professor in Health Education and a scuba diving instructor for my own business.”

– Ed Hoffman

Should I get both eyes done at once?
The decision to get both eyes corrected simultaneously or one at a time is a decision left up to you and your doctor. Most patients have both eyes done at the same time to cut down on the healing time. If you do have each eye done separately, you may experience headaches or disorientation from the contrasting refractions in each eye.

Is laser vision correction painful?
Patients will experience mild discomfort for the duration and three to four hours after the LASIK procedure. It feels like one has dirty contact lens in his eye. The irritation can be alleviated by artificial tears and/or Tylenol. Patients will experience more discomfort for about five days following a PRK treatment.

When can I drive and when can I get back to my daily routine?
Most people can return to work in one to two days, although some patients may take a few days off. You should not drive for 24 hours after the surgery.

Will I have 20/20 vision after the surgery?
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are no guarantees that your vision will be perfect. Results vary with each patient, but the majority of patients are very happy with their correction. Most people can discard their glasses or contacts entirely, and some people will only need their glasses for specific activities.

How long will the procedure take?
Laser vision correction will take a few minutes per eye. The procedure is quick and relatively painless.

Will the procedure have to be repeated?
Vision for most patients will be nearly perfect, but in rare cases, vision will still be impaired. In the event this condition occurs, a second treatment can be performed. The second procedure can be performed three months after the original treatment and will be included in the initial fee. As your eyes age, you might begin to experience presbyopia and have difficulty reading at close distances. Laser vision correction will not be effective in this instance.

What if I blink or move during the procedure?
Your eyelids will be held back during the procedure and you will not be able to blink. Most people have no problem holding still but, if you do move, the doctor can simply turn the laser off, reposition the eye, and resume the procedure when you are ready.

Is the doctor’s experience important?
The doctor’s experience with the procedure is extremely important. This is a procedure that cannot be reversed; you’ll want to make sure that your surgeon knows what they are doing in the rare event any complications arise. Our team is very experienced; one of the primary reasons many doctors refer their families and their patients to our office.

Is it normal to be nervous?
It’s perfectly normal to be nervous. This procedure will permanently change your eyes and the way you see. In order to alleviate any fear you may have, the procedure will be explained in detail to you, in terms that you understand. In some cases, a mild sedative can be administered, but this is usually not necessary.

We accept VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER, personal checks, or cash. We can also help you arrange financing through a bank or reputable medical finance company with reasonable rates and convenient payment plans.

Sample finance payment:

$3,000 – 24 months at $145 per month
36 months at $104 per month

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