Correcting Your Vision

At the Kansas City Eye Clinic, Dr. Michael E. Hettinger is a board-certified ophthalmologist trained in corneal and refractive disorders. He has performed several thousand refractive procedures.

Frequently asked questions and answers about Laser Vision Correction: 

Q: WHAT ARE REFRACTIVE DISORDERS?

A:  These are conditions which require glasses or contacts to see clearly because the cornea of you eye is shaped differently than an eye without a refractive disorder. In nearsighted patients, the cornea is too steep for the length of the eye, which usually makes it difficult to see up close. Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea and produces blurring and glare.

Q: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR BETTER VISION?

A: Refractive problems that result in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be treated with a laser procedure. LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomuleusis) is an excimer laser procedure used to correct refractive problems. The excimer laser is a "cold" laser used to reshape the cornea by removing tissue in microscopic layers. In the LASIK procedure, a surgical instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. After the flap is lifted, the laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue beneath the flap and the flap is placed back into its original position. It will heal without sutures. There are other surgical procedures that may provide you with better vision. Dr. Hettinger will recommend the most appropriate procedure for you.

Q: WHY DO MOST PATIENTS CHOOSE LASIK?

A: The LASIK procedure has several benefits for patients. With the use of a corneal flap, the laser is applied directly below the surface of the eye, which can result in less scarring, less risk of discomfort after surgery, and a shorter visual recovery time than other procedures.

Q: CAN MY EYES BE CORRECTED IF I ALSO WEAR GLASSES OR BIFOCALS?

A: Presbyopia, the inability to see up close, is a natural part of the aging process and can be corrected with reading glasses or bifocals. If you are near or over 40 years of age, you probably need some correction to see up close. After successful refractive surgery, presbyopic patients will still need reading glasses. However, an option to reading glasses is to have you eyes corrected to monovision. Using the LASIK procedure, your eyes can be corrected to allow one eye its best vision at close range.

Q: WHAT IS LASER VISION CORRECTION?

A: Laser Vision Correction is a precise method of reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves the use of the excimer laser to improve the eye’s ability to focus. As a result of removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea with the computerized laser, the shape of the cornea, or external layer of the eye, is changed to the desired amount allowing the eye to focus properly.

Q: WHAT ARE NEARSIGHTEDNESS, FARSIGHTEDNESS, AND ASTIGMATISM?

A: Nearsightedness occurs when the curve at the front portion of the eye, known as the cornea, is too steep for the length of the eye, resulting in blurred images in the distance. Farsightedness occurs when the curve at the front portion of the eye, or cornea, is too flat for the length of the eye, resulting in blurred images at close up. Astigmatism is the result of an irregular curvature of the cornea. In a normal eye, the cornea, and the lens of the eye focus light to form an image on the back surface of the eye, known as the retina.

Q: AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION?

A: Candidates for Laser Vision Correction should be 18 years or older with stable vision, healthy eyes, and a refractive vision problem within the range of effective treatment. You will need a comprehensive examination (which we provide at no charge) to help you and your doctor decide which procedure is right for you.

Q: IS LASER VISION CORRECTION EXPERIMENTAL?

A: No, Laser Vision Correction has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The VISX Star excimer laser used to perform LASER VISION CORRECTION has proven to be safe and effective for the correction of mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. About one million cases have been performed worldwide.

Q: WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION?

A: More than 96% of Laser Vision Correction treatments have resulted in at least 20/40 vision without correction in national clinical trials. This means that those patients no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass a driving test or to perform most everyday functions. Results from the studies reviewed by the FDA to approve VISX’s application for treating nearsightedness indicated that all patients experienced a significant improvement in uncorrected or normal vision after PRK; treatments with the VISX excimer laser resulted in improved normal vision, or vision without eyeglasses. 88% achieved 20/20 vision without correction.

Q: HOW SAFE IS LASER VISION CORRECTION?

A: Patients who participated in the initial clinical trials in the United States have been followed for up to five years now, and no sight threatening complications have occurred. Over 10 years experience has been documented internationally.

Q: HOW IS LASER VISION CORRECTION DIFFERENT FROM RK?

A: Both RK and LASER VISION CORRECTION treat nearsightedness by flattening the cornea and allowing the eye to focus images properly on the retina. However, RK is a surgical technique that involves 4 or more incisions in the cornea at a depth from 90 to 99% to be effective. Also, RK cannot correct farsightedness. Laser Vision Correction on the other hand is a MINIMALLY-INVASIVE laser treatment involving less than 10% of the cornea, using a computerized excimer laser to gently remove a thin layer of tissue. LASER VISION CORRECTION can treat hyperopia and astigmatism; the VISX Star is the only excimer laser system currently approved to treat all three types of refractive vision disorders: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Q: HOW SOON CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER LASER VISION CORRECTION?

A: Most patients go back to work and resume virtually all of their daily activities 2-3 days following Laser Vision Correction.

Q: WHAT ABOUT PAIN? DOES LASER VISION CORRECTION HURT?

A: NO. The anesthetic eye drops make LVC absolutely painless. You may experience a gritty sensation in your eyes as well as some slight discomfort after Laser Vision Correction. Over-the-counter Tylenol or equivalent may be used as needed.

Q: HOW SOON AFTER LASER VISION CORRECTION WILL I SEE WELL?

A: You should notice an immediate improvement; visual recovery varies for each person, but it is usually stable within three months. The speed at which your vision improves is due to the LASER VISION CORRECTION procedure, individual rates of healing and degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Q: IS LASER VISION CORRECTION AFFORDABLE FOR ME?

A: Laser Vision Correction is an elective procedure, which is paid for by the patient. However, the affordability of LASER VISION CORRECTION has never been greater. First, consider the cost of replacing your eyeglass frames and lenses or the repetitive costs of disposable contact lenses. With Laser Vision Correction, you can receive the greatest value: Clear vision without glasses or contact lenses! Financial plans are also available, converting the cost of Laser Vision Correction into convenient, affordable monthly payments. Contact our Refractive Coordinator to learn more.

Q: WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

A: Your next step is to learn about your vision correction needs. Call us today to attend a free seminar or book a free one-on-one consultation. At the Kansas City Eye Clinic, we are committed to helping you make an informed decision about Laser Vision Correction.

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