Frequently asked questions

The cornea is responsible for most of the refractive focusing power of the eye. Laser vision correction tries to change the curvature of the cornea, thus changing its focusing power. Read more about laser vision correction procedures.

You and your refractive surgeon will work together to determine the most appropriate procedure. An important factor is your current amount of refractive error. Each procedure attempts to correct a specific range of error. At Park Nicollet, we strive to give you as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

Although laser vision correction may reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it is unrealistic to expect a perfect result. Vision results vary based on your age and eyeglass prescription. Talk with your refractive surgeon for visual results specific to your eyes.

Side effects and the healing process vary from procedure to procedure. Side effects that may occur include:

• under or over-correction of vision
• glare or halos (starburst-like images around lights)
• alteration of depth perception
• image sizes may appear different
• reduction in night vision
• reduction in visual clarity
• corneal infection or ulceration
• corneal scarring
• cataract formation
• dry eyes

We have been providing laser vision correction services since 1992.

Some patients need glasses for driving after surgery. Most patients older than 40 will, at some point, need reading glasses. This will be discussed in detail at your consultation appointment.

You may be a candidate if your eye prescription is stable and your diabetes is under control. You still will have to undergo an examination by one of our surgeons to determine if you will be able to have surgery.

Yes, our equipment is FDA-approved. For more information, visit the Food and Drug Administration’s LASIK surgery Web site.

We schedule a follow-up visit for one day after your procedure, then one to three weeks after your surgery. Follow-up appointments are then at three months, six months, nine months and one year after surgery. All postoperative examinations can be scheduled with your surgeon.

Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for laser vision correction. Many people use medical reimbursement accounts (flexible spending accounts or cafeteria plans) to help pay for these procedures. We also offer financing options.

New vision treatments always are on the horizon. For example, implantable contact lenses are a promising treatment for those whose prescription is out of range for standard refractive treatments.

If you are not a candidate at this point, we can explain your vision correction options, such as contact lenses and corneal refractive surgery (CRT).