FAQs
We have compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on cataract surgery, LASIK and hearing services commonly heard from patients at our practice.
If you do not find the answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us during business hours and we will answer you as soon as possible.
LASIK FAQs
LASIK (Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis) has become the procedure of choice among refractive surgeons around the world. This laser vision correction procedure, available at Ocala Eye in Florida, combines two proven techniques – Excimer laser photoablation and keratomileusis – for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (non-symmetrical curvature of the eye). Keratomileusis, or cutting of the cornea, has been performed for almost 40 years. It involves peeling a thin flap from the surface of the eye using only numbing eye drops. The Excimer laser is then used to reshape the eye under the protection of this flap. The flap is then returned to its place where it heals without the need for any sutures. This results in relatively rapid and painless correction of vision allowing both eyes to be corrected on the same day.
Ocala Eye is the only practice in North Central Florida (within a 15 county area) that offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care. We have fellowship-trained specialists in all major areas of the eye. In keeping with this comprehensive philosophy, our refractive surgeons offer all currently available refractive surgical procedures, although we recommend CustomVue™ LASIK for most of our laser vision correction patients. Our surgeons were the first in North Central Florida to perform LASIK, and our surgery center is the only one in the area that is VISX-certified.
A good candidate for LASIK must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a stable prescription for at least a year
- Have no pre-existing eye diseases
- Not have certain medical conditions
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Have realistic expectations about laser vision correction (see below)
The range of correction possible with LASIK is: Myopia from -1.00 to -10.00 diopters, Astigmatism of up to 5.00 diopters, Hyperopia up to +4.00 diopters. Your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK and advise you of your options.
Yes, the extremely low complication rate has been a primary reason for the popularity of LASIK worldwide. The risk of a serious problem resulting in any loss of vision is about 0.01 percent. More common but less serious problems include under or over corrections, flap-related problems, infection, dry eyes, and night vision problems. There have been no cases of blindness or loss of the eye with LASIK in the United States. In fact, the majority of refractive surgeons surveyed reported that they have had laser vision correction themselves and more than ninety percent of them would recommend it to their family members and friends.
There is minimal discomfort with LASIK. Some patients even report absolutely no discomfort during the laser vision correction procedure. At Ocala Eye, topical anesthetic (numbing) eye drops are used prior to the procedure. As the microkeratome is applied to the surface of the eye, some patients may experience a pressure sensation. The cutting of the flap itself is painless, as is the laser treatment. After laser vision correction, some patients may experience a foreign body sensation, like an eyelash in the eye, for several hours. For PRK patients, this irritation may persist for up to several days along with light sensitivity until the surface heals.
The preferred procedure for our patients is LASIK using CustomVue™ Wavefront™ technology. Wavefront Technology was first developed to correct imperfections in the mirrors of telescopes – this is how the Hubble Telescope was repaired. This technology was then brought to laser vision correction and allows the Excimer laser not only to correct your prescription but also any imperfections in the optics of your eye which contribute to problems with night vision. Although millions of patients have had LASIK prior to Wavefront Technology, this is now the state-of-the-art for LASIK today. Not everyone is a candidate but this can be determined during the screening process. Patients who previously had standard LASIK but were under-corrected could potentially have a retreatment or enhancement performed with CustomVue™ Wavefront™ LASIK.
Most patients are opting to have LASIK performed on both eyes on the same day, although this is an individual choice. Advantages include convenience, decreased time lost from work, and easier visual recovery because there is no imbalance between the two eyes when they are both corrected. Disadvantages include safety concerns (for instance, in the rare event of infection, both eyes may be affected) and accuracy concerns (if an overcorrection occurs in one eye, it is likely to occur in the other). An ophthalmologist at our laser vision correction offices in Ocala, Florida can further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having LASIK performed on both eyes during one visit.
After laser vision correction is performed, patients are sent home with a sleeping pill and are asked to rest with the eyes closed as much as possible until the follow-up visit the next day. Patients with lower amounts of myopia may have vision good enough to drive the next day but should be cautious. Patients who have higher degrees of myopia may actually be overcorrected initially and may experience somewhat blurry vision. This usually lasts for days to weeks depending on the amount of correction. Prescription eye drops will be used for four days following the surgery at which time the patient will be seen again. Barring any difficulties, the follow-up visits will be at one, three, six, and 12 months, except in cases where an enhancement is anticipated.
At Ocala Eye, we currently use the VISX S4™ Excimer Laser with pupil tracking. This laser uses Fourier Wavefront™ analysis and treatment, the most sophisticated Wavefront™ algorithm available in the U.S. today. The laser is kept in a dedicated laser suite with computerized climate control, constantly monitoring temperature and humidity to ensure the highest possible accuracy in our treatments.
Patients should have realistic expectations prior to any refractive surgical procedures. The goal of these procedures is to decrease one’s dependence on corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses). The vast majority of our patients (approximately 98 percent) will see 20/40 or better after LASIK, but there is no guarantee of the outcome. In addition to the many variables related to the surgery itself, every eye heals differently. If the vision is not satisfactory after the initial treatment and there is a residual refractive error, this can usually be corrected with a retreatment (enhancement).
It is also important to know that the correction of distance vision is independent of near or reading vision. The inability to read without glasses (presbyopia) normally occurs after the age of 40 and this is not corrected by refractive surgery. In addition, the correction of the distance vision in many patients over age 40 may result in the need for reading glasses at an earlier age. Some patients opt for undercorrection of their non-dominant eye so that it can still read at near as they get older – this is known as monovision.
The cost of the procedure is reasonable if one considers the costs associated with glasses or contact lenses over one’s lifetime. Although many patients pay the costs up front, financing options are available. We will be more than happy to discuss financing and other payment options for laser vision correction.
We are pleased to offer vision procedure financing, including interest-free plans, through Chase Health Advance. Click here for more information.
PRK (photo-refractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure which predates LASIK. It corrects the vision by reshaping the cornea in essentially the same way that LASIK does but without first creating a flap of tissue. In PRK, on the other hand, the Excimer laser correction is applied directly to the surface after gently debriding the outer layer known the epithelium. Since there is no protective flap, a bandage contact lens is placed on the cornea until it is healed, usually within four to seven days. For this reason, it takes a bit longer for the vision to clear and for the irritation to resolve. PRK is used when patients are not candidates for LASIK and include patients who have dry eyes, thin corneas, irregularity of the surface layers, or occupational reasons (martial artists, corrections officers, certain law enforcement or military). Your surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for LASIK or PRK and advise you accordingly.
In most cases, yes! Check with your employer or plan provider to verify the details of your plan, but this is a great way to pay for LASIK using your pre-tax income.
Visit our Ocala LASIK Facebook page or call us at (352) 622-5183 to request a patient information guide or speak with one of our refractive coordinators. If you are a potential candidate and would like to proceed, we will have you come in for a free screening and complete examination with one of our LASIK surgeons.. This evaluation will include dilation of the eyes, measurement of the cornea, and a review of medical history to check for pre-existing diseases. It is imperative to discontinue the use of contact lenses (at least seven days for soft lenses, two weeks for toric lenses and three weeks for rigid gas permeable lenses) prior to the evaluation in order for the cornea to return to its natural shape. After your visit, you may continue using the contact lenses again, but will be asked to remove them at least several days before the laser vision correction surgery.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
A cataract is a clouding or discoloration of the natural lens.
No, the cataract has to be visually significant before cataract surgery. The longer the cataract is in the eye, the harder it is to remove.
Generally cataract surgery does not hurt. Cataract surgery is performed at our Ocala, Florida offices with a local anesthetic therefore you shouldn’t feel anything. Occasionally, you might feel some slight discomfort. If you should experience any discomfort, please make your doctor aware.
No, cataracts are removed with rapid frequency sound waves called ultrasound. A laser, however, is used in other areas of treatment for the eye.
All doctors, including ours at Ocala Eye, prefer to do cataract surgery one eye at a time.
The surgical procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes, but cataract surgery patients can expect to be at our Ocala, Florida surgery center approximately two to four hours for the preparation and recovery period.
Yes, a intraocular lens (IOL) implant is used to replace the human lens. This prevents the patient from wearing thick glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.
No. Once implants have been placed in the eye and they have healed in place, they are very difficult to remove. Crystalens®, ReSTOR®, and other newer types of implants are best suited for people who have never had cataract surgery before.
In many cases we perform no-stitch cataract surgery at Ocala Eye. If the doctor feels it is beneficial to the patient, the doctor may use a suture, though usually just one. This suture, if needed, is buried and slowly absorbable, so our patients are unaware that it is there.
The cataract will not grow back, but at a later time the tissue behind the lens implant may become clouded. This condition is known as capsular fibrosis and it can be painlessly treated with a laser.
The lens implant will last for the rest of your life.
In most cases you will require glasses after cataract surgery, especially for reading. You may require a very thin lens to see distant objects along with normal reading glasses.
You will receive a new pair of glasses usually six weeks after cataract surgery. This will give the eye time to heal, giving you the best possible vision after surgery.
Your ability to return to work usually depends on your occupation. Most people can return to work the day after cataract surgery once a doctor has given his approval.
Each patient’s case is evaluated on an individual basis, though generally patients can drive 24 hours after cataract surgery. Please ask your doctor at Ocala Eye in Florida for more information.
You can wash your hair right after cataract surgery, but do not let the water run directly into the eyes.
You will usually be able to engage in physical activity the day after cataract surgery. You should consult your Ocala Eye doctor for more information on your individual case.
You may swim two weeks after cataract surgery.
You should avoid wearing eye make-up for at least one week after cataract surgery.
Hearing FAQs
Today, over 30 million senior Americans (over age 60) and perhaps an equal number of Baby-Boomers suffer from hearing loss. Of those people, over 80% are undiagnosed and untreated. Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health care problems facing older adults today. Recent studies have shown that up to 50% of the Baby Boomer population is experiencing significant hearing loss as much as 20 years earlier in life than previous generations.
Unfortunately, statistics suggest fewer than 15 percent of family doctors address hearing loss and virtually none of them have testing facilities or treatment options available in their offices. Because most hearing loss tends to be gradual over time, the symptoms may go unnoticed during a typical doctor visit. To be sure, you should schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with Ocala Eye’s Board-Certified licensed hearing specialist Kate Maen.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in crowded places
- Ringing or other noises in your ears
- Others telling you that you don’t seem to hear them
- Others complaining that you watch TV with the volume too high
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- It seems like people are mumbling in everyday conversations
- Difficulty understanding women or young children’s voices
- Trouble knowing where sounds are coming from
Most other testing centers will perform some variation of standard air bone and speech testing. Ocala Eye performs the most comprehensive examination available. Utilizing the latest state-of-the-art technology we systematically perform a series of tests designed to predict the body’s neurological and mechanical abilities to detect and amplify sound as well as determining abilities to interpret speech. Testing is performed in a comfortable surrounding and requires about 45 minutes.
Our patient-friendly testing equipment will generate a thorough and detailed report which will be interpreted by our staff hearing specialist. Your questions will be answered and appropriate recommendations made. At the conclusion of the exam you will have a precise understanding of your hearing capabilities.
Untreated hearing loss is more noticeable than you might think. It has been shown to dramatically impact quality of life. When you can’t hear and consistently misunderstand conversations, the changes in your behavior may be far more noticeable than wearing hearing aids. Many people with hearing loss discontinue social activities resulting in isolation and depression.
Our experienced Ocala Eye hearing instrument specialist will select and apply the best hearing aid style and fit based on your lifestyle needs and hearing loss.
Absolutely. At Ocala Eye, we have a 30-day trial period. If you are dissatisfied with your hearing aid, you can return it within the 30-day period and receive a refund or exchange for a different style.
No. Ocala Eye offers a full line of hearing aids with many different features and benefits depending on your needs. Only an experienced professional is attuned to these differences and can best prescribe a suitable solution for you.
Our hearing aids are competitively priced and available all price ranges. We avoid promotional pricing, discontinued devices and misleading advertisements which can make the process of selecting a hearing aid confusing. Ocala Eye also provides patient financing for hearing aids including no-interest and extended payment plans.
While the comprehensive hearing evaluation is typically covered by Medicare and insurance, the hearing aid is not covered by Medicare and only rarely covered by insurance.
Yes! Hearing aids are a medical device and as such are tax deductible, however, we advise you consult your tax advisor to keep abreast of new changes to the tax law.
Because you have two ears, you naturally hear in stereo. Most patients will be prescribed two hearing aids because most hearing loss occurs symmetrically in both ears.
This is called feedback. Air escaping from the sides of a hearing aid is picked up by the microphone and “feedback” creates a whistling sound. The newest and most sophisticated hearing aid technology allows us to eliminate feedback altogether for most patients.
Today’s hearing aids use directional microphones and advanced programming to detect human speech and distinguish it from all other unwanted noise.
At Ocala Eye, 85% of first time users choose virtually invisible and exceptionally comfortable hearing aids which are ready to wear and can be fit on the same day as the hearing evaluation. People who have been wearing older style hearing aids are delighted when they try our new smaller, lighter hearing and experience their unparalleled clarity of sound.