Laser Vision FAQs

Yes, LASIK is extremely safe, especially when performed by experienced, trained professionals such as the doctors at Vold Vision. LASIK is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the U.S. About 700,000 successful LASIK surgeries are performed each year with a complication rate of less than 1%.

Because the cornea is numbed or anesthetized with a topical drop, patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience a gritty, scratchy sensation and sensitivity to light for

– LASIK/SMILE: 24-28 hours (light sensitivity may continue for some patients for 4-6 weeks)

We ask everyone to go home and take a nap immediately after his or her procedure. For any discomfort that remains after your nap, Advil or Tylenol is usually sufficient.

– LASEK: 3-4 few days (light sensitivity may continue for some patients for 4-6 weeks)

Each patient experiences an individual pace of recovery, so be sure to ask during your consultation for clear expectations. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and have functional vision the very next day. For women, eye makeup cannot be worn for one week and they should purchase new mascara. Swimming or contact sports such as basketball or racquetball should be delayed for two weeks.

- LASIK: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. Full visual results are typically reached in 1 to 7 days and continue to improve in two weeks.

- SMILE: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. Full visual results are typically reached within 4 – 8 weeks and can continue to improve past 6 months.

– LASEK: Full visual results are typically reached within 1 to 3 months, and can continue to improve past 6 months. Most patients can resume most normal activities such as driving and working within 4-5 days. There are rare cases where some patients experience a delayed recovery and do not feel comfortable driving or working for a longer period of time (in extreme cases up to 2-3 weeks). Please be aware when planning your procedure.

Certain prescriptions such as farsighted or high astigmatism usually experience a prolonged recovery.

As with any surgery, laser vision correction involves a degree of risk. Dr. Vold gives patients the information regarding those risks and answers any questions that they may have. Results of clinical studies indicate that the chances of having a vision-reducing complication are less than 1 percent. Recent studies have suggested that Laser Vision Correction is safer than wearing contact lenses.

If you are over 21 with healthy eyes, have a stable prescription and are not pregnant or breastfeeding, you are probably a great candidate for Laser Vision Correction. Our laser corrects the highest prescription range in the region as well as astigmatism, so even if you were told that you were not a candidate in the past or at another center, you may be able to have Laser Vision Correction at Vold Vision.

Patients who have undergone Advanced Laser Vision Correction at Vold Vision typically no longer need glasses for their daily activities. However, if you’re over 40 and did not elect for a MonoVision procedure, in most cases you will need reading glasses because presbyopia, the natural aging process of the eye. Clear Lens Exchange may be a better procedure alternative for patients over 40 who wish to also say good-bye to reading glasses.

Laser Vision Correction corrects your current prescription, so it should be expected to last until there is a vision change – such as a cataract or the natural aging process of the eye (this condition, presbyopia, typically occurs in your mid-40s) when you may need reading glasses. There are other forms of correction that can be offered at that time such as Clear Lens Exchange or Premium Cataract Surgery to correct this and achieve clear vision for near, intermediate and far vision. You do not typically need Laser Vision Correction a second time – however, should you need a ‘touch-up’ or enhancement due to any over or under-healing it is complimentary the first year after your procedure. This is almost never necessary and typically occurs if a patient has not followed their post op instructions or taken their drops diligently.

LASIK: A flap is made on the surface of your eye, a second laser reshapes your cornea.

SMILE: A small laser opening is made on the surface of your eye, a thin layer just below your eye’s surface is removed.

LASEK: The epithelium is removed, a second laser reshapes your cornea and the cells of your eye are re-generated.

For your initial consultation, you do not need to be out of contacts in advance. You should quit wearing your contacts for 7-10 days (for soft contact lenses and longer for hard lenses unless the doctor instructs you otherwise) before the pre-op and procedure (typically the same day).

During the procedure, a device will gently hold your eyelids open, which will prevent you from blinking. In addition, the laser we use involves advanced eye-tracking technology. Every laser pulse is completely controlled from its generation to the point when it contacts the cornea with utmost precision. To further enhance the safety and precision of your treatment, we use an advanced high-speed eye tracker to follow the eye’s fastest movements.

Of course! We will be happy to prepare any correspondence necessary for your place of employment.

Vold Vision has special payment plans that make it affordable for almost everyone – starting at $99/mo*! Many patients use their FSA plan at work to enjoy pre-taxed deductions taken out of their check all year long. Laser Vision Correction is $4,495-4,895 total and includes BOTH eyes and all your appointments for 1 year. Ask about insurance or corporate discounts.

*Offered by a 3^rd party, based on approved credit and $4,000 purchase amount.

Typically, no. There are certain plans that will contribute 5 – 20% towards the total cost, so ask us about your insurance plan.

Should you need an Enhancement (see above) it is complimentary during first 12 months and offered at a discounted rate schedule after that.