What is Nearsightedness?
(myopia)

  Nearsightedness (myopia) is the the most common refractive condition - affecting one in four people in North America. If you are nearsighted, you cannot see things clearly in the distance (you can only see things near, hence 'nearsighted'). This condition occurs when the cornea, which is located on the front part of the eye, is too long or steeply curved. In some cases, the eyeball itself may be too long. Either way, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. The result is blurry distance vision.

What is farsightedness?
(hyperopia)

   If you're farsighted, you will most likely have difficulty focusing on near objects, and sometimes even, far objects. This occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea surface too flat. Due to the lack of corneal curve, light is focused behind the retina. This causes your near vision to be blurry and, in some cases, can affect your distance vision as well.

What is astigmatism?

  Astigmatism occurs when the front of the cornea is slightly oval (football shaped). Light will focus in two or more focal points causing blurry vision. Astigmatism is often present along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What is Presbyopia?

  People in their 40's will eventually hear about a condition called Presbyopia. Presbyopia is the thickening of the crystalline lenses inside the eye, which is part of the natural aging process. People who are presbyopic require reading glasses because the lens will no longer accommodate (change shape) for near vision. A nearsighted patient has near vision, but lacks distance vision without corrective lenses. Therefore, when you correct distance vision in a presbyopic patient who is nearsighted, he or she will still need glasses for reading. If the patient is not presbyopic, reading glasses are usually not necessary. Most patients prefer good distance vision without glasses or contact lenses and don't mind wearing glasses to read the small print. If you would prefer not having to rely on reading glasses, ask about monovision.

What is laser vision correction?
How can it improve my vision?

  Laser vision correction involves the use of an excimer laser. The excimer laser uses pulses of cool ultraviolet light to gently and precisely reshape the cornea. After the treatment, light will focus properly on the retina. The result is clearer vision.

What is LASIK?

  LASIK is a modification of laser vision correction. In LASIK, a thin flap is created which is then moved back so that a precision instrument, called the Excimer Laser, can quickly reshape the cornea. The flap is then repositioned into its natural shape. The cornea has extraordinary healing qualities, and a natural bonding takes place, alleviating the need for stitches. The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes. Actual laser time being less than 60 seconds in most cases. Many patients report immediate visual improvement with minimal recovery time. For more information on LASIK, see the PROCEDURES page.

Will I be able to see right away?

  You will have improved vision immediately following treatment. In fact, many patients return to work the next day. Your vision will continue to improve as your eye heals and adjust to its new shape.

Is this procedure permanent?
How long will the results last?

  Laser vision correction is designed to be a permanent procedure. Since 1987, physicians have been performing these procedures with amazing outcome. Studies to date show excellent visual stability with only a small percent of patients needing enhancement.

Are there any risks?

  All medical procedures carry potential risks. Laser vision correction, along with other refractive surgeries, was designed be safe and highly effective. To date, no cases of blindness have occurred in more than one million procedures perform worldwide. After nearly a decade of research, including extensive scrutiny from public health agencies & medical professionals alike, complications seriously affecting vision are reported at a rate of much less than 1%. Please remember, as with all medical procedures, there are risks involved with laser vision correction. You will have the opportunity to discuss these risks and possible complications during your comprehensive eye examination and/or preoperative consultation.

Results...Can you guarantee 20/20 vision?

  There are no guarantees in life! But keep in mind that since 1987, doctors have performed more than 1 million laser vision correction procedures. More than 80% of these patients have achieved 20/40 vision or better! That's good enough to obtain a driver's license without the need for corrective lenses.

Who can have laser vision correction?

  Laser vision correction is currently available in the U.S. to treat people who are nearsighted and/or have astigmatism. Treatment of farsightedness is also available. However, according to current FDA guidelines, patients that are farsighted should have no more than 1 diopter of astigmatism' to be considered a candidate. To learn more about these guidelines, feel free to contact our office and schedule a complimentary consultation.

What is monovision?

  Monovision is a procedure where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near. The brain accommodates for this in most cases, however, prior testing is a good idea. The doctor can fit you with a soft contact lens so you can try the monovision effect for several days. If you find this comfortable, and have no problem with reading, you would most likely benefit from the monovision procedure.

How much does laser vision correction cost?

  The cost of laser vision correction is quite reasonable when compared to the ongoing cost of glasses and contact lenses. The results are priceless! Please visit our payment options page for information and financing plans, or call our office toll free at 1-877-393-HOPP.

And finally...How can I find out if I'm a candidate for laser vision correction?

  Please call our office at (310) 275-7848 or TOLL FREE at (877) 393-HOPP to schedule your complimentary consultation. Or contact us via the internet.