What is PRK?
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness (myopia). An excimer laser beam is used to flatten the front of the cornea. The laser beam isused to flatten the front of the cornea. The laser beam removes small amounts of tissue from the front of the cornea. This differs from RK, which uses a knife, to make radial incisions around the center of the cornea.

What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness (myopia) is when the curvature of the cornea is too steep, and the focus of the rays of light that enter the eye fall short of the retina. As a result a blurred image is produced.

What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism can exist alone or in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness. With this condition the eye is oval-shaped like a football instead of round, causing distortion when the eye tries to focus.

What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) ocurs when the eye is too short for the cornea's curvature. Light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, and as a result a blurred image is produced.

How much does LASIK cost?
Presently, the procedure costs about $1,500 per eye. If your company offers a FLEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses incurred) plan, this is an excellent way to lower the cost.

Is LASIK covered by insurance?
Generally it is NOT covered by insurance, but you need to check with your individual company.

Are there financing options?
Yes. Your surgeon has a finance plan available that allows affordable payments.  You may also want to check out Care Credit patient payment program. 

Does LASIK hurt?
No, the actual LASIK procedure does not hurt. Some patients do experience discomfort during the first few hours after surgery. Over the counter pain relief will usually suffice.

What are the side effects?
As with any treatment operation, there are risks, even though they are rare. The risks and benefits will be thoroughly explained to you by a professional staff member during your screening appointment.

How long will I be off work?
You can have the procedure and be back to your normal day-to-day activities very quickly. Most people return to work within two days. These options will be discussed with you during your screening appointment.

What exactly is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye's natural lens, which lies between the front and back areas of the eye.

Are cataracts found only in older people?
About half of the population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 as at least one. But in rare cases, infants can have congenital cataracts. These are usually related to the mother having German measles, chickenpox, or another infectious disease during pregnancy, but sometimes they are inherited.

My doctor says I have a cataract, but he wants to wait a while before removing it; why?
Cataracts usually start as very small and practically unnoticeable but grow gradually larger and cloudier. Your doctor is probably waiting until the cataract interferes significantly with your vision and your lifestyle. You need to continue to visit your eye doctor regularly so the cataract's progress is monitored. Some cataracts never really reach the stage where they should be removed. If your cataract is interfering with your vision to the point where it is unsafe to drive, or doing everday tasks is difficult, then it's time to discuss surgery with your doctor.

Is cataract surgery serious?
All surgery involves some risk, so yes, it is serious. However, cataract surgery is the most commonly performed type of surgery in the United States. Many cataract surgeons have several thousand procedures under their belt. Choosing a surgeon with this much experience will reduce the risk of something going wrong.

How are cataracts removed?
A small incision is made into the eye. The surgeon wil either remove the lens as is, or use ultrasound, a laser or surgical solution to break it up, and then remove it. The back membrane of the lens (called the posterior capsule) is left in place. Usually, a replacement lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL) is inserted.

Occasionally, a doctor will perform intracapsular extraction: this is when both the lens and the membrane are removed, to ensure that the membrane itself won't eventually grow cloudy and interfere with vision. When the membrane becomes cloudy, or if any bits of remaining natural lens become cloudy, this is called a secondary cataract. The problem with intracapsular extraction is that the membrane is no longer there to receive a replacement lens.

I've heard that lasers are sometimes involved?
YAG lasers are used in a later procedure to create a clear opening in the lens-containing membrane, if the membrane becomes cloudy in the months following the original cataract removal. Also, some doctors use a laser to break up the cloudy lens before removing it.

My father had cataract surgery a few years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses afterward. Is this still necessary?
Nowadays, cataract patients who have intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may need reading glasses for close vision, but that's about it. People who don't receive IOLs wear contact lenses for distance vision, with reading glasses for close up. Or, they may wear multifocal contact lenses for all distances. Rarely does anyone have to wear thick eyeglasses now.

How much does cataract surgery cost?
It varies from one doctor to the next; it also depends on the eyewear that is prescribed. Most health insurance plans will cover cataract surgery.

What are the possible side effects?
As with any surgery, pain, infection, swelling, and bleeding are possible, but very few patients experience serious problems. Your surgeon may prescribe medications for these effects.

Retinal detatchment also occurs in a few people. Be on the lookout for excessive pain, vision loss, or nausea, and report these symptoms to your eye surgeon immediately.

Cataract Questions/Answers from www.AllAboutVision.com