At Pepose Vision Institute, we know that the best LASIK patient is an informed LASIK patient. We encourage you to carefully review the information provided about laser vision correction procedures. Please understand that it is your PVI SURGEON who is ultimately responsible for deciding which if any of these procedures is right for you. We will not settle for anything less than delivering the very best vision outcome possible for your unique vision needs.
We look forward to answering any additional questions you may have at a personal consultation or during your pre-operative exam.
"To all of you considering LASIK surgery, if you're reading this, you came to the right place. Dr. Pepose is amazing!" -- Janine and Steve Mroz
1. Can you explain why I am nearsighted? Farsighted? Have astigmatism? Nearsightedness or Myopia occurs when light rays entering the eye are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it, as in the normal eye. This is due to the eye being too long or the cornea having a curvature that is too steep. For people with myopia, distant objects appear blurry and indistinct.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia) occurs when light rays entering the eye are focused behind the retina instead of directly on it, as in the normal eye. Farsightedness is generally present in childhood, but often does not become apparent until an individual is in their late thirties, when they can no longer use muscles inside their eye to overcome it. Patients with hyperopia typically have difficulty seeing things clearly in the distance or close up.
Astigmatism occurs when the curvature of the cornea is not uniform. Instead of being spherical like a baseball, the cornea is shaped more like a football. This makes it difficult to focus clearly on an object, causing a doubling or ghosting effect, thereby compromising both distance and close vision.
Presbyopia manifests itself in normal sighted eyes as difficulty with reading, requiring a pair of reading glasses. It typically becomes apparent between the ages of 40-45. This condition results from the lens inside the eye losing its elasticity and therefore its ability to change shape to focus on near objects. In hyperopic or farsighted eyes, presbyopia presents as difficulty with reading or other near vision activities, typically resulting in the use of bifocal glasses. In the myopic eye, it manifests as difficulty with reading, requiring the need for a reading or bifocal correction; in some instances, removing one's distance glasses improves reading ability.
Pepose Vision Institute is pleased to have the surgical skill and technology to respond to all three of these vision-reducing conditions, through laser vision correction and multifocal lens implants.
Back to top.2. Exactly how does laser vision correction eliminate my vision problem?Nearsighted treatments share a common goal -- to flatten the center of the cornea in order to reduce or eliminate myopia. In contrast, procedures to correct farsightedness steepen the central cornea. Finally, treatment for astigmatism changes the contour of the cornea from football shaped to basketball shaped. Astigmatism treatment can be performed alone (if it is the only problem) or at the same time as treatment for nearsightedness or farsightedness. Using a cool-beam excimer laser, we are able to reshape the cornea to resolve these vision problems.
Back to top.3. I've heard that different kinds of procedures are available to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. What are the differences between LASIK, Flapless LASIK, Custom (Wavefront) LASIK, and Multifocal IOLs? LASIK is the procedure of choice both nationwide and internationally, for the treatment of mild to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Pepose Vision Institute was the first to perform LASIK in the bi-state region and remains the most experienced provider in the area. PVI was also the first to introduce Custom (wavefront) LASIK, the treatment of choice for patients with irregular corneas; and Flapless LASIK (LASEK), which is used when patients are not good LASIK candidates. Finally, Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implants, the latest FDA-approved non-laser technology for correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness, is specifically targeted for cataract patients requiring a lens extraction (for more information about cataract diagnosis and treatment,
click here). All of these procedures are designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism at the same time.
LASIK requires that a thin corneal flap be created, which acts as a natural bandage to promote healing. Once the flap is created, a pulsating, cool-beam laser is applied beneath the flap to gently reshape the cornea. The flap is then refloated to its original position and within a short time re-adheres to the cornea and is extremely difficult to disturb. LASIK offers rapid visual recovery and minimal postoperative pain. Most patients opt to have both eyes treated together, and even drive to their follow-up exam the very next day. The only difference between LASIK for nearsightedness and LASIK for farsightedness is the way in which the laser's beam is used to remove tissue from the cornea. During Hyperopic LASIK, the laser removes tissue from the periphery of the cornea, instead of from its center. This flattens the outer area and causes the center of the cornea to steepen, thereby reducing the patient's farsightedness.
At PVI, we use a wavefront analyzer to examine every patient's cornea, resulting in literally thousands of data points that your surgeon can use to improve your treatment plan. This is particularly important when a patient has significant corneal aberrations. These tiny aberrations cause some patients to complain that the letters on an eye chart appear "ghostly", that headlights at night have "tails" on them, and that streetlights have "halos," problems that are not easily corrected by contact lenses or glasses. Wavefront-Guided LASIK is clinically relevant for a small subset of patients who have large amounts of specific forms of wavefront aberration pre-operatively, sometimes associated with a larger pupil size, and who are not good candidates for standard LASIK surgery. Wavefront measurements are used in the programming of the laser to offset the eye's higher order wave aberrations, as it corrects for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This treatment is often referred to as Custom LASIK, because it actually customizes your laser treatment to the unique topography of your cornea.
FLAPLESS LASIK (LASEK) does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the outer skin of the cornea, called the epithelium, is treated with alcohol. This causes the outer skin to gel and adhere together. Using a special set of instruments, the outer corneal skin is delicately slid back as an intact sheet. The entire thickness of the underlying cornea is available for laser reshaping. The epithelial sheet is then gently floated back into its original position and a band-aid type contact lens is placed for 4 days of continuous wear. This allows the outer skin to quickly and completely heal. Flapless LASIK is ideal for individuals with thin corneas, deepset eyes, and those who are concerned about the creation of a flap. While flapless LASIK is associated with increased post-operative discomfort and a delay in achieving the full vision benefit of surgery, clinical studies have demonstrated that at 6 months post-op, patients who underwent LASIK and LASEK had the same improvements in vision. Because of its minimal discomfort and rapid visual recovery, LASIK remains the clinically preferred treatment for most patients.
Each and every vision correction procedure requires that a surgeon perform microsurgery on your cornea, using the laser and other instruments as tools to achieve your vision outcome. Each stage of the procedure requires surgeon input, whether it is to choose the appropriate laser, pre-program it for your precise vision treatment plan, create a corneal flap or epithelial sheet, or monitor the eye to avoid post-operative complications. Because all of these vision correction procedures are forms of corneal surgery, choosing a surgeon who is subspecialty trained in cornea will ensure the very best vision outcomes possible. At Pepose Vision Institute, your surgeon is cornea subspecialty trained and at the forefront of vision correction technologies and procedures.
Back to top.4. Which laser vision correction treatments are FDA-approved? The FDA has approved laser vision correction performed using both the VISX Star S4 Scanning Laser and the Bausch&Lomb Technolaus 217 Flying Spot Laser, PVI's lasers of choice. These approvals are based on clinical data generated by the leading cornea subspecialist surgeons in the United States, including Dr. Jay Pepose. In fact, Dr. Pepose was one of the first eight investigators to participate in clinical trials of the excimer laser over 10 years ago. These lasers have been used worldwide for decades, and have been found to have the highest level of performance in terms of vision outcomes and long-term stability of result.
While the FDA has approved these lasers in terms of safety and efficacy, it does not guarantee that all surgeons using this technology will achieve the same vision outcomes. Pepose Vision Institute has tracked its vision outcomes since inception; these outcomes have been consistently superior to those reported to the FDA during each laser's clinical trials. During your visit to PVI, ask to see its vision outcomes for patients with a pre-operative prescription just like yours.
Back to top.5. I've heard about scanning, flying spot and wavefront-guided lasers. How do I know which laser is right for me?No one laser is best for everyone, which is why it is so important to choose a vision correction provider who has at least two FDA-approved lasers to choose from in planning your treatment. The choice of laser is dependent upon your prescription, corneal thickness, pupil size and other measurements taken during your preoperative exam. Pepose Vision Institute has multiple laser technologies available on-site to permit your surgeon to select the laser that best customizes treatment for your unique visual needs. While one laser may be better for a patient with large pupils, another may be preferable for a patient with a thin cornea. For some patients, wavefront-guided vision correction may be most appropriate given their unique ocular aberrations. More laser options lead to higher quality, optimized vision outcomes. Moreover, PVI prides itself on having the latest diagnostic technologies to ensure exact pre-operative measurements of each patient's ocular condition. As the first bi-state provider of wavefront-assisted LASIK in 2001, PVI has had the most experience in capturing and using literally thousands of data points of patients' eyes to optimize treatment and reduce the risk of halos and other reported complications from LASIK. These technologies measure a patient's refraction 25 times more precisely than more traditional methods. Each and every patient benefits from these new technologies and there is never an extra charge for getting the "best" technology to assure the very best vision outcome possible.
Trust the experience and skill of the surgeons at Pepose Vision Institute to utilize these technologies appropriately to give you the very best vision outcome possible.
Back to top.6. Is everyone a good candidate? Which procedure is best? If you are 18 years of age or older and have a stable prescription, you are likely to be a good candidate for one of the many vision correction procedures available today. We offer a free, personal consultation to determine whether your prescription is within the treatable range and whether you would be likely to benefit substantially from laser vision correction. Our 3+ hour comprehensive pre-operative exam enables us to evaluate the health of your eyes and to confirm that your vision problems are not caused by other factors such as cataracts or laucoma. We use millions of data "points" derived from your pre-operative exam to create a customized treatment plan that will produce the very best vision outcome possible. At every stage in the evaluation process from personal consult to pre-operative exam the surgeons at PVI will assess the candidacy of each and every patient and, when necessary, defer surgery until an eye condition is resolved or a more appropriate technology is available. Because PVI is at the forefront of clinical trials and applications, and has longstanding relationships with the international leaders in eye technology, it knows what is coming "down the pike" and whether it will contribute to a better outcome for specific patients.
Back to top.7. My glasses are as thick as coke bottles and I've been told there is no laser vision correction treatment available for my high degree of nearsightedness. Is there anything on the horizon to reduce my dependence on glasses?The wait is over! FDA-approved Verisyse Phakic IOLs are available for patients with very high degrees of nearsightedness, for whom laser vision correction is not an option. This intraocular lens is a micro lens placed behind the cornea that works alongside the natural lens. It is made out of PMMA, the same material used safely for the past 50 years in cataract surgery. The word "phakic" means that the natural lens is left in the eye (not removed as in cataract surgery). This is important because the natural lens helps the eye adjust between seeing objects near and far.
Because the Verisyse IOL is placed directly behind the cornea, it is important that this surgery be performed by a cornea subspecialist, who is trained to evaluate the cornea to ensure that you are an excellent candidate for the procedure. Pepose Vision Institute was one of the first centers in the nation to be certified in the use of Verisyse Phakic IOLs and has the most experience in the bi-state area in safely implanting these lenses.
The Verisyse Procedure:
In an outpatient treatment, the procedure is completed in 5 to 30 minutes within a sterile environment. Each eye is treated on a different day.
- Eye drops are given to reduce the patient's pupil size.
- For better access to the eye, the surgeon uses an instrument to comfortably hold the eyelid open during the procedure.
- A local and/or IV anesthetic is given, so the procedure is painless.
- A micro incision is made in the cornea and the Verisyse lens is placed between the iris and cornea.
- The Verisyse IOL is centered in front of the pupil and is gently attached to the iris to hold the lens in place. The patient will not feel or see the lens once it is in place, and it can never slip or fall out.
- The mico incision is closed with microscopic stitches that dissolve on their own.
A temporary shield is placed over the eye to protect it during the time just after the procedure.
Back to top.8. Is there a minimum or maximum age to be a candidate for vision correction? We have had patients as young as 18 and as old as 82 who have had outstanding vision correction outcomes. The most important determinant for young people is whether their eyesight has stabilized (no prescription change for at least one year). For older patients, it is critical that a thorough eye exam be performed to eliminate any other cause of vision loss, such as cataract formation. Because Pepose Vision Institute is a comprehensive eye care provider offering vision correction surgery as well as treatment for glaucoma and cataracts, it has the experience to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions that may be contributing to poor vision or may compromise an outstanding vision correction result.
Back to top.9. How do I choose a skilled surgeon? Why should I trust my eyes to the surgeons at Pepose Vision Institute?At Pepose Vision Institute, our mission is clear: to protect, preserve and enhance your vision. If you are not well-suited for one of the many vision correction procedures we offer, we will NOT proceed with treatment. We have had a number of disappointed, but grateful, patients who have been turned down for surgery, or who have been diagnosed with other vision-compromising conditions that require treatment prior to, or in lieu of, laser vision correction. Because PVI provides treatment for glaucoma, cataracts and corneal problems in addition to vision correction, our patients can receive virtually all of their eye care services in one place, thereby assuring continuity and coordination of care. Having an experienced vision correction surgeon who is also experienced in other facets of eye care should be an important consideration when choosing your LASIK surgeon.
When choosing your vision correction surgeon, make sure that they are subspecialty-trained in cornea (recall that vision correction entails surgical treatment of the cornea). Insist on seeing your surgeon's surgical outcomes, for someone with your preoperative prescription. Talk to patients who have had surgery by the surgeon you are considering. Patients who have experienced the thrill of successful vision correction are always happy to speak to prospective patients. They remember what it was like to be apprehensive prior to surgery and can give you valuable insight into the quality of the care you will receive.
Find out if your surgeon is directly involved in your pre-operative and post-operative care, and whether they are involved in the planning of your surgery. Meet your surgeon in advance of surgery! Be sure that all of your questions have been answered. Remember that the surgeon who is available to answer your questions will also take the time to give personal attention following surgery. Find out who is medically responsible for your care: the corporation offering the procedure or the surgeon actually performing the treatment. Will your surgeon perform your first-day post-operative care to ensure the success of the healing process? Who is "on call" after business hours to respond to any concerns you may have following the day of surgery? Will your provider stand by its results and provide touchups at no charge when medically indicated? Remember that corporations don't do LASIK surgeons do!
Pepose Vision Institute was the first to introduce LASIK, Flapless LASIK, and wavefront-assisted LASIK to the bi-state region, and remains the most experienced provider in the area. PVI surgeons are available 24/7, 365 days a year to give you the personalized attention that you deserve from your eye care specialist.
Back to top.10. My regular eye doctor recommended this procedure. Can he be involved in my care? Yes, provided that he has been trained and certified by PVI surgeons in the delivery of pre- and post-operative vision correction care. Outstanding vision outcomes require meticulous pre-operative screening and post-operative attention to detail. We routinely "co-manage" our patients with their PVI-certified optometrists and ophthalmologists, working together closely as a team to provide you with the very best vision outcome possible.
Back to top.11. If I wear contact lenses, do I need to leave them out before my pre-operative exam? Depending upon the type of contact lens you wear, and how long you have worn contacts, you will be asked to remove your contacts anywhere from 3 days to 6 weeks prior to your comprehensive pre-operative exam. Our surgeons will monitor your cornea's curvature once your contacts are removed to ensure that any artificial reshaping of your cornea due to contact lens use is fully reversed prior to surgery. This may require more than one pre-operative visit; there is no additional fee charged in such situations.
Back to top.12. After my pre-operative exam, how soon can I have my procedure done? You may schedule your surgery so that it takes place as soon as the day after your preoperative visit, assuming that your surgeon concurs that this timetable is clinically optimal. Contact lenses wearers must have sufficient time out of their contacts to ensure that all corneal curvature induced by the contacts is gone prior to surgery. If you are a longtime contact wearer or wear hard lenses, we may schedule more than one pre-operative visit to check the curvature of your cornea.
Back to top.13. Will I be able to have both eyes treated at the same time? There is no difference in vision outcomes whether both eyes are treated on the same day or not. Consequently, virtually all of our vision correction patients choose to have both eyes treated the same day.
Back to top.14. How long does the surgery take? Vision Correction treatments are performed on an outpatient basis. You will arrive one-half hour before the scheduled surgery time, during which time you will be given eye drops to anesthetize the cornea and a mild sedative such as Valium to help you relax during the procedure. You should plan to be at the surgery center for approximately two (2) hours.
Back to top. 15. Is vision correction surgery painful? Prior to your procedure you will be given a topical anesthetic (numbing eye drops) so that you will not feel any pain during surgery. If you have any discomfort after the procedure, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil. We strongly recommend that you return home immediately and go to sleep so that your natural eye fluids can begin the process of soothing and promoting healing. You will be given eye drops that may be used should your eye feel scratchy or dry. Flapless LASIK patients should expect more scratchiness during the first week after surgery. These, too, can be remedied with eye drops and over-the-counter pain medications; in some cases, your surgeon will fit a bandage contact lens to promote healing during the first few days after surgery.
Back to top.16. What if I blink or move during the procedure? We use a lid holder to gently hold your eye open, making it impossible to blink during the procedure. Moreover, an infrared eye tracker follows eye movement and will automatically pause the laser if you look outside the treatment zone. We take the time to position you properly to ensure that your vision outcome is totally independent of any involuntary movements you may make.
Back to top.17. How long will it take before I can see?Although everyone is a little different, most LASIK patients drive themselves to their one-day post-op exam the very next day! Flapless LASIK patients may take 4 or 5 days to achieve driving vision.
Back to top.18. How soon can I go back to work? What is the recuperation time? Visual recovery following LASIK is rapid. We strongly recommend that you rest immediately after your procedure. You can resume your normal activities as soon as the next day following surgery with a few exceptions. Patients should not wear eye makeup for at least one week following the procedure. Swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools should be avoided for two weeks, as should gardening and dusty, dirty environments. Also, it is a good idea to avoid smoking or smoky areas. While showering or bathing, keep your eyes closed to avoid soap or shampoo irritation.
Back to top.19. How often will I come back for post-operative visits? Are these included in the fee? Pepose Vision Institute includes in its fee exactly the amount of post-operative care that it deems medically necessary to ensure the very best vision outcome possible. As part of this fee, you will be seen 1 day post-operatively, as well as approximately 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months post-operatively by our team of doctors. During this time, your vision outcome will be repeatedly evaluated to assure that it is stable and that it does not require any further (no-cost) "touchup." In addition, our surgeons are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address any postoperative concerns you may have.
Back to top.20. What are the risks associated with laser vision correction? As with any type of surgery, there are potential, but extremely rare, risks associated with vision correction surgery. These risks are reviewed in our "Informed Consent" materials that you will have ample opportunity to review prior to scheduling your treatment. To put these risks in context, it is important to recognize that the prolonged use of contact lenses to achieve improved vision has its own risks, including corneal infection and scarring, both of which may result in the need for a corneal transplant.
Numerous studies of laser vision correction outcomes have demonstrated that the best way to minimize the risk of any complication is to choose a cornea subspecialty trained surgeon who has lots of vision correction experience and provides a thorough pre-operative exam to confirm your candidacy for the procedure and create a detailed treatment plan for your unique eye anatomy. Patients who meet their surgeon on the very day of surgery are unable to take full advantage of the medical training and surgical experience that assures the very best vision outcome possible.
Back to top.21. Is laser vision correction permanent? Can I have cataract surgery in the future should it be required? Clinical data, gathered internationally from countries that have performed laser vision correction for decades, indicate that LASIK is a superior treatment in terms of long-term stability of vision. Studies of the first patients who had LASIK performed in 1991 indicate that they have maintained their corrected vision. Stability of vision is largely achieved within 3 months of surgery. For hyperopic patients, LASIK is the most stable treatment option available, remaining stable as long as the underlying causes of a patient's farsightedness do not intensify.
All of the vision correction procedures offered by the Pepose Vision Institute will permit a patient to have cataract surgery should such surgery be warranted at some later date. However, once a patient has undergone laser vision correction, we strongly recommend that a highly experienced vision correction surgeon perform future cataract surgery; this will ensure that the intraocular lens replacement is measured precisely to reflect the earlier vision correction treatment.
In addition to being a leader in cataract surgery following laser vision correction, PVI surgeons have likewise performed vision correction surgery on patients who have already had cataract and other forms of eye surgery, thereby enhancing the clarity of their distance vision.
Back to top.22. What happens if my vision correction procedure does not correct all of my nearsightedness or farsightedness? Will I be able to have a "touch up" to further improve my vision? When medically indicated, you may be a candidate for a "touch up" if your surgeon feels that it will be safe and beneficial, usually 3-6 months after initial surgery. There is no charge for "touch ups" performed within 1 year of the initial procedure. Beyond the first year, any "touchups" that are medically indicated will be performed free by your surgeon, with only the laser facility and royalty fee charged, as long as a patient maintains enrollment in our "Vision Correction for a Lifetime" program. This program requires patients to have annual eye exams at PVI or with one of our affiliated eye care professionals, to prevent any vision problems that may ultimately compromise their vision correction outcome.
Because our vision correction outcomes are extremely stable, the touch-up rate after the first year is extremely low, less than 2%.
Back to top.23. Will I ever need glasses again? Are the procedures guaranteed? The truth of the matter is that there are no guarantees with any medical or surgical treatment and you should be skeptical if you are given one. While the vast majority of our patients no longer require glasses or contact lenses following vision correction surgery, it is possible that a patient may still require some type of correction to enhance their vision. This is more likely to occur for patients with a very high degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Beware any "100% guarantees" about your vision outcome!
You can also expect to wear reading glasses (if both eyes are corrected for distance) as the lens in your eye begins to mature, usually between the ages of 40-45. This is a natural result of the aging process (presbyopia) that affects even those individuals blessed with perfect uncorrected vision, and will happen regardless of your decision to undergo laser vision correction surgery.
The surgeons at Pepose Vision Institute are so confident in their patients' long-term laser vision correction outcomes that we introduced St. Louis' first long term patient commitment, our Vision Correction for a Lifetime Program. This program is included in your initial surgical fee. While no one can promise perfect vision, the Pepose Vision Institute is dedicated to doing everything it can to assure patients lifelong quality vision.
Back to top.24. I heard that eventually you become farsighted after vision correction surgery, is this true? No. Many people confuse presbyopia (the mid-life reading problem) with farsightedness. Whether or not you elect to have vision correction surgery, people over the age of 40 or 45 who have perfect distance vision will likely require a pair of reading glasses to read. Monovision is currently the only option for patients over age 40 who would like to see both up close and at distance, without the need for reading glasses.
Back to top.25. I've heard about having my presbyopia treated with a monovision vision correction procedure. What is this?Although we have not discovered the fountain of youth, many people opt for Monovision Laser Vision Correction to eliminate their need for reading glasses. Monovision correction is achieved by correcting a patient's dominant eye for clear distance vision, and the non-dominant eye for comfortable near vision. The brain then chooses the clearer image depending upon the focusing point. Standard laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK and LASEK permit us to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and achieve a Monovision correction, all at the same time! For over a decade, patients have achieved a similar result through the use of contact lenses. Now they can be freed from the expense and everyday hassles of contacts through the use of laser vision correction to create Monovision. Monovision results in a slight decrease in depth perception, which may be more noticeable under dim lighting conditions. For this reason, some Monovision patients opt to keep a pair of glasses in their car for night driving. Many patients find this is a small price to pay to achieve a comfortable alternative to contacts, bifocals or reading glasses.Wondering whether to opt for Monovision laser vision correction? The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to visit Pepose Vision Institute where you can simulate Monovision with corrective lenses. The final decision will be a highly individual one, dictated by your lifestyle and unique vision circumstance.
Back to top.26. Why is there so much difference in price across vision correction providers? You've heard the expression "You get what you pay for." Laser vision correction providers vary in terms of what they include in your surgical fee. Some will charge you more if you want "better" or "best" technology; others will charge if you want post-operative care for more than 1 day or 1 week. Still others will charge for "touchups" within the first year, or for the type of long-term coverage we offer under our Vision Correction for A Lifetime Program. Finally, we have seen providers who charge a different amount depending upon the degree of nearsightedness a patient has! When you compare prices, be sure to compare the "out the door" price for the services you require to assure the very best vision outcome possible.
To save money, many corporate providers of vision correction surgery hire their surgeons on a "piecemeal" basis, paying them for each eye treated. These surgeons typically meet their patients on the very day of surgery, and are largely uninvolved in the creation of a treatment plan or post-operative care. Instead, other eye care professionals (non-MD) conduct the pre-operative exam, create the treatment plan, and provide post-operative care.
At Pepose Vision Institute, your cornea subspecialty trained surgeon decides the treatment, technology and post-operative care you receive, in the same way that a heart surgeon decides how best to repair a damaged heart. Your PVI surgeon is intimately involved in your pre-operative exam and measurements, using this information to plan your surgical treatment. You always see a PVI surgeon on your first day following surgery, and one is always readily available during your entire post-operative course of care. Our surgeons are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for any concerns that our patients may have, either prior to or after surgery.
Your surgical fee is all-inclusive; there are no "up charges" for "better" or "best" care. All of our patients receive the care necessary to assure the very best vision outcome possible. We believe that once you compare, you will agree that PVI brings value to you and your vision.
Once you compare "apples to apples," we are sure you will agree that Pepose Vision Institute's vision correction fees bring value to our patients.
Back to top.27. Will my insurance pay for the procedure? Unfortunately, most insurance companies view vision correction surgery procedures as cosmetic, rather than functional, and will not cover the surgery. However, we will provide you with the paperwork necessary should you wish to pursue reimbursement after surgery.
If your employer (or your spouse's) offers a medical "Flex Plan", you can allocate pre-tax dollars toward this procedure. Many of our patients have been able to save a significant amount of money by setting aside pre-tax dollars for their vision correction procedure. If, for example, you are in the 21% tax bracket (15% Federal; 6% state), paying for vision correction with pre-tax dollars could save you as much as 21% of the fee, after taking into account your tax savings. Check with your employer to verify deadlines that apply for funding and using your Flex Plan dollars. In many cases, the dollar amount that is committed to the Flex Plan during a calendar year can be used anytime during that year, even if the full amount has not yet been transferred to the Flex Plan.
Pepose Vision Institute offers the most competitive payment plans including 0% down, 0% interest for 12 months following surgery, for qualified patients. Virtually every one of our patients has qualified for one of these attractive payment plans.
Back to top.28. Will new procedures or technologies be available in the near future? Future advances in vision correction will largely address the needs of individuals who are currently outside the range for today's vision correction treatments. The recent FDA-approval of multifocal intraocular lenses permited patients with very high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness to enjoy good "walk around" vision without the need for corrective lenses. Similarly, the FDA's approval of customized wavefront LASIK permitted patients with higher order corneal aberrations, who were not previously good candidates for LASIK, to enjoy the benefits of vision correction. The Pepose Vision Institute is at the forefront of clinical research and collaborates with the leading developers of new eye technologies, worldwide; as a result, it is well-aware of virtually every new technology that will emerge in the next decade. And, because Dr. Pepose is both a surgeon and Ph.D scientist, he is in a unique position to carefully evaluate these technologies in terms of safety and efficacy.
Back to top.29. How do I evaluate a surgeon's experience and vision correction outcomes?This is an excellent question! Most corporate vision correction centers will quote national statistics, based on large numbers of people who have had surgery at their network of centers, by a host of different surgeons. These statistics do not reflect your surgeon's own experience or outcomes. Other vision correction providers may simply report the results forthcoming from the FDA clinical trial, which reflect the outcomes of the premier surgeons (including Dr. Pepose) who were involved in these studies. Still others may report only those vision correction outcomes associated with low levels of nearsightedness, or without astigmatism.
At Pepose Vision Institute, we analyze our vision outcomes based only on our surgeons' own cases. We have even gone a step further to break down these outcomes by pre-operative prescription ranges. In this way, PVI patients can easily predict their vision outcome based on their own pre-operative prescription. This dedication to providing full information is one of the many reasons that Pepose Vision Institute has remained a leader in vision correction - locally, nationally and internationally.
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