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Dr. Sondheimer gently
constructs a corneal flap and uses the excimer laser to reshape
the surface of the cornea |
Chicago LASIK surgeon, Dr. Stuart Sondheimer has created this page to help patients better understand all of the different components to laser eye surgery. Please read the answers to below to some frequently asked questions to learn more about this vision correction surgery.
Nearsightedness occurs because the clear front portion of
the eye (cornea) is too steep for the length of the eye, and
light rays entering the eye converge in front of the retina (back
of the eye) instead of on the retina. A special laser with a
cool beam of light is used to gently reshape the surface of the
cornea, making it flatter, more like a normal eye. Light
rays can then converge properly on the retina, thus providing
improved vision with clearer, sharper images.
Dr. Sondheimer will advise you if you are a candidate for
laser vision correction during an initial cost-free LASIK evaluation.
- You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old
to undergo the procedure for nearsightedness and/or astigma
tism correction. You must be 21 years old for the farsightedness
procedure.
- Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the
laser procedure.
- You are not a good candidate if you have degenerative
or autoimmune diseases, if you're pregnant or nursing,
if you have a condition that deters or slows healing, or if
your expectations are higher than can be reasonably satisfied.
The FDA has approved the excimer laser for the treatment of
nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Millions
of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision
correction procedures, and well over one million excimer laser
procedures have been performed in the U.S. since the FDA approval
in 1996. Virtually all people treated experience an improvement
in vision that would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam
without the aid of glasses or contacts.
After your initial evaluation, an appointment will be scheduled
for Dr. Sondheimer to conduct a thorough examination of your
eyes. Then the corneas will be photographed and a computerized
map (corneal topography) will be created. This "map" will
assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic
tests we use to help achieve the best surgical outcome.
Dr. Sondheimer does his LASIK procedures at his Deerfield
location.
Laser vision correction is an
outpatient procedure and your entire visit should be complete
in about two hours. First, anesthetic drops will be placed in
your eye. When your eye is numb, procedure will begin. You will
recline under the laser, and be asked to focus on a blinking
light for a minute or less. The
doctor will begin your procedure which should be
completed in only minutes. Afterwards , you will relax while
a staff member reviews post-operative instructions. You should
rest and relax for the remainder of the day.
The procedure itself takes only a matter of minutes. Most
patients spend 15-20 minutes in the surgical suite. For planning
purposes, you should plan to be with us about 2 hours on the
day of your surgery.
Dr. Sondheimer uses proven equipment, and has been certified
on each laser. At the Deerfield office, he uses the VISX 4 Custom
Laser.
Yes, soft contacts should be removed from your eyes at least
two weeks prior to your appointment. Gas permeable or hard
lenses should be removed for a minimum of three weeks. Removing
your contact lenses allows your cornea to return to its natural
shape.
The procedure itself is painless. Your eye is numbed
with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure and
no general anesthetic is necessary.
Some patients have described having a slightly "sandy" or "gritty" feeling
in their eyes immediately after the procedure; however this feeling
will go away as soon as your prescribed eye drops are administered.
Over-the-counter pain medications should adequately control any
discomfort.
No. In virtually every case LASIK is a sutureless surgery.
This, of course, varies with each patient. Vision for most
patients begins to improve within 24 hours although it may
take as much as three to six months to achieve your best vision.
Yes, most patients choose to have both eyes done at the same
time.
Absolutely $0 in the first year
following surgery except for patients using some types of insurance
coverage. Follow-up care in the first year following surgery is included in the surgery fee. Usually patients
are seen post-operatively at one day, one week, one month, and
three months after your procedure. In order to maintain the health
of your eyes and achieve the best possible vision, post-operative
visits are mandatory.
In most cases, LASIK is not covered although there are some
carriers who do cover it. Dr. Sondheimer participates with
the Cole Vision, TruVision, and AmeriSight plans. If you are
in doubt, please call the office and someone can help you.
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
In addition to LASIK, Dr. Sondheimer is a highly sought after specialist providing patients seeking treatment for glaucoma and cataracts in Chicago excellent patient care in a safe environment. Please contact his office to learn more about the services Dr. Sondheimer provides.
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