Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Topic: Cataracts
Q: What happens in cataract surgery?
A:
Aesthetic Vision Center performs No–Stitch, No–Injection cataract surgery. This means that no injection is needed to numb the eye. Eye drops are used to anesthetize the eye. Surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens (the cataract) and insertion of a plastic intraocular lens that will correct your vision. Following the procedure, no stitches are generally needed to close the wound. It is self–sealing.
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Q: Do you use a laser to remove cataracts?
A:
No, we remove the lens with an ultrasonic probe, phacoemulsification, which allows for faster vision recovery after the procedure.
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Q: Can I go home after the surgery?
A:
Yes, cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis.
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Q: Can I drive myself home after the surgery?
A:
You will need to arrange for a driver to drop you off and pick you up on surgery day.
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Topic: Glaucoma
Q: How often should I get an eye exam for glaucoma?
A:
Ages 40–64: An exam is recommended every 1 to 2 years. Ages 65 or older: An exam is recommended every year.
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Topic: Macular Degeneration
Q: I have just been diagnosed with macular degeneration. How long will it be before I will lose my vision completely, or lose the ability to function independently?
A:
There are two types of macular degeneration. If you have the dry form, you may be able to see well for a number of years. If you have the wet form, vision loss is possible over a few months. Generally, for both forms, the side vision is left intact after the central vision deteriorates. A person may still be able to perform daily activities and tasks using their side vision. Visual rehabilitation may help a person maintain an independent lifestyle even with this condition.
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Topic: Eyelid Surgery
Q: Will my eyelids have the "surprised look" after the surgery?
A:
This is a condition that can result if eyelids are overcorrected, and can lead to an inability to close the eyes. Dr. Higa is an ophthalmologist and an oculoplastic surgeon (an expert in plastic surgery for the eyelid and surrounding area). He is well aware of the consequences in patients left with eye exposure following surgery; therefore, he takes great care in achieving a normal eyelid look when performing eyelid surgery.
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Q: How long does it take to recover from the procedure?
A:
Following surgery, you will apply an ice pack on your lids regularly for about three days to minimize swelling. After this initial period, you will start using warm packs. Most post–operative bruising disappears in one to two weeks. Residual bags and puffiness are due to swelling after surgery. They usually become less noticeable after a few weeks and go away by a few months.
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Topic: Aging Vision – Presbyopia
Q: Can't I get by with the reading glasses I buy at the store?
A:
Yes, "off the shelf" reading glasses are fine for most individuals, however, for those who desire to be less dependent on glasses there are surgical alternatives, such as LASIK or clear lens extraction. Non–surgical alternatives include contact lenses.
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Topic: Refractive Correction Through Lasers
Q: Does PRK or LASIK require a stay in the hospital?
A:
Both procedures are done in the office. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after either procedure.
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Q: Is healing faster with PRK vs. LASIK?
A:
Healing, and/or the improvement in vision, may take place over a few days or months after surgery with PRK. With LASIK, the flap covers the treated cornea and healing occurs sooner than with PRK.
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Q: Will I still need reading glasses?
A:
Depending on the type of treatment chosen, an individual may or may not need reading glasses after surgery, but may need them as they and their eyes age.
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Q: Can anyone have LASIK?
A:
Each candidate must go through a thorough examination before LASIK is performed. Though you may have the same prescription as someone else, there may be other circumstances that may affect your outcome.
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Q: I have had refractive surgery in the past, but my eyesight is fuzzy again–can custom LASIK help?
A:
Yes, candidates who have had their eyes corrected with PRK, RK, or LASIK, and who have experienced a loss in the corrected vision, may benefit from custom LASIK.
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Topic: Intacs
Q: Can I feel the Intacs implants inside my eye?
A:
No, they are positioned under the surface of the cornea, below the nerve endings that affect feeling.
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Q: Will people be able to see the implants?
A:
No, they are positioned under the surface of the cornea.
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Q: Is the Intacs procedure reversible?
A:
Yes, though it may take some time for vision to return to pre–surgery sharpness.
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Topic: Intacs for Keratoconus
Q: Are Intacs a good alternative to rigid contact lenses?
A:
They may be good for people who cannot tolerate rigid contact lenses, or when the person gets to a point where contacts do not provide acceptable vision.
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Topic: Corneal Transplants
Q: Can problems develop after a donor corneal transplant?
A:
There is a possibility that the donor cornea will be rejected or that infection could set in. It is therefore very important to follow–up regularly with the eye surgeon. Many of these problems can be treated successfully if seen early enough.
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Topic: AlphaCor Artificial Cornea Implants
Q: Why wouldn't a patient opt for artificial corneal implants to begin with?
A:
Artificial cornea transplant is reserved only for those who have failed more conventional treatments.
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Topic: Aging Eyes and Driving
Q: When I drive I get nervous because I don't see so well. What's happening and should I be concerned?
A:
To pass a driver's license test, the current minimum legal vision is 20/40 and more than 70 degrees of visual field or peripheral vision. Passable vision does not take into account the fact that reflexes slow as one gets older. The increased fraction of a second it takes to step on the brakes and maneuver an automobile may make a difference between avoiding an accident and being a part of one.
Elderly drivers should be fitted with a current glasses prescription to maximize vision correction. It is also important to be examined thoroughly and treated for cataract and retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration on a regular basis.
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Topic: Fraxel Skin Rejuvenation Laser (Fraxel SR)
Q: Is there an age where this treatment might not help?
A:
The Fraxel SR laser has a positive effect on the skin of all age groups, but the effect may not be as dramatic in those with excess wrinkles and skin pigmentation. Each person may react differently to the treatment depending on the underlying causes of the skin damage.
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Q: Can you tell me more about how the Fraxel laser treats acne scars?
A:
The Fraxel SR laser works by super–stimulating the production of collagen, the building block of cell growth, in the deep layers of the skin. The collagen growth spurt works to fill in much of the acne "pits" in the skin and smoothes the appearance of the treated surface.
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Q: How many Fraxel treatments will it take to achieve visual results?
A:
A minimum therapy plan of four treatments, spaced 2–4 weeks apart is usually necessary to achieve optimum results. This can take up to 3–6 months after the final treatment, and depends on the condition of the patient's skin and desired results.
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Q: Will only a portion of my face be treated each time, meaning only my right cheek is treated the first time, and so on?
A:
No, the entire face is treated with the Fraxel SR laser at each visit.
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Q: Is there pain involved in the Fraxel treatment?
A:
Each person's tolerance for pain is different.
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Q: How is the pain managed for the Fraxel treatment?
A:
A topical anesthesia is applied one hour before the Fraxel treatment on the area (face, hands, neck etc.) to be treated. During the procedure, a cooling jet of air is focused on the treatment area to further numb the skin. If the person requires more numbing, the doctor will give an additional dose of a numbing agent via injection.
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Q: How will I feel after the Fraxel treatment?
A:
Most people feel as if they have spent a day in the sun without the benefit of sun protection. Cooling compresses are suggested.
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Q: Can I use a facial scrub after Fraxel treatment?
A:
Only use a very soft washcloth on the treated area to gently remove peeling skin.
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Q: What is my skincare regimen after Fraxel treatment?
A:
It is best to follow the recommendation of the doctor, which will require sun block everyday at any time you are exposed to sunlight. Sun block is still required on overcast or "voggy" days when UVA rays are still present.
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Q: Will the effects of the Fraxel treatment last?
A:
Preservation of results is enhanced if sun block is applied everyday, and time in the sun is limited. Normal aging of the skin will still continue.
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Q: Should there be a touch–up Fraxel treatment later?
A:
Some people receive a freshening treatment about a year after their initial therapy.
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