Eye Surgery USA Home
Finance Your Procedure
New Mexico Laser Eye Surgeons
Philosophy Meet Dr. Teahan Articles Testimonials Procedures FAQ Contact January 6, 2009

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. John Teahan


Click to learn more about:
Click here to contact Dr. Teahan

Am I a good candidate for laser vision correction?


We recommend you come in for an evaluation. You will be thoroughly educated during your complete exam. We will test your present glasses, check your present prescription, and help you decide which refractive procedure will offer you the greatest benefit.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

What is the difference between RK and laser vision correction?


RK was an early surgical procedure where the cornea was "cut" to change the angle of light rays to properly focus on the retina. Radial incisions were made on the cornea with a diamond blade scalpel. With the laser, the cornea is reshaped by a cool, invisible beam of light. The laser is computer-controlled and is programmed specifically for your individual prescription! It automatically corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

How long has Dr. Teahan been performing laser vision correction?


Dr. Teahan has specialized in refractive procedures for over 20 years. He has performed all refractive procedures including LASIK, RK, PRK, INTACS, Clear Lens Extraction, and Phakic IOL's.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

How long will the Laser procedure take?


You will be in the office for about an hour for the LASIK procedure. The actual surgical time is only a few minutes. Following the procedure you will be asked to rest with your eyes closed for about 20 minutes in our office.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

How much does it hurt?


During the procedure itself, you will feel no pain. In fact, most people say that there is NO sensation! You will be given "numbing drops" on your eyes, and encouraged to take a Valium pill to make you feel relaxed. Post operatively, most patients experience little or no discomfort with LASIK.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

What kind of vision can I expect the day after surgery?


This will depend upon the type of procedure that you choose. With LASIK, many patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure. Most patients are functional without their corrective lenses at the one day post operative exam. Patients continue to see a gradual increase in their visual acuity during the first five to seven days after the procedure.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

Do you have financing plans?


We offer 0% interest for 12 months. We also have payment options that include financing for up to 5 years, with payments as low as $74 per month.

*Financing based on approved credit


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

Is laser vision correction covered by insurance?


Probably not, as most insurance companies consider laser vision correction "elective surgery" and it is not usually a covered benefit. However, a few of the larger employers and some Unions do cover the procedure. So, it is certainly worth checking with your insurance company to see if you are covered.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

What about having both eyes done at the same time?


This is a medical decision between you and your Doctor. The exciting news is that because of the accuracy associated with laser vision correction, both eyes are most often treated at the same time. However, if you decide to do them one at a time, it is possible that the second eye may be done anywhere from one day to a few months after the first eye.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

How permanent are the results?


Laser vision correction is considered to be permanent. However, laser vision correction will not prevent the age-related problems of "reading glasses" known as presbyopia.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

When will I be able to return to work?


Depending upon the amount of correction, almost everyone can return to their normal activities one to three days after the procedure. Our education coordinators can give you more details on your examination date.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top

Tell me the downside...what are the risks of laser vision correction?


Our education coordinator will cover the potential risks with you. They include:

An Infection-Usually able to be treated with antibiotics, national averages are less than 1 out of 3,000.

Haze - Originates from the healing process in the eye. It is almost never seen with LASIK. Is almost always gone at the end of 6 months. Is rarely visually significant. Can be retreated by the laser.

Under or Over correction - because eyes all heal at different rates, this is the most common (and correctable) complication. We can retreat the eye anywhere from 3 months to 12 months after the surgery by lifting the original flap with special instruments. Most augmentations require removal of only a small amount of additional tissue.

Risks associated with LASIK only:

Because LASIK involves making a "thin flap" and applying the laser under the flap, there could be complications involved in making the flap (or with the instrument used to make the flap.)

Also, there is a small risk that the epithelium (or the skin that covers the eye) can grow under the flap. This is almost always treatable without any additional laser treatment.

Again, our professional, knowledgeable staff can discuss the benefits, risks, and side effects of the laser surgery. Our absolute goal is that you have all the information available so that you will make an informed decision.


Click here to email Dr. Teahan

Return to top
  
John J. Teahan
Southwest Eyecare

Office Address:

7110 Wyoming Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Eye Surgery USA is sponsored and made possible by the LASIK and Corrective Eye Surgeons featured on this website.
EyeSurgeryUSA.com is solely a provider of information. If information provided is used by the Internet user, said use is at that person's sole risk and discretion.
Please read the full Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions. By entering the website, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
© 2008 NKP Medical Marketing, Inc. · 10220 Culver Blvd · Suite 208 · Culver City, CA 90232