FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
What is laser cataract surgery?
Until recently, cataract surgery required the use of a manual surgical blade to open the eye and capsule supporting the lens. This method increases the chance of variability affecting outcomes. With recent LenSx® FDA approval, however, surgeons now have the ability to consistently reproduce incisions without blades. The precision of the laser’s incisions eliminates several variables that have complicated cataract surgery for the past 40 years. Recent results demonstrate that the LenSx® Laser is up to ten times more precise than manual portions of the cataract surgical procedure. Also, laser cataract surgery is customized for each unique eye and performs an advanced astigmatism treatment to ensure the very best visual result.
What is custom laser-assisted cataract or refractive lens exchange surgery?
Our “blade-free” laser approach to cataract and refractive lens exchange surgery is the most precise and gentle way to remove your natural lens and takes about 15 minutes. Our LenSx laser allows the surgeon to further improve the accuracy and predictability of the procedure, while offering an advanced astigmatism treatment to provide you increased precision, accuracy and faster healing time. When you come in for an eye exam, you may ask the doctor if you are a good candidate for this revolutionary procedure.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A CHILD HAVE A COMPLETE EYE EXAM?
In the absence of noticeable eye or vision problems, a child should have a complete eye exam around the age of 4 or 5 when they are starting school. They should be screened earlier if there is a family history of strabismus or ‘lazy eye’, or if any problems with ocular alignment or vision are detected.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME FOR A COMPLETE EYE EXAM?
When you arrive for a complete eye exam we require a list of your current medications, ID, current insurance cards, a form of payment, and a referral if required. Previous medical records are not necessary unless requested by our doctors.
HOW LONG DOES A COMPLETE EYE EXAM TAKE?
A complete eye exam can take up to 90 minutes.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY MEDICATION WITH ME TO MY EYE EXAM?
Yes, our doctors must document all medications you are currently taking. Rather than bringing all your bottles and viles of medications, simply bring a list or fill out our Medical History form in advance of your appointment.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF LASIK?
Lasik has been a safe surgical solution to correct vision errors in the U.S. since 1995. Most patients enjoy good long term stability of vision and enjoy the freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
DO YOU ACCEPT MY INSURANCE?
We accept most private and government insurance plans. Please refer to our page on insurance for a list of providers or call our office to confirm that we are a provider for your insurance plan.
WHAT IS A REFRACTION AND WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT?
A refraction is a measurement of your eye’s prescription for glasses or contact lens correction that produces your best vision. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans do not cover the cost of refraction. Our fee is $40 for this service and we always file the claim to your insurance. If your insurance plan does cover this procedure, we will reimburse this expense.
WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR THE COST OF A ROUTINE EYE EXAM?
With a medical diagnosis, your health insurance will cover the exam excluding any copays, deductibles, etc. Vision plans cover routine eye examinations and offer coverage for glasses and contact lenses. We would be happy to verify your benefits when you book an appointment. Susquehanna Eye Associates is a provider for most insurance plans and is happy to file your insurance claim for our services. All copays, co-insurance and deductibles are due on the date of service.
WHY DO I HAVE TO USE EYE DROPS IF I AM ONLY A GLAUCOMA SUSPECT?
Being a ‘glaucoma suspect’ means that certain aspects of your eye exam have been identified that put you at higher risk for developing glaucoma and possible vision loss. Lowering your eye’s pressure with drops may reduce this risk before irreversible damage occurs.
WHY DO I HAVE TO HAVE A VISUAL FIELD TEST EVERY 6 MONTHS OR YEARLY?
The visual field test is one of the most important diagnostic tests to determine if your vision is worsening due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Because your field of vision may deteriorate very slowly you may not be aware of the changes. This disease has been popularly referred to as the “thief of sight.”
WILL I NEED A DRIVER IF I HAVE MY EYES DILATED?
You may drive after receiving a dilated eye exam, but we recommend that you exercise caution and wear dark glasses to reduce glare from bright light. People with cataracts may have more significant difficulty under these conditions.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE DILATION TO WEAR OFF?
Your eyes will return to normal after dilating drops in approximately 24 hours, although this may vary depending on eye color. In the meantime, we recommend that you wear sunglasses outside.