How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?
At Eye Health Vision Centers, we start by providing a FREE evaluation to determine whether or not you are a good candidate.  We then custom tailor each patients' Laser Vision Correction needs to their unique vision needs and desires. We take into account the patients' lifestyle, workstyle and personal visual needs before designing a Laser Vision Correction plan that is best for them.

We work closely with each patient on an individual basis, taking as much time as is necessary, to custom design the Laser Vision results to meet their individual needs. For example, some patients desire "monovision" making it possible to see both close up and in the distance. Monovision isn't right for every patient, but is great for some.

We are highly selective in evaluating whether a patient is truly a good candidate or not. We have turned away many patients that our medical evaluation revealed were really not good candidates for LASIK.

At Eye Health Vision Centers, we offer a "global fee" with no hidden charges. Also, payment is not due until the day of surgery, unlike some competitors who require payment in advance.

What exactly is laser vision correction?
LASIK is the reshaping of the cornea of the eye (the front window) with laser in order to readjust the focus so that the patient can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. It basically takes an out of focus eye and puts it into focus. Reshaping the cornea is analogous to the shaping of an eyeglass lens, which is the usual method for correcting vision problems. So, instead of correcting vision by the use of a custom ground spectacle or contact lens, the cornea is reshaped by the laser in order to put the world into proper focus.

How long have you been doing laser vision correction?
Actually, we have been doing refractive surgery here at Eye Health Vision Center in Dartmouth since 1986. Dr. Kenyon, our laser vision correction surgeon, is one of the world pioneers of these procedures. His experience is unparalleled anywhere else in New England. In the delicate art of refractive surgery, experience is a very critical factor in determining favorable outcomes.

Are the procedures done right in your Dartmouth Office?
Yes they are. Surgical vision correction has always been done here in Dartmouth, ever since Eye Health opened the Greater New Bedford SurgiCenter in 1986. During the first three years of excimer laser approval, Eye Health Vision Center patients were taken to our satellite Boston location for their refractive surgery procedure. Since March of 1999, however, all of our laser vision correction procedures are done right at our Route 6 office in Dartmouth.

Is your laser the only one in the area?
Yes, that's true. Eye Health Vision Center has the only permanent or "fixed" on-site laser in SouthCoastal Mass.

Are there different types of lasers?
Yes, just like computers, there are several brands, and some are superior to others. The VISX Star 4 laser in our office is the "Rolls Royce" of excimer lasers and is the only laser approved for all refractive errors: nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It is also approved for greater degrees of refractive errors.

How long must I wait to have the procedure performed?
We are able to perform LASIK on most patients within two weeks of their request.

Who is the ideal candidate for LASIK?
Basically, anyone who needs distance glasses, or contact lenses, between the ages of 20 and 65.

Why is age a limiting factor?
Because age determines visual stability [=glasses stability] and since laser vision correction is meant to be permanent, it is desirable that the patient's vision to be in a stable state at the time of the procedure. Visual maturity is reached around age 20-22. Up until that age, the eye actually continues to grow and consequently the focus is progressively changing. Once growth has stopped, the vision (or the patient's glasses prescription) stabilizes. Cataracts begin to form around age 65 in most people and as a result the prescription once again begins to change. It's important in this age range to carefully evaluate the patient for cataracts. Accordingly, everyone between the ages of 22 and 65 are potential candidates for laser vision correction.

You mentioned that LASIK only corrects distance vision. Why is that?
Because laser vision correction basically makes you "normal", and all "normal" people starting in their mid-40's need reading glasses. This need for glasses in order to read or work up-close starting in the mid 40's happens because the eye's natural internal lens, which is flexible up until around age 45, and which allows us to "zoom-in" (accommodate) close to read or work within 18", loses its flexibility and becomes rigid. Once the eye's natural lens becomes rigid, and it happens to everyone, we loose the ability to focus up close, and we have to use "reading magnifiers." This is a universal condition. Everyone experiences it. Monovision LASIK, however, offers an opportunity to address both the distance and closeup vision correction for some patients.

So why can some people in their 50's and 60's read without glasses?
They can read without glasses because they are nearsighted. This is the very definition of nearsightedness - the ability to see up-close. Don't forget that these same nearsighted people cannot see in the distance, and that they have to remove their glasses in order to see up close. It's extremely important for nearsighted adults over age 45 to realize that once they have laser vision correction that they will be normal, and therefore they will loose their ability to read without glasses. Now that they are suddenly normal, instead of needing glasses for distance, they will now need "half-eye" magnifiers to read.

Are you saying that people still have to use glasses after having laser vision correction?
Absolutely! Only those individual between the ages of 20 and 45 will be essentially "glasses-free" and even these individuals may prefer glasses for "fine-tuning" their vision in the distance. Additionally all of these individuals will eventually require reading glasses once they reach 45. Unfortunately that is the "human condition" -- every normal individual over age 45 needs reading glasses and laser vision correction simply makes you normal. But it's wonderful to be normal if you've been handicapped by poor vision and the annoyance of wearing glasses or contact lenses.

So laser vision correction does not eliminate the need for glasses?
That's correct. Everyone, as they age, will ultimately need reading glasses. But that's the way God made us! That is the normal human condition. Young adults will, however, be stabilized for the 25 years between age 20 and age 45.

Then, why would anyone want to have laser vision correction?
Because it's truly an incredible enhancement to the quality of life to become substantially less dependent upon contact lenses or eyeglasses for those people who are dependent upon their glasses: and that constitutes about 60% of the population. Most all of the patients who are currently wearing glasses or contacts are doing so because without them they would be essentially nonfunctional. These individuals are truly handicapped without their glasses. They can't watch TV, drive, swim or do anything without wearing either their glasses or contacts. To suddenly be normal and to be able to do all of these simple, daily activities without glasses or contact lenses is truly incredible. Dr. Kenyon, Dr. Sullivan and dozens of our staff have undergone laser vision correction. All are pleased with having their lives changed by the wonder of laser vision and by the freedom to see without glasses or contacts.

Is there any way to correct for both distance and close up vision through Laser Vision Correction?
Yes, there is a technique called "Mono Vision LASIK " where one eye is treated for distance vision and the other eye is treated for near vision. Prospective Mono Vision candidates are first tested by wearing contact lenses for a period of time to see if their brain can naturally adapt. It has been our experience that approximately 50% of our LASIK patients over age 40 are candidates for and select Mono Vision LASIK.