Frequently Asked Questions
About Laser Vision Correction 

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If you wear glasses or contact lenses to correct your nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism, there is an exciting alternative in vision correction that you need to know about. It is Laser Vision Correction (LVC), a simple procedure that can help you see your world more clearly. At ViewPoint Laser Centers, our experienced and committed physicians and laser team want to ensure that you make an informed decision about your vision correction options. Feel free to contact us at 562-290-8440 or Toll-Free at 1-877-388-LASER.

What is laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction is a simple procedure that uses the VISX Star SmoothScan excimer laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. VISX technology is the most approved laser system in the World and 3 out of 4 Americans choose VISX for their laser procedure.  In fact, VISX invented the laser technology to correct your vision!

During the treatment, the laser's cool beam of ultraviolet light removes a small amount of tissue, much less than the thickness of a single human hair. Short pulses of this cool beam laser light change the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina. Laser Vision Correction is approved by the Food & Drug Administration as well as health agencies around the World.

What are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism?

Nearsightedness occurs when the curve at the front portion of the eye, known as the cornea, is too steep resulting in blurred images in the distance. Farsightedness is just the opposite; the eye is not long enough or the cornea is too flat which results in near images being blurred. Astigmatism is the result of an irregular curvature of the cornea (i.e., the cornea is oval like a football instead of round like a tennis ball).

In a normal eye, the cornea and the lens of the eye focus light to form an image on the back surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness, the eye focuses or refracts light too much, causing images of distant objects to form in front of the retina and appear blurry.

Farsighted eyes cannot effectively focus enough or refract light enough so that images closer to the eye are blurry.

Can I have laser vision correction?

Just as glasses and contacts help you to see clearly, so does laser vision correction. But there are some guidelines: you must be at least 18 years of age, with healthy eyes and stable vision. The professionals at ViewPoint Laser Centers can provide additional information and advice during a free, no-obligation laser vision consultation at our location at Kilroy Airport Center, Long Beach (Lakewood at I-405) or with your local eyecare professional.

What are the real benefits of laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction is the modern alternative to glasses or contact lenses. The goal of LVC is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on contact lenses and glasses. It enables millions of people worldwide to return to natural vision with a safe, simple laser procedure.

Is laser vision correction safe?

Millions of LVC procedures have been performed worldwide in the past 10 years. Data obtained during exhaustive US FDA clinical trials shows that all patients experienced a significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without glasses or contact lenses) after laser vision correction and that 98% of patients achieved clear vision without the need for corrective lenses.

What kind of laser system should I consider?

At ViewPoint Laser Centers, we are proud to offer you the most advanced and most approved laser technology in the world: the VISX Star SmoothScan excimer laser system. This laser is built in the United States and is approved by the US Food & Drug Administration for all treatment parameters: the first laser to achieve this milestone. VISX SmoothScan technology means that our laser provides an extremely smooth and uniform correction of your vision. 

Do I need an examination first?

Prior to treatment, you will have a thorough eye examination, called a laser vision consultation, which is conducted at ViewPoint Laser Centers to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for LVC. There is no charge for this consultation which can usually be scheduled at a time most convenient to you. In addition, a detailed video and computer image is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea. If a candidate, you will then have an additional extensive examination conducted by your laser surgeon. If you are shopping around be sure to ask if your surgeon will perform this detailed examination, not someone else. 

What can I expect on the day of my laser vision correction procedure?

On the day of your procedure, your eyes will be examined and then anaesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes to numb them. In the laser room, you will be seated in a reclining chair, the physician will position your head under the laser, and a retainer will be placed between your eyelids to gently hold them open during the treatment.  A device called a microkeratome will access a thin flap on the surface of the cornea.  Once completed, you will be asked to focus on a blinking red light while the laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea.

The laser will treat your eye for less than one minute and your total time at the centre will be about 1 hour. After your laser treatment is complete, some drops will be placed on your eye for protection and comfort. While the actual procedure is painless due to the numbing eye drops, you will experience some slight irritation during the immediate post-operative period.

How much time will I need to get laser vision correction?

At ViewPoint Laser Centers we recommend you plan to have laser vision correction when you can afford a few days to relax and enjoy the benefits of your new vision. Immediate post-operative visits are required at 24 hours and 1 week after your procedure.  Your eyes may be light-sensitive for the first while. The healing of the eye occurs during this period so we recommend you take a day or two off of work and avoid any strenuous activity. 

What kind of vision can I expect with laser vision correction?

This depends largely on the amount of correction required. Most people require a low to moderate degree of laser vision correction that should result in vision similar to that with glasses or contact lenses. Vision can return in 24 to 48 hours after the LVC procedure. It is expected that most patients should be able to legally drive within a few days after having the procedure. 

Is laser vision correction affordable for me?

Laser vision correction is an elective procedure, which is paid for by the patient. However, the affordability of LVC has never been greater. First, consider the cost of replacing your eyeglass frames and lenses or the repetitive costs of disposable contact lenses. Imagine ridding yourself of the hassles and irritations of contact lenses. With laser vision correction you can receive the greatest value: clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. At ViewPoint Laser Centers we have gone one step further. We have designed our Laser Vision Plan to convert the cost of LVC into convenient, affordable monthly payments.  Contact our Education Counsellor today to learn more.

What about "low price" laser vision correction?

You may have heard of laser vision correction being offered at extremely low prices. Laser vision correction, while a safe, simple and quick procedure, must be performed by approved laser equipment and licensed ophthalmologists. Across North America, the costs involved in providing the best laser vision equipment, service, trained ophthalmologists and staff results in the procedure costing between $2000-$2500 per eye. Many discount centers do not participate in co-management programs with local optometry. If you move or transferred, who will take care of you? At ViewPoint Laser Centers we take full responsibility for your pre and post-operative care no matter where you live and at no extra charge to you. And your laser surgeon will personally perform a detailed comprehensive eye examination before your procedure. Do your homework and KNOW THE FACTS! 

What do I do next?

Your next step is to learn about your vision correction needs. Call us today to book a laser vision consultation or to apply for our Laser Vision Plan. If you need more education, drop by our centre at Kilroy Airport Center in Long Beach (I-405 at Lakewood) and pick-up our informative video about LVC. At ViewPoint Laser Centers we are committed to helping you make an informed decision about laser vision correction.