How many vision correction procedures has Dr. Waring performed?
Dr. Waring was involved in the first FDA approved laser vision correction surgery in the US and has performed over 20,000 cases in over 25 years of practice in Atlanta and around the world.

How many refractive procedures of the exact type you intend to use for me, with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, have you performed?
This depends on the procedure chosen for you, however, Dr. Waring has been practicing laser vision correction and lens implantation for over 25 years. He has been involved in technology used today.

Let's Discuss Aspects of the Procedure.

How long are the examinations before and after surgery?
The pre-surgical examination takes two hours. You will receive a complete eye examination, along with a number of special tests that are routinely performed. This comprehensive process allows us to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK, or another refractive procedure. During this initial examination your eyes may be dilated.  For surgery, Dr. Waring will examine you immediately post operatively and you will receive postoperative instructions; this will take about half an hour. However, you will need to allow about three hours for surgical preparation and postoperative instructions.  Follow-up examinations are performed at 24 hours, two weeks, three, and twelve months or as needed in your particular case.

How long does the LASIK surgery take?
It's faster than you think.  It takes only 15 minutes for both eyes.  Many patients say, "Is that all there is to it?"

Is the procedure painful?
LASIK surgery is painless and postoperatively, there can be slight irritation of your eye but minimal pain.

Let's Examine the Results.

What are the risks and complications of LASIK surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, complications are always a possibility. Most complications are minor and do not threaten vision. These include under correction, overcorrection, and visual aberrations (glare, halos, starbursts, shadow images, double vision, etc.). It is possible for the flap to slip out of position and require repositioning or epithelial cells may grow under the flap. The incidence of these problems is about ½ of 1%. Complications that could threaten your vision are EXTREMELY rare. Infection is the most serious possible complication. Dr. Waring has performed about 25,000 procedures and we have had one documented infection, which was resolved with antibiotic drops with a good outcome and good vision with a contact lens. To help avoid infection, we do ask that you avoid swimming and exposure to contaminated water such as hot tubs for two weeks after surgery.

What are the risks and complications during surgery?
Rarely, the creation of the corneal flap is partial or irregular.  If that occurs, Dr. Waring will tell you, allow your cornea to heal and complete the procedure three months later.  Many patients are concerned about moving their eyes during surgery.  The laser keeps track of the position of your eye 200 times per second.  If you move a lot, the laser turns off instantly.  No - you cannot disrupt the procedure.

How long do the results of LASIK last?
LASIK permanently changes the curvature of the cornea, and the results last for the rest of your life.  However, over years, your eye may change like other parts of your body, and if so, a retreatment or "tune-up" may be done.

What percentage of your pervious patients have had enhancement surgery? Explain your enhancement policy.
The enhancement procedure us used to sharpen the correction following the first LASIK treatment. Dr. Waring believes that a slight under correction is better than an over correction that cannot be reversed. The second procedure, or enhancement is used in approximately 5-10% of the cases to make the good correction better and sharper. If you are happy with your vision following the first procedure, the enhancement will not be done.

Will my vision fluctuate after surgery? How long is the healing period?
Surgery is quick but the healing and fluctuations may continue for three months or longer. Dr. Waring likes to inform patients that Refractive surgery can provide improved vision immediately but sometimes it is more of a six-month process even though it is possible you will have perfect vision immediately after surgery. Neurological adaptation for blended vision for the treatment of presbyopia is typically one to three months but can require one year in some cases.

How often and when will you perform postoperative examinations?
Your first visit will be 24-hours following surgery, and then additional follow up visits at two weeks, 90 days, six months and 12 months - or more if required.

Are there any reasons why I would not have excellent refractive surgery results?
Your surgeon will discuss your candidacy based on a comprehensive pre-surgical exam. At the conclusion of the exam your surgeon will discuss in more detail what you can reasonably expect from the proposed surgery. If you cannot reasonably expect to receive what you consider to be a successful result, we will recommend that you not have surgery.