Reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses (and quite possibly eliminate them all together!)

The most modern laser techniques available

Minimal discomfort and rapid recovery

Laser vision correction (LVC) includes several procedures that utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye) in order to correct vision and reduce or eliminate the need for wearing glasses or contact lenses. The most common procedure is fast, painless, and highly successful.

Two principal types of LVC are available in the United States today: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). A new variation on PRK, called Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) has also come into recent use. All LVC techniques can correct hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmmatism up to certain limits. Performed in Europe since 1989, PRK received approval in October 1995 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and LASIK was FDA approved in 2000.

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		• Dr. Roberto Pineda • Laser Vision Correction Procedures

At Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, the LVC program was initiated in 1996 and is headed by Dr. Roberto Pineda who performs all of the procedures, and Dr David Conway, who does LVC education, consultation, and follow-up. Dr. Pineda answers some common questions about laser vision correction:

What's the most common reason people opt to have LVC, and who is likely to have it?

Most of my patients are between the ages of 30 and 50, and for a number of reasons want to become less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. The FDA requires patients to be 21 years old and have a stable prescription for 1 year.

How is the procedure done?

Using an excimer laser, the laser beam reshapes the front of the cornea by removing microscopic layers of corneal tissue to improve the way light is focused in the eye. Treatment with the laser usually takes less than one minute.

What is the difference between LVC and Radial Keratotomy (RK)?

Also used to correct nearsightedness; RK involves using a diamond knife instead of an excimer laser to make very fine radial cuts in the cornea. It can weaken the cornea, whereas LVC does not alter the structural integrity of the cornea. RK is not a covered benefit either.

How effective is LVC?

FDA-Approved LVC results in permanent vision correction, with 97% of all people who undergo LVC experiencing 20/40 vision or better. About 70% of patients experience 20/20, or perfect vision, after the surgery. For older adults, reading glasses may still be necessary after LVC.

How much does the surgery cost?

The cost of the surgery can ranges from $1,800 to $2,200 per eye.

Is laser vision correction (LVC) a covered benefit under most insurance policies?

No, LVC is not covered by most insurance policies. Although it's an out-of-pocket expense, many people have had the procedure. The IRS has approved LVC for deduction as a medical expense and is an approved medical expense for medical savings accounts.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for LVC?

If you are between 21 to 65, have mild to moderate nearsightedness or farsightedness with a moderate amount of astigmatism, are in good health, and are displeased with being dependent on visual aids, you are potentially a good candidate.

What are the possible risks, complications and outcomes associated with LVC?

Less than 1 percent of patients experience post-operative complications such as long-term corneal scarring, visually significant haze, haloes or glare. But with follow-up appointments we can detect and manage almost any complication. Blurred vision may occur for the first two to three months.

What are the long-term effects on the eyes after laser surgery?

Since the surgery is still fairly new, LVC's long-term effects beyond ten years are presently unknown. After 5 years, however, the great majority of patients have had no change.

How popular is LVC now, and how popular do you think it will become in the future?

LVC is quite popular. Last year alone, nearly 1.5 million people had laser vision correction.