Frequently Asked Questions

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with your physician regarding Laser Vision Correction. Please consult Dr. Gold if you have additional questions or if you have questions that may not be covered in this section.

Q: Is Laser Vision Correction permanent?
A: We now have close to 25 years of experience with Laser Vision Correction in the U.S. alone, and closer to 30 years in other countries. It is very rare for "regression" to occur. In a small percentage of cases, an enhancement treatment is required within the first few months to fine tune the outcome.

Q: How does the Laser work?
A: An electric current "excites" a mixture of argon and fluorine gases. This causes the emission of a beam of cold ultraviolet laser light. When corneal tissue is exposed to this beam, molecules of collagen are broken apart resulting in the reshaping of the corneal tissue. This changes the focal point of the light rays. Because the beam is cold, tissue is not "burned".

Q: Do you perform Wavfront-Assisted (Custom) Laser Vision Correction?
A: Yes. Dr. Gold has been using Wavefront-assisted Laser Vision Correction for several years and has seen improved results almost immediately upon beginning custom treatment. Click here for a description of Wavefront-assisted Laser Vision Correction.

Q: Do you use "Iris Registration"?
A: Yes, the VISX Star S4 laser was the first to be equipped with the ability to register the pattern of the iris in the sitting position so that when the eye rotates as the patient lies down, the same pattern can be recognized by the laser in order to rotate the laser beam so that the treatment matches the eye. This allows for the most precise vision correction possible, and therefore the highest level of visual quality and performance and therefore satisfaction.

Q: Is Laser Vision Correction safe?
A: Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure and therefore subjected to risks and complications just like any surgical procedure. However the complication rate is remarkably low. Dr. Gold will review the possible complications with you at the time of your initial consultation.

Q: Are there side effects?
A: Most patients experience glare in the presence of bright lights, especially with night driving for the first 2 to 4 weeks. It is very rare for glare and haloes to last longer. The eyes will be drier than prior to surgery for several months. In most cases dryness can be managed simply with artificial tears but occasionally more aggressive treatment is necessary.

Q: What does Laser Vision Correction feel like?
A: After the numbing drops are applied you will still be able to feel Dr. Gold touching your eye and there will be a brief few seconds of pressure when the epi-keratome is applied. There is no sensation at all when the laser treatment is being performed.

Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: The treatment is brief and the entire time spent in the procedure room is typically less than 15 minutes. However, you need to plan to be at the laser center about one to two hours in order to allow time for the Valium to take effect and for final pre-operative checking and a brief rest post-operatively.

Q: What should I expect?
A: You will leave the laser center wearing sunglasses and “bandage” contact lenses. The vision will be slightly blurry but much better than when you arrived, and will actually be functional. You will be instructed to go home and take a 3 to 4 hour nap after which you should resume normal activities to whatever extent you can. By the next morning some patients can drive to the one day post-op visit. The vision gradually becomes sharper over the next days and weeks. There may be a little burning and tearing the day of surgery, but that is usually gone by the next morning. You will not handle the bandage contact lenses. Dr. Gold will put them on, monitor them at your post-op visits and remove them on the third day. The only restriction during those days will be to prevent water from getting in your eyes (because of risk of infection).

Q: How do I find out if I am a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
A: We offer free screenings during which Dr. Gold personally checks your existing prescription, your pupil size, your corneal shape and thickness to inform you whether or not Laser Vision Correction could work for you. Simply call and schedule a free screening with Dr. Gold.

Q: How much does Laser Vision Correction cost?
A: Dr. Gold's fee for Custom Epi-LASIK is $1995 per eye.

Q: Will I meet Dr. Gold before the day of surgery?
A: Unlike other practices, in which all the pre-operative technical work is done by a technician or an Optometrist, Dr. Gold personally performs the screenings, pre-op evaluations and testing, the surgical planning, the surgery, and the post-operative care.