Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q: Is LASIK permanent?
A: We now have close to 25 years of experience with LASIK 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) LASIK?
A: Yes. Dr. Gold has been using Wavefront-assisted LASIK for the past two years and is already seeing improved results. Click here for a description of Wavefront-assisted LASIK.

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 LASIK safe?
A: LASIK 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 LASIK 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 microkeratome 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, with very cloudy vision, which will last until after you take a 4 to 5 hour nap. By the next morning the typical patient 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.

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

Q: How much does LASIK cost?
A: Dr. Gold's fee for LASIK starts at $1395 per eye. Custom LASIK and Epi-LASIK are more expensive. Members of certain health plans are eligible for significant discounts. You can find out if you are eligible by contacting Liberty Vision at 1-877-659-2020 or 1-203-281-5745.

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. After the initial stabilization period, usually the first week, you will have the option to see one of our participating Optometrists located around the State of CT, if it is more convenient for you to do so. All of them are highly qualified to care for the post-operative LASIK patient.