What are the benefits of LASIK?
- You can have clear, natural vision
- LVC is a quick and painless procedure
- Most San Antonio laser eye surgery patients are able to see again without glasses and contacts
- Financing makes LVC affordable to everyone who needs it
- Overall eye health is improved
- Quality of life is improved
Will I have perfect vision after the procedure? Will I still need glasses?
Laser Vision Correction is extremely effective in reducing nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It's important that patients have realistic expectations for their Laser Vision Correction surgery. With CustomVue(TM) technology, more than 98 percent of LASIK patients see 20/25 or better after the procedure. That qualifies an individual to pass a driver's license exam without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Less than one percent of patients experience any kind of serious vision-threatening complications from the procedure. Vision typically improves following the procedure; however, the degree of improvement varies from person to person. Some patients with extremely high degrees of correction may still require glasses after laser vision correction, and people who are in reading glasses or bifocals before the procedure may still need to use some corrective lenses to read following the procedure.
Why Blade-Free LASIK?
Traditional LASIK is a very good procedure. In fact, McAllen LASIK surgeon Dr. Manrique de Lara has performed thousands of cases with the traditional approach and technology. While the risk of complication in his hands is very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, an advanced laser technology is available that significantly reduces the risk of complications. It is known as Blade-Free LASIK. With Blade-Free LASIK, Dr. Manrique de Lara feels he can further reduce the risk of complication and give his patients a new level of confidence in vision correction surgery.
How is "Blade-Free" LASIK different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK surgery is actually a 2-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery. Traditionally, the surgeon created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device, which utilizes a metal blade. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And although LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications. With Blade-Free LASIK, the surgeon uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (+/- 10 microns) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced technology puts unprecedented control in the hands of the surgeon, and even allows him to customize the corneal flap for every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, Blade-Free LASIK now makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.
Is Blade-Free LASIK new? How is Dr. Manrique de Lara able to offer Blade-Free LASIK when others in the area do not?
The IntraLase FS laser has been cleared by the FDA and became commercially available in 2001. The IntraLase FS laser is the only laser that provides Blade-Free LASIK. To date, more than 60,000 procedures have been completed with no significant complications reported. Dr. Manrique de Lara is among an elite group of key opinion leaders in ophthalmology who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into practice as soon as they become available.
Has anyone gone blind or lost his or her eye from laser vision correction?
More than 6 million patients in more than 60 countries worldwide have had laser vision correction. No cases of blindness or loss of an eye has been reported.
Does LASIK hurt?
You should not experience pain during the procedure. Following the procedure, you may feel like you have been swimming in a chlorinated pool and your eyes may sting for a few hours after surgery. Since the eye is numbed using special anesthetic drops, the procedure itself is painless and there is very little discomfort. The patient is awake and comfortable throughout the procedure and may feel pressure but not pain. Most patients describe the procedure as being less uncomfortable than having their teeth cleaned. Some discomfort after the procedure may occur, although it usually disappears within 12 to 24 hours. Discomfort can include itchy, watery eyes.
Is LASIK safe?
Today's state-of-the-art lasers are approved by the FDA for treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. More than one million procedures have been performed using VISX lasers in the United States. Less than one percent of patients have experienced any kind of serious vision-threatening complications. Although we cannot offer any guarantees on your results, we can tell you that 98% of our patients have 20/25 vision or better following surgery with no complications. If you examine the experience and track record of Dr. Manrique de Lara and our practice, we feel you will have no problem trusting your eyes to us.
Is "Blade Free" LASIK safer?
Yes. Blade-Free LASIK is considered by many to provide a safer approach to vision correction surgery. This is a result of the superior precision of a computer-controlled laser as compared to that of a hand-held mechanical device. The mechanical device houses a metal blade, which cuts across the cornea to create the flap. Blade-Free LASIK accomplishes the flap procedure with a laser instead of a blade, and does not travel across the cornea; these features reduce the risk of complications. Blade-Free LASIK provides a safer procedure because of its precision. This precision was documented in studies conducted for the FDA clearance of the laser, where the accuracy of flap thickness was demonstrated at +/- 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and Blade-Free LASIK created flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. Again, this degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date. Finally, greater flap stability was also demonstrated with Blade-Free LASIK flaps in studies for the laser's FDA submission. Although the incidence of flap slippage is rare in LASIK, the consequences can be quite problematical. The assurance that the Blade-Free LASIK created flap will be securely re-positioned without incident provides added peace of mind for many patients.
How would you compare the visual outcomes using Blade-Free LASIK with those of traditional LASIK?
Today it is known that visual outcomes with Blade-Free LASIK are comparable with those of traditional LASIK. Studies are now underway to evaluate whether results with Blade-Free LASIK might be even better, as has been anecdotally reported.
I have seen several advertisements for "All Laser LASIK." Is this Blade-Free LASIK?
Be sure to ask for Blade-Free LASIK by name. Only Blade-Free LASIK offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all laser surgical approach. Other providers may advertise all laser, but you should ensure that Blade-Free LASIK is indeed being used to create your flap. Your surgical provider should be happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure in great detail.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with every surgical procedure, there are risks involved with Laser Vision Correction. A very small percentage of patients who undergo the procedure have experienced mild, temporary side effects. The majority of patients experience none, but the most common ones described are a ghost image on figures or objects, a doubling of the image, mild glare, mild fluctuation of vision and a possible decrease in contrasts. These effects usually last only a few days. In some patients, especially with high corrections, this effect can last several weeks and in rare cases, a few months. During your vision correction consultation, your surgeon will give you a thorough explanation of all the risks and benefits involved with these procedures.
Other than LASIK, what other options are available for correcting refractive errors?
By far, the most common method is eyeglasses. Contact lenses, either soft or gas permeable, are another popular option. Other procedures like radial keratotomy are also approved and available for use. In addition, other forms of surgical correction are undergoing clinical investigation.
What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?
While the treatment is performed, you look at a colored light located on the inside of the laser. It is important that you look steadily at the light throughout the operation, since this keeps the eye centered for the laser. However, if you temporarily look away or lose the ability to look at the fixation light, do not be concerned. The laser procedure can immediately be interrupted and then resumed once you and Dr. Manrique de Lara are comfortable that you are again looking in the correct direction.
How soon can I have my second eye treated?
Depending upon individual circumstances, both eyes can be treated on the same day, or we may recommend that you wait for a few days until the results of the first eye are known. We will discuss this during your appointment.
When does my vision recover following LASIK?
Most patients can see immediately following the surgery. Many patients are excited to read the clock on the wall as soon as they get up! Vision is often acceptable within one or two days of the surgery and steadily improves further over the next few weeks, assuming that no additional correction is needed.
When can I return to work after LASIK?
Most patients return to work the next day, so there's little downtime. Dr. Manrique de Lara will suggest that you take it easy for two to three days and will make a recommendation for recovery time based on your individual vision needs and work environment.
What are the limitations after surgery?
Patients should go home and sleep after the surgery and not do any reading or computer work. The day after surgery, the surgeon will discuss any further limitations. Most people can resume normal activity one or two days after surgery. Prolonged reading and computer work may be difficult at first and patients should plan to limit time at these activities for the first several days to weeks.
*No scuba diving, swimming or bathing in hot tubs is permitted for 2 weeks following the surgery.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
To be eligible for refractive laser procedure you should:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a stable prescription for about one year
- Have healthy eyes
- Have no history of Rheumatologic disease
- Not be pregnant
In order to tell if you are a good candidate for excimer laser procedure it is necessary for you to undergo a complimentary consultation at Manrique Custom Vision Center. Tests will be done to determine the degree of correction of your eyes and that they are healthy. A computer generated, color schematic map of the surface of your cornea will also be taken to insure you are a candidate for the procedure. Whatever your reasons for selecting refractive laser procedure, the staff and Dr. Manrique de Lara are available to answer all of your questions about this procedure that can change your vision and enhance your life.
How much discomfort is there after the surgery?
The numbing medication wears off in about 15-20 minutes after which most patients experience some mild burning and irritation, like having a piece of sand in their eye. Watering and light sensitivity is normal. All patients should go home and take a nap or close their eyes for 2 hours, which helps to minimize any discomfort. Most patients do not need to take any pain medication after the procedure.
Is my correction permanent?
The correction achieved with LASIK and other vision correction procedures is long lasting and little change is seen after years of follow-up studies. The vision you achieve with LASIK is generally the vision you will keep for the rest of your life, but vision correction procedures do not prevent the onset of weakening vision that results from aging.
Will I ever have to wear glasses again?
Since close to 98 percent of LASIK patients achieve 20/25 vision or better, very few choose to wear glasses. Those who do generally use them on a part time basis. Although LASIK is intended to significantly reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts, there is no guarantee that you will not have to use some form of eyewear for such tasks as night driving or to obtain your best possible vision after the procedure. Most patients will eventually need glasses or contacts for reading and up close vision in response to a condition known as Presbyopia. Presbyopia typically occurs at around age 40, regardless of whether one undergoes laser vision correction.
How important is experience?
Although having the latest technology does minimize room for error in a refractive procedure, the surgeon is still in constant control of the laser. Only a skilled, highly trained surgeon can give you the best results. Also, the more LASIK procedures performed, the more likely the surgeon is to anticipate any complications, and the better prepared he or she is to deal with individual characteristics. Dr. Manrique de Lara has performed over 6,000 LASIK procedures with excellent results.
What is the difference between private LASIK practices and discount providers?
Dr. Manrique de Lara and his staff want to let you know that when shopping for eye care, the lowest price is not always the best value. The three main factors that separate private practices and discount laser centers are surgeon experience, technology, and personal care. If you ask around, you will see a noticeable difference in these factors between higher-priced private practices and lower-priced discounters. For instance, many discount LASIK providers do not even allow you to have contact with the surgeon until the day of surgery. Many times your consultation and testing will be done by technicians, and you will not have the comfort of being able to talk with the doctor first. Also, many advertised discount prices may have hidden charges. With Dr. Manrique de Lara, your pre-op and post-op visits are included in your surgery price. Another big difference may be technology. Many discount centers do not invest in the latest equipment, possibly limiting a patient's chance at an optimum outcome.
A very close friend had traditional LASIK surgery with Dr. Manrique de Lara, and today enjoys 20/20 vision. Why should I pay more for Blade-Free LASIK?
Because we feel this is very compelling technology that significantly raises the standard for safety in vision correction surgery, we are recommending Blade-Free LASIK for all of our patients. You should discuss your concerns directly with Dr. Manrique de Lara as certain vision disorders and corneal anatomy may be associated with a higher degree of risk. Dr. Manrique de Lara will help you to decide which is best for you.
Is Blade-Free LASIK more expensive?
Advanced technologies are more expensive for the surgeon to employ in his practice. Most patients agree the added level of safety and assurance offered by Blade-Free LASIK is well worth the additional cost when considering vision correction surgery.
Are financing or payment options available?
Yes, financing options are available. Credit cards are also accepted. Some people choose to set aside pre-tax money from their flexible benefits program at work to save for the procedure. We offer a variety of financing options designed to fit your budget. When you visit us for your free consultation, we'll go over all the options and help you choose the payment plan to best suit your needs. Visit or call Manrique Custom Vision Center for more financing information.
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How long is follow-up care provided for?
All post-operative care is provided by Dr. Manrique de Lara for one year following the procedure. Any enhancement performed during that time is also included in the fee.
If I can have this procedure done for less money, why should I come to your center?
Dr. Manrique de Lara is an experienced LASIK specialist. But aside from choosing an experienced surgeon with an excellent reputation, it is important to have access to your surgeon for any problems that arise after the surgery. Doctor Manrique de Lara will be there for you pre-operatively and post operatively. Visit The Manrique Difference page to see what sets us apart from the rest.
If I'm considering LASIK, what's the first step?
If you're considering LASIK, we'd like you to consider Dr. Carlos Manrique de Lara. Even if you're not convinced, we urge you to come in for a free visit. You'll have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Manrique de Lara and discuss the benefits and risks of LASIK surgery. We'll also counsel you on your financing options and help you find a plan that will fit easily into your budget. Call Manrique Custom Vision Center at 1-956-661-9000 for your free consultation. Take the first step toward investing in your vision. You won't regret it!
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