Have you ever imagined waking up in the morning and seeing the alarm clock, or being able to drive a car, watch a movie, or enjoy sports such as swimming, golf, and skiing without contacts or glasses? Or just being able to go on vacation without having to pack an extra suitcase for your contact lens solution and spare glasses? Now with the advent of laser technology, vision correction has entered a new era. Whether you are nearsighted (myopic), farsighted (hyperopic), or have astigmatism, laser vision correction is the most technologically advanced method available today to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

It is estimated that over one million laser vision correction procedures have been performed in 52 countries around the world for more than a decade. Laser technology provides an unparalleled degree of precision and predictability, which makes it an excellent and highly effective vision correction option for many people. Most typical patients at Gaston Eye and Laser Center achieve 20/20 vision following one or more procedures.

Laser vision correction makes that dream a reality for millions since the late 1980’s. And now this advanced technology is available at Gaston Eye and Laser Center. No need to travel miles for the procedure; you can stay in our community and be treated by doctors you know already know and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• What should I expect after the procedure?
• Am I a good candidate?
• Why should I choose Gaston Eye Associates?
• What kinds of results can I expect?
• Will my vision be corrected forever?
• What’s the difference between LASIK and PRK?
• Will the procedure hurt?
• Are there any risks?
• Should both eyes be treated on the same day?
• How long will I be off work?
• Where is the procedure performed?
• What does the cost of the procedure cover?
• Is it covered by insurance or other plans?
• Is financing available?
• Does Gaston Eye Associates stand behind the results?
• How can I get the latest information?

What should I expect after the procedure?
And, how soon can I return to work? Because of the cornea’s extraordinary regenerative and natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches. Laser vision correction is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort of our very own laser surgical suite in our Gastonia location. Many patients notice dramatic improvement in their vision within the first few days and then notice the fine-tuning or sharpening of vision over the next several weeks. Depending on whether you have had LASIK or PRK, most patients can return to work the next day, however, we suggest you take at least two days to rest before resuming normal activities.

Am I a good candidate?
Yes, if you are at least 21 years old, in good general health, and have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Laser vision correction can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. In most cases, even patients with the most severe prescriptions can be treated. Good candidates have realistic expectations. We recommend you visit our office for a complimentary consultation with our laser vision coordinator. The doctor will explain the results you can reasonable expect by measuring your prescription and thoroughly examining your eyes.

Why should I choose Gaston Eye Associates?
High-quality patient care is our first priority, and patient satisfaction is our only assurance of continued success. All our doctors have the experience and specialty training making them uniquely qualified to be LASER VISION CORRECTION SPECIALIST. The doctors and staff at Gaston Eye Associates practice in a manner uncommon in today’s health care environment. With their experience and warmth, you feel relaxed, supported, and informed each step of the way in the spirit of yesterday with the technology of today.

What kind of results can I expect?
While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. How well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the severity of your prescription. Although we can’t promise patients “perfect” or 20/20 vision most laser patient with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within 1 to 2 lines of 20/20 vision on an eye chart. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, or to participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as police and fire departments.

Will my vision be corrected forever?
Laser vision correction has been common in many countries around the world since the late 1980’s. Many studies have looked at the long-term effects of the laser on the surface of the eye (cornea) and so far have shown without exception that there are no long-term negative effects on the eye’s integrity or strength. The first nearsighted person ever treated with laser vision correction was in the United States in 1987. That person achieved 20/20 vision following the treatment and is still 20/20 more than a decade later. The majorities of our patients treated have achieved 20/20 vision following the procedure, and are still 20/20 today with no difficulties. In general, few patients may require a re-treatment and if it does become necessary it is typically performed during the first year after the procedure and usually at no additional cost to you.

What’s the difference between LASIK and PRK?
There are two kinds of laser vision correction procedures, LASIK and PRK. Both techniques are effective laser procedures for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Both use a precise, cool laser beam of light to gently reshape the front surface of your eye; on the corneal surface with PRK or beneath the corneal surface with LASIK. Ultimately, both procedures offer a 98% chance of achieving 20/40 or better vision. There are, however some significant differences between the techniques (LASIK/PRK). Some doctors and patients are comfortable with the PRK procedure. However, most doctors and patients prefer LASIK because of the faster visual recovery, little to no post-procedure discomfort and the ability to have both eyes corrected the same day.

Will the procedure hurt?
The LASIK and PRK procedures themselves are completely painless. There are no needles. Instead, anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before surgery begins. After your LASIK procedure, your eye may feel a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. Dryness in your eyes can last for several days. Following a PRK procedure, you may experience irritation for several days.

Are there any risks?
There have been no reported cases of blindness from laser vision correction. But, as with any kind of surgical treatment, there are always risks and complication possibilities that will be thoroughly explained at your visit. At Gaston Eye Associates we are proud to state that our rate of vision-reducing complications is less than 1%. The extensive training received by all of our doctors reduces the probability of any risks still further. Our commitment to patient care means that we will always do our best for you before, during and after your procedure. Your eye doctor will review all potential risks in greater detail at your initial consultation.

Should both eyes be treated on the same day?
Although it is always safest to treat one eye at a time, our patients cite many advantages to having both eyes treated the same day. These include convenience, possibly less time off from work, improved balance between your eyes, improved vision, and less chance of night glare. In our experience, most patients prefer to have both eyes treated the same day, or within a few days or weeks of each other.

How long will I be off work?
You can have the procedure and be back to your normal day-to-day activities very quickly. We do our procedures on Fridays, and by Monday most of our patients are able to return to work. During your screening with the Refractive Coordinator we will discuss this with you so that you know your options.

Where is the procedure performed?
Gaston Eye and Laser Center is thrilled to offer Gaston County’s first and only laser vision correction facility! Now you can have your LASIK or PRK procedure without having to go to Charlotte, and you can have your procedure performed by doctors you already know and trust. Doctors Michael J. Lund and M. Todd Brown are the two LASIK certified surgeons who perform the procedures. All pre-procedure and post-treatment care is continued at our home offices in Gastonia and Dallas.

What does the cost of the procedure cover?
The fee for both PRK and LASIK at Gaston Eye and Laser Center includes a complementary screening, unlimited post-operative visit for 6 months, free re-treatment if necessary, and post-treatment examinations following the re-treatment for 6 months. Some insurances and health plans may entitle you to additional savings, as well as flexible spending accounts with some employers. In addition, we are pleased to now offer extended payment plans that make these procedures affordable to almost everyone.

Contact our Laser Vision Coordinator to review the fees for laser vision correction. They are competitively priced and can be paid with personal check, most major credit cards, or cash.

Is it covered by insurance or other plans?
Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK or PRK, but we encourage you to check with your provider. While LASIK and PRK are often deemed elective and not covered, they may be tax deductible depending on your filing status. If your company has a flexible benefits program you can usually include LASIK and PRK in it.

Is financing available?
Yes, there are financing plans available including flexible monthly payment plans. Our Laser Vision Coordinator can give you all the details at your complimentary consultation.

Does Gaston Eye Associates stand behind the results?
At Gaston Eye and Laser Center, your best visual outcome is our major concern. This is why we allow unlimited post-operative visits for the first 6 months. We are putting your care back into the hands of the doctor. We have confidence in our surgeons, and in the stability of our patients’ outcomes over the long-term.

How can I get the latest information?
To find out more about laser vision correction, or to determine if you are a candidate, call our office and ask to speak with our Laser Vision Coordinator, June Fraley at 704-853-3937.