technology




Note: This is general information and should not be viewed as a replacement for a personal visit to your doctor.




What are the long-term effects of laser vision correction?
Extensive research was conducted prior to the FDA granting approval for the procedure. There is no evidence of inherent short or long-term corneal damage from use of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea.




Is laser vision correction permanent?
Yes, the laser gently reshapes the curvature of the cornea to correct distance vision and astigmatism. Our patients do not typically regress, though the need for an enhancement for under or over correction is a possibility (approximately 3-10% of patients depending on prescription).




What is the success rate of laser vision correction (LASIK, LASEK etc.)?
We expect 98% of our patients to be at least 20/40 or better and over 87% to be 20/20 or better after LASIK surgery.
  • Grayhawk Eye Centers goal is to exceed the expectations of our patients.
  • We cannot guarantee specific results, however, we have an excellent reputation and success rate for providing the best possible care, treatment and results.



Does LASIK surgery hurt?
No, you won't feel pain during LASIK. You will receive some numbing drops in your eyes before surgery. Afterwards, medication may be prescribed if necessary. Many patients just report a mild discomfort, often relieved by a soothing cold cloth, such an an itchy feeling. This usually lasts no more than a few hours.




What is Dr. Perry's professional experience?
Dr. Perry has been performing LASIK since 1999. Through his association with various leading ophthalmology practices in the Valley, he has performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures. He established Grayhawk Eye Center to provide the highest quality care combined with the most advanced technology and safety. He is certified on multiple excimer Lasers including LADARVision, VISX and NIDEK and will recommend the technology best for each individual patient.




What does LASIK cost?
A LASIK procedure is an investment; one with an excellent return. Think of the freedom you will achieve and the hassles you'll no longer deal with (lost contacts, broken glasses). What about the money you'll save long-term on solutions and new prescriptions? Our comprehensive cost is for all LASIK visits, including all postoperative visits for 6 months after the procedure.

Also keep in mind that you can use your company flexplan dollars for your LASIK Vision correction. Please give us a call at 480-419-3937 for current pricing.




What's included in the procedure price?
  • Consultation
  • Full Eye Exam
  • Completed Procedure
  • Facility Fee
  • Postoperative visits at GEC for six months after surgery
  • Interim visits if needed and related to LASIK



Are there payment plans available?
There are several convenient and affordable financing plans from which to choose. When you come into the Grayhawk Eye Center you will receive a vision fee plan packet to help you in selecting the best option for your budget. Options include 6 months same as cash; longer term plans up to 48 months and payments as low as $51 a month!




How about insurance coverage?
  • Some insurance companies do cover LASIK or a portion of the total cost
  • Bring in your insurance information to your consultation and one of our staff members will be happy to verify if your insurance covers LASIK.



Is the LASIK procedure painful?
Most people report feeling a little pressure around the eye, but it is not painful and only lasts a few seconds.
  • Before the procedure begins, we use numbing eye drops, so there is no pain.
  • Post-operatively, some patients have described the discomfort as similar to an eyelash being in the eye. There may be some minor irritation during the first several hours after the procedure. You will be asked to rest after the surgery, and when you awaken, you can expect your vision to be improved and your eyes to be comfortable. Most patients say their eyes feel normal by the next day.



Is anesthesia or other medicine used for the procedure?
  • A mild sedative is used before surgery to produce a calming effect (it will not put you to sleep).
  • Just before the surgery numbing drops are used.



What is the healing time?
  • Healing will begin overnight. It is very important to rest immediately after surgery and to keep your eyes closed as much as possible.
  • A follow-up appointment is scheduled 1 day post-operatively. Once the doctor has examined you post-operatively, normal activities can resume. The doctor will give direction if there is an exception.
  • Vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few days post-operatively.
  • The final healing period lasts between 3-6 months.



How many follow up visits are there?
  • 1 Day
  • 2 Weeks
  • 3 Months
Possible (Additional) Appointments:
  • 1 Week
  • 6 Months
NOTE: All follow up visits related to LASIK Laser Vision Correction in the 6 months following your procedure are included in the total fee.




Are there any restrictions after the surgery?
  • Swimming activities are restricted for one week.
  • The patient can typically return to work within 24 hours after surgery.
  • Ask the doctor about specifics.
NOTE: Flying is not problematic and may be resumed anytime after surgery.




What does the consultation consist of?
  • A full eye exam using the latest and most technologically advanced equipment available.
  • Discussion with Dr. Perry, who can answer all questions and concerns that you may have. He will determine if you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction or any other surgical procedure.
  • Discussion with a patient coordinator about payment options.



Do I have to schedule surgery after the consultation?
We prefer that your surgery be scheduled the same day or shortly after the consultation. However, there is no obligation and you can call us back to schedule your procedure at another time.




What about wearing contacts before the surgery?
  • Soft lens contacts - should be removed at least 2 days prior to the consultation.
  • Hard, Gas Permeable, or Soft Toric Lenses - should be removed at least 21 days prior to the consultation.
NOTE: Contacts change the shape of the cornea. Results from tests done during the consultation are used to program the laser for surgery. We want the most accurate readings to offer the patient the best results possible.




How long has LASIK been performed?
  • Corneal shaping has been performed to correct nearsightedness since the 1960's during this time there have been many variations to the technique.
  • The LASIK procedure first developed in 1989 is similar to the procedure that we still use today. The first patient to receive this procedure still has 20/20 vision.



Can farsightedness be corrected?
  • Dr. Perry is now treating patients who are farsighted and farsighted with astigmatism.
  • Many degrees of hyperopia (farsightedness) can be corrected.
  • Please make an appointment for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate.



How long does the procedure take?
  • The LASIK procedure itself takes approximately 15 minutes for both eyes.
  • Including the preoperative paperwork, counseling, procedure and postoperative exam, you can expect to spend between 1 to 3 hours at the Grayhawk Eye Center. A minimum amount of time is between 1 to 2 hours.




What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is most often caused when the pressure inside the eye is too high (think of 'high blood pressure' and the problems it causes.) Inside the eye is a fluid, the aqeous humor. When there is too much fluid, the pressure rises, and damage to the optic nerve can occur. A damaged optic nerve can result in all kinds of vision problems, including blindness.




Is Glaucoma the same as ocular hypertension?
No, ocular hypertension means your eye pressure is high, but not high enough to damage the optic nerve or cause a loss of vision.




Why does Dr. Perry do more than one kind of glaucoma test?
You've probably had the "puff test" for Glaucoma like most people. Doctors also measure it by using an instrument called an applanation tonometer to check the resistance of the surface of your eye. This is a more accurate and sensitive way to check for Glaucoma. Dr. Perry will also check your optic nerve for damage by dilating your eyes, and will give you several tests for visual acuity and peripheral vision.




How do I know if I'm at risk for glaucoma?
Those with the highest incident of Glaucoma are over 60 years of age, have diabetes, have a family member with Glaucoma, or are African-American. The more of these factors that apply to you, the greater your risk of developing Glaucoma.




How can I keep from getting glaucoma?
There is no proven way to avoid glaucoma. However, research suggests that good nutrition can help. Even more important is avoiding bad things for your body, like alcohol, fatty foods, tobacco, drugs, and excess weight. The same things that can help you avoid diabetes will help you avoid Glaucoma. Be sure to get a regular eye exam so any problems can be diagnosed and treated early.




What are the signs and symptoms of glaucoma?
There are no early signs of glaucoma that you will be able to detect without an eye exam. One day you will simply experience vision loss. That's why regular eye exams are important.




Are there different types of glaucoma?
Yes. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The other types are: normal-tension, narrow-angle, closed-angle, congenital, pigmentary and secondary.




Is glaucoma curable?
No, but if glaucoma is detected and treated early, the progression of the disease (i.e. visual field loss) can be slowed.




How is Glaucoma treated?
The most common treatment is prescription eye drops that reduce the pressure inside the eye. These are usually administered daily. If the pressure is not lowered with drops, laser surgery or filtering surgery may be the next alternative.




If I have glaucoma, can I still have LASIK surgery?
No. Typically if you have been diagnosed with Glaucoma, you are not a candidate for LASIK.





What are cataracts?
It is a cloudiness that forms within your eye's natural lens, impairing vision.




Do only older people get cataracts?
Cataracts are primarily a problem that comes with age. By 65 about 50% of men and women have grown a cataract, and nearly everyone over the age of 75 has some form of a cataract.




Why would a doctor want to wait to remove a cataract?
Cataracts are usually small in the beginning, and grow larger, causing cloudier vision. Doctors usually want to wait until the cataract is interfering with your vision before doing surgery. Some cataracts never require surgery. If your cataract is interfering with your lifestyle, driving, going to movies or watching TV, then you should get it examined and discuss having it removed.




Is cataract surgery serious?
Every surgery has risks, including this one. However, millions of Americans have had successful cataract surgery. It is one of the most common, and safest, operations done in the United States. When you select a surgeon, be sure that he or she has done hundreds of cataract surgeries. Having an experienced, caring surgeon will help reduce the chances that any complications will arise.




How are cataracts removed?
We make a small incision in the cornea of the eye. There is virtually no pain because topical anesthetic drops are used. In most cases, there is no need for injections. Depending on your particular conditions, Dr. Perry will remove the lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens. The incision is typically a self sealing wound, therefore there is no need for stitches and the healing process can begin immediately following surgery.




After surgery will I need to wear glasses?
You may need to wear reading glasses for close vision, but it is rare for someone to need thick glasses after cataract surgery.




How much does cataract surgery cost?
The surgery is very reasonably priced. Best of all, most insurance plans cover cataract surgery, so you may not have to pay anything at all.




What about the possible side effects?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed today. Of course, any surgery has risks, and you should be clearly aware of them before making a decision to have surgery. Side effects like pain, infection, swelling, and bleeding are possible, but very few patients experience serious problems. Dr. Perry often prescribes medication if problems arise. Retinal detachment may also occur in less than 1%. If you should experience excessive pain, vision loss, or nausea, contact your surgeon immediately.





Do you take most insurance plans?
Yes. We take nearly two dozen different types of insurance plans, including AARP, Blue Cross, Avesis, Cigna, Aetna, PHCS, Medicare, and United Healthcare.




Do I have to file my own claims?
No. We will gladly file your claims for you. Our experienced staff is trained in working with insurance companies and getting the very most out of your current insurance coverage for you. We will only bill you later if your insurance company refuses to cover any charges.




Will I know how much everything will cost beforehand?
Absolutely. We will explain all our fees and charges to you up front so nothing will come as a surprise. We will also help you understand what your insurance company will cover and what it won't cover so you can make the best decision for yourself.




What if I don't have insurance, or my insurance won't cover a procedure like LASIK?
We want you to have the treatment you need when you need it. If your policy doesn't cover the help you need, we will work with you to set up a payment plan that will allow you to get your eye problems taken care of now.



20201 N. Scottsdale Healthcare Dr. - Suite 220 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 - 480-419-3937
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