CANDIDATES FOR LASIK
There has never been a better time to experience the joy and freedom of having advanced laser vision correction at the Jacksonville Eye Center. In general if you wear glasses or contact lenses and are over 18 years old, have no significant eye diseases such as severe glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or cataracts, you are probably a candidate for laser vision correction. With our state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Schnipper can now correct a wide range of visual problems, including nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Patients who had prior corneal refractive surgery or patients with severe prescriptions which previously could not be effectively treated, can now often be treated successfully with our lasers.

IS THERE ANY PAIN DURING LASIK?
No, Dr. Schnipper will numb your eyes with eye drops and give Valium to relax you. After the procedure there is a slight irritation for a few hours similar to an eyelash in the eye. We prescribe sleeping pills and see you the next morning.

IS LASIK PERMANENT?
Yes it is, there are no studies that indicate long term regression or change. However, as you age the eye changes and LASIK can’t prevent those natural internal changes.

WHAT IS THE VISUAL RECOVERY TIME AFTER LASER VISION CORRECTION?
It depends on the procedure, but most of our LASIK patients are seeing very well by the following morning or within 24 hours of the procedure.

CAN BOTH EYES BE TREATED ON THE SAME DAY?
Yes, the vast majority of our patients have both eyes treated together and it is very safe to do this with our advanced technologies.

IS THIS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Most insurance policies consider laser vision correction an elective procedure and do not provide coverage. There are a select few that cover a percentage and we will be happy to check your policy for you.

WHY NOT GO TO A DISCOUNT LASIK CENTER?
With current laser vision correction, safety, excellent outcomes, and patient satisfaction, not cost, should be the driving force behind the LASIK surgeon you choose. Think about it, would you choose a discount cardiac surgeon? Most discount LASIK centers use older equipment and they “nickel and dime” you as pricing often depends on your prescription and there are generally extra fees for “premium” technology. Our philosophy is that we use the best technology in the country for one all-inclusive fee, and aim for better than 20/20 vision in every eye we treat. LASIK with Dr. Schnipper is an excellent investment in your eyes that you use every waking minute of every day.

HOW SHOULD I DECIDE WHO SHOULD PREFORM MY LASER VISION CORRECTION?
This is a VERY important question. Who is the surgeon and how long has he/she been doing LASIK in the community? What diagnostic equipment and laser(s) are used? Is it state-of-the-art or yesterday’s technology? How is the flap created, with a razor or a customizable laser? Dr. Schnipper has been performing corneal refractive surgery in Jacksonville for over 25 years and he uses the very best technology; blade-free Intralase to make the flap and the advanced Allegretto Wave to treat the eye. His staff are all very experienced, highly trained eye care professionals.

WILL I BE ABLE TO GO TO MY OWN EYE DOCTOR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Yes, we work with numerous physicians to ensure proper pre and post-operative care. There are no additional fees for you to visit your eye care professional following LASIK for a period of one year.

EXPECTATIONS
Our goal is to achieve “Top Gun” vision in every eye. While we cannot guarantee perfection, we aim for it. Using the very best technology available in the country, the Intralase and Allegretto Wave, our results are excellent. Many patients report that they see better after our laser vision correction than they did with glasses or contact lenses. Night vision problems which are still an issue with older lasers, are addressed and better treated with the Allegretto Wave laser.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
Call us at 904-355-5555 or toll free at 1-800-223-3038 and ask to set up a LASIK evaluation. We offer convenient appointment scheduling to perform a private evaluation with specific eye tests to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction.