Why the IntraLase™ method?

The Traditional Method utilizes a microkeratome (or blade) to create the flap, whereas the IntraLase Method™ uses a laser for a totally-blade free procedure. Due to its consistently predictable outcomes, Dr. Oursler utlizes the IntraLase Method™ exclusively.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK?

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to proceed with the free refractive consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Oursler will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. In addition, he will explain the LASIK procedure and answer any questions you might have. It is crucial to understand individual vision needs and expectations, as well as provide professional guidance in recommending whether or not you should proceed with surgery.

How soon will I see after my surgery?

Most of our patients notice immediate improvement right after they step up off the table, but the visual recovery varies for each person. Most patients are seeing well enough to drive and go back to work within 24 to 48 hours. The speed at which your vision improves is due to the individual rates of healing and degree of correction. In most patients, the vision is stable by three months.

Does LASIK hurt?

No. Anesthetic eye drops are used during surgery, so that the procedure is completely painless. Patients often do feel a moderate amount of pressure sensation during surgery, but pain is not a normal part of the procedure. If pain is experienced during surgery, the patient should notify Dr. Oursler, as it is not expected. After surgery, some patients may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, some tearing and some light sensitivity, and small fluctuations in their vision, as well as halos around lights at night. These are all temporary and improve.

Will I still be a candidate if my prescription is really strong?

With LASIK at Graystone Eye, we have the ability to correct a range of nearsightedness from approximately -1.00D to -12.00D or higher. Farsightedness is more limited. We typically are comfortable correcting up to +6.00 diopters. Sometimes, if the patient's prescription is higher, refractive lens replacement may be a better option for correcting the vision.

Does LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes, we have the ability to correct astigmatism with the LASIK procedure. It is important to remember that not every prescription is correctable with LASIK and other factors are taken into consideration when evaluating a person for candidacy for LASIK surgery. Please call or request a free consultation online.

What is Surface Laser Correction?

Surface Laser Correction is very similar to LASIK except no flap is created. The actual laser treatment is no different. The laser treatment is done on the surface of the cornea after the superficial epithelial layer is removed. Surface Laser Correction is a better choice for people with thinner corneas or excessive dry eyes preoperatively. The results with Surface Laser Correction tend to be no different from LASIK, however, the visual recovery is slower.

I have thin corneas. Can I still have LASIK?

Due to its precision, the IntraLase Method™ now allows treatment for people with thin corneas who were previously told they were not good candidates for LASIK.

Why should I choose Graystone over another LASIK provider?

• Dr. Oursler spends an extensive amount of time educating his patients in the pre-operative evaluation and helping the patient decide what refractive procedure, if any, is right for them.
• He is very thorough and detail oriented during surgery and does not rush patients through the surgery.
• Dr. Oursler does all the pre- and postoperative evaluation himself. He has completed a LASIK fellowship and has extensive experience identifying and correcting the complications that can occur with LASIK.
• Dr. Oursler has an excellent relationship with our network of Graystone affiliated eye doctors. While your postoperative care can be arranged through one of these doctors, Dr. Oursler is available to see you 5 days a week in the Hickory area if you have minor complications from the LASIK procedure.
• Graystone Eye has been a provider of quality eye care in the Hickory area for over 30 years and will continue to be in the area for long into the future. Some of our lower price competitors don't have the same track record.
• Our commitment to your final visual outcome is unparalleled by any of our competitors.
• Our threshold for re-treating patients is very low, and we are available at a phone call for any postoperative concerns. Compare the Advantages.

What Is an enhancement?

If the goal of the surgery was not achieved with the initial LASIK procedure, we may want to fine tune your vision with another surgery called an enhancement. The enhancement is very similar to the first surgery; however, the microkeratome that helps to create the flap initially is not used. Instead, the flap is surgically lifted with a different instrument following the original incision line. The enhancement procedure is typically done no sooner than three months after the initial procedure.

Is an advertisement for "All Laser Correction" the same as All Laser iLASIK?

No, this is probably a misrepresentation. PRK could be technically called “all laser vision correction,” but this does not involve making a cornea flap and does not utilize the precision of iLASIK. Be sure to ask for iLASIK by name. Only iLASIK offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all-laser surgical approach. Patients must be sure that only the IntraLase FS pulsion laser is used to create the corneal flap in iLASIK.

Is iLASIK more expensive?

In general, offering the most advanced technology is costly. The two most advanced technologies offered Graystone Eyer are: IntraLase laser to create the cornea flap, and WaveFront-Guided Customized vision correction. Our center has an IntraLase laser, and a FDA approved excimer lasers for WaveFront-Guided Customized treatments. However, because our clinic specializes in laser vision correction, our fees are highly competitive and our patients tell us the added level of safety and assurance offered by Graystone Eye is well worth the cost when considering laser vision correction surgery.

Compared to the lifetime cost of glasses, contact lens, and general lens care over the course of 5-6 years, iLASIK pays for itself. Patients can eliminate glasses in most cases and have clear, natural vision. Most insurance companies do not cover laser vision correction.

How do I pay for the iLASIK procedure?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Checks, American Express, and Discover Card. We offer affordable payment plans through Chase Health Advance (12 months same as cash as well as longer term loans) and Care Credit (offering 12 months same as cash only).

Does insurance pay for this procedure?

We will be happy to assist you in determining whether your insurance company will cover your procedure. If your company does provide the benefit, we will assist in filing your claim.

Flex Spending Account

Your company may offer a Flex Spending Account, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses.

How it works

Money set aside in an Flex Spending Account escapes both federal and state income tax and also Social Security tax. By law, the maximum amount you can contribute to an FSA is $5,000, but most companies limit contributions to $2,000 or $3,000.

FSAs are not just a savings account. They save you money by decreasing the amount of taxes you pay. For instance, if you make $35,000 per year and pay 16% Federal Tax; 6% State Tax, and 7.65% FICA Tax, your total payroll taxes would be $10,377. However, if you contribute $3,000 to your FSA you would pay the same percent of taxes on only $32,000. This would give you net savings of approximately $900. The higher your tax bracket, the more you save.

Flex Spending Account Savings Calculator

Use our FSA Savings Calculator to find out how much you can save by using your FSA to pay for iLASIK. Enter your income, tax filing status, and estimated cost of iLASIK to see how a flexible spending program can save you up to 30%* off the cost of iLASIK.

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