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Commonly Asked Questions about Laser Vision Correction in
Western Massachusetts
We have compiled a list of our patients most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not on our list, please contact our office and we will do our best to provide you with the answer.
What is Corrective Eye Surgery?
Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure to reshape the cornea to treat:
• nearsightedness,
• farsightedness and
• astigmatism.
These vision disorders are caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea and length of the eye. Corrective eye surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art laser suite near Springfield, Massachusetts in Northampton.
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What types of vision disorders can corrective eye surgery treat? There are three types of vision disorders that exist. LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, performs laser vision correction in Western Massachusetts to treat these visual disorders:
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Myopia (Nearsightedness)
An elongated eye causes light
rays to be focused in front of the retina resulting in blurred distance vision. |
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Astigmatism
The shape of the eye is uneven like a football as opposed to a sphere. The uneven shape causes light rays to be focused unequally to different points in the retina causing distorted vision. |
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Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
The eye is too short, causing light rays to be focused in back of the retina and making it difficult to focus on near objects. |
How Do I Know If Laser Vision Correction Is For Me?
In order to know if you are a candidate for corrective eye surgery, we recommend that you come in to our office for a free LASIK screening. At this visit your degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism will be checked and the appropriate procedure recommended. You will watch an informative video and have the opportunity to meet with a member of our staff to answer all of your questions. The corrective eye surgery screening can be booked in Springfield, Northampton, or Ware Massachusetts.
Does Laser Vision Correction Really Work?
Yes. For more than a decade laser vision correction has been performed throughout the world. It is estimated that over 5 million people have undergone laser vision corrective eye surgery, with 96 percent of those individuals achieving 20/40 vision or better. Most of the patients treated by LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism no longer need corrective lens.
Does Corrective Eye Surgery Cause Any Pain?
Because numbing drops are used during the vision correction procedure, the surgery itself is painless. Immediately following the surgery, some patients report mild to moderate discomfort usually described as a slight stinging sensation. This discomfort is temporary and usually disappears within 24-48 hours. To find out if you would be a good candidate for vision correction, contact LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, in Western Massachusetts to schedule a free screening today.
Is there any financing?
Although insurance rarely covers the cost of a vision correction procedure, affordable financing is available.
How much vision correction experience does LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, have?
Dr. Balin is a leader in the field of laser vision correction. She was the first LASIK eye surgeon to perform these vision correction procedures in Western Massachusetts. Dr. Balin is considered an expert in LASIK, CustomVue™, PRK and iLASIK™ and she has performed thousands of corrective eye surgery procedures. She has been featured in the Springfield Union News, Hampshire Gazette, Business West, and on Channel 22 News and on WRNX Radio. She has also been voted the Best Eye Doctor in the Valley 9 years in a row and the Best Eye Doctor in Springfield 2002.
What Are The Risks Involved With Corrective Eye Surgery?
All surgical procedures involve some risk. At the Balin Eye & Laser Center we offer free vision correction screenings to completely educate you to all the possible benefits and risks associated with all refractive surgeries.
How Long Until My Vision Improves After Corrective Eye Surgery?
With LASIK, most patients experience improved vision immediately following the surgery. However, for some individuals it may take until the next day. Patients who undergo PRK usually experience improvement within the first several weeks following the surgery. However, some PRK patients may experience minor changes up to six months following corrective eye surgery.
Where Is The Corrective Eye Surgery Performed?
All laser vision correction surgeries are performed by LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, in Western Massachusetts at our state-of-the-art laser suite located in Northampton. Dr. Balin uses the latest generation of VISX Star S4 Excimer laser, which is an FDA approved laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The VISX Star S4 laser is equipped with the most advanced eye tracker available.
How long does the vision correction procedure take?
The entire corrective eye surgery procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, with only 30 to 60 seconds of actual lasering. The day of surgery, patients should be accompanied by an adult that can drive you home.
Can I Talk With Someone Who Has Undergone Laser Vision Correction?
Yes. Many of our patients are happy to share their experience with others. You are also welcome to flip through our patient testimonial book. Here you will find several personal testimonials from people who had the vision correction procedures from LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, in Western Massachusetts at the Balin Eye & Laser Center.
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For the convenience of our patients we offer free LASIK
screenings in Northampton, Springfield and Ware. The appointment
usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour. During the screening we
will check your prescription to determine if you are a candidate.
You will watch a brief educational video on the procedures. A
member of Dr. Balin's staff will go over the information and
answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to meet Dr. Balin at the screening just
let us know when you make your screening appointment. Dr. Balin
is always happy to meet with the patient at the initial screening.
Contact our office at 800-436-3937 or 413-584-6666 to schedule your LASIK screening.
"I was blind! I couldn't see! Now I can see again.
No pain. No recovery. No dry eyes. No halos. I can see
at night. I can see more than I ever remember seeing
before. I'm thrilled. It's a new world."
Vice President
"I highly recommend the Balin Eye & Laser Center
for your laser correction. The doctors and staff are
a very professional and caring group. In my opinion,
you will find no better."
Firefighter
"It's an incredible feeling to wake up and see
right away (no fumbling for glasses). This is the best
investment I ever made."
Lab Tech
"Dr. Balin and her staff were extremely competent
and knowledgeable, as well as friendly and reassuring.
And thanks to them, I can wake up in the morning and
actually see without blindly groping for glasses. My
vision is 20/15 in both eyes... I could not ask for
anything better than that! Thank you Dr. Balin...
I am truly grateful."
Business Office Manager
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