At New Vision Laser Center you get our Unlimited LASIK 20/20 Plan! The Clear Choice for Laser Vision Correction We focus on results! Our exclusive Unlimited LASIK 20/20 Money Back Guarantee Plan provides you with the unsurpassed comfort of knowing that there is never any additional cost for LASIK related follow up exams. And, Dr. Gladsden is so confident in his ability to provide you with 20/20 or Normal Vision, or you will get a full refund of your procedure fee. And we put it in writing! Our Unlimited LASIK 20/20 Plan offers the longest terms for the lowest payments for those that want to finance their procedure. Also, our Unlimited LASIK Plans offers reading vision for those that have lost their ability to read without reading glasses. For those that are concerned about needing re-treatments, we also offer a Lifetime Enhancement Commitment. Even though most patients never need a touch up, there is only minimal cost for procedure supplies and the laser manufacturer s license fee for enhancements. You may never need this enhancement commitment, but it is there to offer you total peace of mind. Plus, unlimited life time LASIK related eye exams, at no additional cost. The New Vision Confidence Dr. Gladsden was the first in the Western Maryland region to specialize exclusively in refractive surgery, and he is the first refractive surgeon in Maryland to become LASIK Certified by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (CRSQA). Unlike other certifications, CRSQA certification required a review of the surgeon's results over an extensive period of time. This certification assures patients considering LASIK that our patient results meet or exceed the council's high standards. Dr. Gladsden has also been awarded the "VISX Star" award placing him in the top 5% of refractive surgeons nationwide, based on volume of procedures. Through years of experience with more than 35,000 vision correction procedures Dr. Gladsden has learned the smallest of details can affect and improve results. Then he constantly reviews all patient outcomes and will make any adjustments necessary to attempt to maintain a 20/20 or better standard. His constant vigilance regarding vision quality after laser vision correction allows the best results with today s technology. Putting all this together, precise VISX technology, in the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Gladsden produces the best possible outcomes. Knowing how advanced our technology is, and trusting the skilled hands of Dr. Gladsden gives you the total confidence of knowing that you will be getting the best possible outcome! 1
What does it mean to have a Refractive Error? Refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, are commonly corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. A refractive error is a defect in the way light passes through the eye. In normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye. With a refractive error, light rays do not refract (bend) properly to achieve a single focus point. Instead, light rays focus in front of the retina (myopia), behind the retina (hyperopia), or at two different points (astigmatism). Refractive errors usually result from a defect in the length of the eye or shape of the cornea. In normal vision, light entering the eye is precisely focused at a single point on the retina. Since the early 1990's, ophthalmologists have been able to offer their patients with refractive errors surgical alternatives to glasses and contact lenses. However, exciting advancements have been made in the field of refractive surgery over the years that allow almost anyone who requires the aid of glasses or contact lenses to benefit from laser vision correction (LASIK). Am I a good candidate for LASIK? Just as glasses and contacts help you to see clearly, so does LASIK but without much of the inconvenience and long-term expense. There are, however, some guidelines: you must be at least 18 years of age with healthy corneas. Your vision should also be relatively unchanged over the last year. People with certain medical and/or eye conditions are not candidates for Laser Vision Correction. Some are, but not limited to: pregnant or nursing, Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile onset), Pacemaker, Keratoconus. The professionals at New Vision Laser Center can provide additional information and advice during a free, no-obligation LASIK screening and extensive eye evaluation to determine whether LASIK right for you. What are the benefits of LASIK? LASIK is possibly the most exciting development in the field of eye care since the invention of the contact lens. LASIK is the modern alternative to glasses or contacts. With virtually every patient achieving improved quantitative vision, LASIK can free you from the nuisance of glasses and contacts by providing clear, natural vision. DOES IT HURT? The procedure is quick and easy. It requires no injection - no needles. Only a mild sedative and numbing drops are required. Most patients have none, or very little discomfort. DR ROBERT GLADSDEN 2
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? You will be in our Surgical Center for about two hours including the time for post-operative care and instructions. The entire procedure last about 15 minutes per eye. WHAT IS THE HEALING TIME? WHAT SIDE AFFECTS CAN I EXPECT AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST? Within the first day, 90-95% of the post-operative Senior Laser Surgeon & Medical Director symptoms will disappear. Any remaining side effects usually resolve within a period of days to weeks. These symptoms may include redness, mild haziness, mild light sensitivity, and mild scratchiness. WHEN CAN I DRIVE AND/OR WORK? Most patients are able to work and drive the very next day. If you work in a particularly strenuous or dirty environment, an extra day may be necessary. WHAT LIMITATIONS WILL I HAVE AFTER LASIK? CAN I EXERCISE? For the day of your procedure, you should take it easy and let the eye settle down. Beginning the next day, you should be able to resume normal activity, as long as you do not rub or contact your eye. Swimming is not recommended for a week or so, and swimming under the water with the eyes open or diving are not recommended until approved by the post-operative physician. IS FINANCING AVAILABLE? CAN I POSSIBLY LOSE MY HT? YES! We have NO MONEY DOWN, long term financing available for the lowest monthly payments. We also have short term NO INTETEST financing available. You can apply online at our web site, www.newvisionnow.com, click on the get Pre-Approved button on the top left hand side, and complete the Care Credit application and get your instant APPROVAL! All you have to is sign the Care Credit contract at your full pre-op exam! AM I AWAKE? WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE INVOLVED? Only a mild sedative and numbing eye drops are used. You are fully awake and alert during the procedure. You simply recline in a chair, stare at a flashing light, and let Dr. Gladsden take your prescription away! Antibiotic and steroid drops are used for the first days as a precautionary measure against infection and to help healing Lubricating drops are used for 4 to 6 weeks for best results. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE FOLLOW-UP? WILL I GO BACK TO MY EYE DOCTOR? Follow-up at New Vision Laser Center generally involves involves a minimum of three visits during the first three months with the Limited Plan and four follow-up visits in twelve months with the Unlimited LASIK Plan. One year after your procedure we recommend that you see your local eye care doctor every 1 to 2 years for eye health checkups which is a good idea for everyone! 3
HOW WILL I HOLD MY EYE STILL AND HOLD MY EYE OPEN? Your eye is held open by a lid speculum. It is painless and eliminates your ability to blink. During the procedure you will be looking at a flashing red light. Utilizing the ActiveTrak eye tracker laser system, Dr. Gladsden does not have to monitor your eye movement since the laser follows the tiny motions of your eye. So you can relax, knowing you are obtaining a correction that is precisely centered on your eye. ARE THEIR FINANCING OPTIONS? Excellent financing options are available at our practice with a local lender. There is no money down required and payments can be less than $100.00 per month! WILL SOMEONE DRIVE ME TO THE APPOINTMENT? You must bring a driver the day of the procedure. Most people drive to the one-day follow-up appointment themselves, but you must use good judgment. LASER VISION CORRECTION MYTHS I HAVE BEEN TOLD I CAN'T HAVE LASIK BECAUSE: Myth: I have astigmatism. With today's LASIK eye surgery technology, astigmatism is effectively treated by LASIK. There are some very rare, extremely high astigmatic patients beyond the ability of current technology however, that represents a small percentage. Myth: I need a week off from work. Most patients can return to normal activities, including work, the very next day. Myth: I am afraid I will not be able to keep my eye perfectly still during the procedure. Most patients are concerned that they may do something during their procedure that will adversely affect the visual outcome. The good news is that there are systems in place to ensure patients eye movements do not negatively affect the outcome of their procedures. Advanced tracking systems account for any eye movements a patient may have during a procedure. As well, an instrument is used to gently prevent blinking during the procedure. Myth: I have been told my eyes are too dry for LASIK. True, dry eye is a concern for patients considering LASIK; however, advancements in dry eye treatment have made LASIK a reality for many dry eye patients. Myth: My prescription is too high for LASIK. Much advancement has occurred in LASIK eye surgery technology over the years, making the treatment range for LASIK larger. In fact, more than 94% of the population that require eyeglasses or contact lenses can have LASIK. 4
Myth: The cost of your procedure should be you most important deciding factor. According to the FDA web site, Don t base your decision simply on cost and don t settle for the first eye center, doctor or procedure you investigate. Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life. Myth: All eye procedures, surgical equipment and surgeons are the same. Compare! The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only from procedure to procedure, but from devise to devise depending on the manufacturer and from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure. 5