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Frequently Asked Questions

We have gathered a library of frequently asked questions so that you can be confident you have all the resources you need to make informed decisions for your vision. For any additional questions, please contact us today!

What is the CleaR Procedure?

The CLeaR Procedure involves replacing the failing natural lens with a new permanent lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). Often patients in their 40s and 50s experience vision changes that are caused by the deterioration of their natural lens, known as Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome. The best approach is simply to replace this lens so vision can be corrected and restored. We do our CleaR Procedures in the office without the need for an IV.

What is Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome?

Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome, or DLS, is the progressive loss of function of the natural lenses inside your eyes. The lens is clear and flexible when you are born. These lenses have miraculous flexibility which allows them to change shape and focus so you can see both far and near objects. Most of us take this for granted until our 40’s when the gradual loss of this flexibility finally results in the need for reading glasses, bifocals or even lens replacement.

Will I need new glasses made after surgery?

Most of our patients opt for one of our Premium Cataract packages to alleviate the need for prescription glasses. In other cases, we usually recommend waiting at least three weeks before getting new glasses made.

What are the differences between office-based and ambulatory surgery centers?

Our Office Based Surgery Center is a state of the art facility within our main office on Par Street dedicated to vision correction. Because Magruder Laser Vision has complete control of all aspects of the center, we offer the highest standards of safety, convenience and comfort. Additionally, we use our own outstanding staff for continuity of care. An Ambulatory Surgery Center is an independent freestanding facility, often used by many surgeons of multiple specialties. While usually technically adequate for corrective eye surgery, they tend to be less convenient and comfortable for patients.

I take a blood thinner. Will I have to stop this medication prior to surgery?

We offer surgery in our in office surgery center, as well as an outside ambulatory surgical center. Depending on which location you are having surgery will determine the proper protocols for any medications you’re currently taking. Your patient concierge will go over these details with you prior to your surgery date. If you have any questions, please contact us at 407-843-5665.

What medications will I need before/after surgery?

Prior to surgery we will have you start an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication. You will continue with these medications post-operatively, and you will also take a steroid after surgery to keep any inflammation under control.

If I have astigmatism, do I need laser cataract surgery to clear my vision?

Astigmatism is not corrected by basic cataract surgery covered by medical insurance. If you opt for an upgraded package for Laser Cataract Surgery, we will treat your astigmatism by reshaping your cornea, typically with a laser, or with a toric lens implant. These techniques to correct your astigmatism will give you the best vision possible with independence from glasses.

Will my cataracts come back?

No, the cataract itself will never come back. There is a capsule behind the intraocular lens that may fog with time after cataract surgery. Some people may call this a secondary cataract. This occurs in about 50% of patients and a quick and painless in-the-office laser procedure corrects it.

When will my vision clear after surgery?

Some may notice immediately that their vision is better. It is very common for the swelling to take a few days to clear before you notice any significant improvement.

Will I need a driver on the day of my surgery?

Yes, you will be receiving a mild sedative on surgery day and will need to be driven home.

Why are you higher in price than other centers?

While our pricing is not the least expensive in Central Florida, it is not the highest either. We feel that our pricing reflects our level of training, technology and personalized care.

Do you treat cataracts with the same laser as LASIK?

No, cataracts are treated in a different way, so the laser used is different as well. An artificial lens is implanted inside the eye to replace the cloudy natural lens in cataract surgery. In LASIK, a laser is used to gently reshape the cornea.

How often will I need to be seen for follow-up after surgery?

For LASIK or SMILE, you will have a post-op between 24 hours and two days after your surgery. For ASA, you will have a post-op between 4-5 days after surgery. Additional follow-up varies from patient to patient, but most are seen at one month, three months, and one year.

I have an autoimmune disease. Does this disqualify me from surgery?

In many cases, patients with autoimmune diseases that are well controlled can be candidates for laser vision correction. Determining factors for candidacy may include the severity of the autoimmune disease, use of certain immunosuppressive drugs, and associated dry eyes. In some cases, we may request medical clearance from your rheumatologist.

I have heard that nighttime vision can be worse after LASIK. Is that true?

Modern LASIK lasers, like the Allegretto Wavelight EX500 used at Magruder Laser Vision, have been shown not to induce long-term nighttime visual disturbances. Many of our patients report better night vision after LASIK than before with their contact lenses or glasses.

Do I need to take my contacts out for the initial consultation?

While it is preferred that you remove your contacts prior to the consultation, it is not required. Our technicians can gain a bit more information if they are removed, but you are welcome to leave them in if you prefer.

I wear contacts. Do I have to remove them prior to surgery?

Yes, you will have to remove your contact lenses prior to your pre-op appointment and surgery. The amount of time depends on the type of contacts you wear. Typically, this ranges from 3-7 days if you wear soft contacts. If RGPs, a minimum of 3 weeks is required.

Will I be asleep for my LASIK/SMILE/ASA procedure?

LASIK at Magruder Laser Vision is a completely painless procedure that only takes about 15 minutes. A key component of a successful LASIK outcome is for you to be awake and to focus on a flashing target light. However, some degree of apprehension is understandable, and we use a light oral sedative to make you comfortable.

What medications will I need before/after surgery?

We recommend using preservative-free artificial tears a couple of times daily before surgery. After surgery, you will continue using preservative-free artificial tears as well as antibiotic and steroid eye drops.

Can LASIK, SMILE, and ASA correct astigmatism?

Yes! It has been a long running myth that if you have astigmatism that you couldn’t have vision correction and that’s simply not true with today’s technology.

What does recovery look like after LASIK, SMILE, and ASA?

Generally speaking, recovery for LASIK and SMILE is about a day, and you can resume normal activities the next day. We ask that you don’t swim or spray water from the shower directly into the eyes for two weeks following your LASIK procedure, but only one week with SMILE. ASA has a more extended recovery period and will take a couple of weeks to have excellent vision. Regardless of the procedure, the outcome is the same.

How long does a consultation take?

Our in-office consultation will take about 1.5 hours. During that time, you will meet with one of our doctors to go over your vision correction options. You will also meet with one of our patient concierges. They will walk you through the entire process and answer any additional questions.

How many visits are needed for me to have surgery?

Generally speaking, you will have two visits prior to your procedure. You will have a non-dilated consultation first. Then on another day, you will come back for a 2-hour pre-operative dilated exam once you have been out of contacts for the appropriate amount of days.

How long will I be there for surgery?

You will be in the office for 1.5 hours on surgery day. The procedure itself will take about 15 minutes. The majority of the time is spent preparing you for the procedure.

When will my vision clear after surgery?

Most patients will notice significant vision improvement by the next day after ASA, LASIK or SMILE. Because of surface healing, maximal vision improvement after ASA may take a few weeks, whereas it is usually a matter of days with either LASIK or SMILE.

Will I need a driver on the day of my surgery?

Yes, you will be receiving a light sedative on surgery day and will need to be driven home. If you are unable to find someone to take you, you can use Uber or Lyft to get home. For LASIK and SMILE, you may drive yourself to your initial follow-up if you feel comfortable.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

No, LASIK is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, you may use HSA or FSA funds to pay for surgery.

Do your fees vary depending on my prescription?

No, our fees cover all ranges of correction.

How much do you charge?

The cost varies depending based on the procedure that will provide you with the most optimal outcome that matches your needs and lifestyle. A patient concierge will cover all fees with you at your no-obligation consultation.

Do I get to meet the surgeon at my consultation?

Yes, you will personally meet your surgeon at your consultation to discuss your best vision correction option.

What lasers do you use?

Magruder Laser Vision utilizes the latest laser technology with VisuMax® from ZEISS and the Allegretto Wavelight EX500 from Alcon.

Do you ever combine procedures for the best outcomes?

In the vast majority of cases, a single procedure is selected to achieve optimal vision correction. Uncommonly, certain prescriptions or clinical situations may require additional procedures. The surgeons at Magruder Laser Vision will discuss individual options with you during our complimentary consultation.

How long does LASIK last?

Laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, SMILE, and ASA, permanently change the shape of the cornea and do not “wear off”. In the vast majority of cases, the results stay very stable. Uncommonly, the healing process may slightly alter the corneal shape affecting the vision, requiring an additional surgery called an ‘Enhancement’. It is important to keep in mind that normal aging changes elsewhere in the eye, such as the need for reading glasses and cataract formation, will occur regardless of laser surgery and may require other treatments.

What is ASA?

ASA stands for Advanced Surface Ablation and the new and improved version of PRK. ASA is similar in nature to LASIK, except only the front surface of the eye is treated to correct your vision. ASA is performed regularly for specific medical conditions. Our surgeons will discuss the best options for you prior to the procedure.

Can I wear contact lenses after LASIK?

Yes, you may wear contact lenses following LASIK, SMILE, or ASA but it is very unlikely you will need them.

Will I need cataract surgery after LASIK?

Cataracts generally are related to age and are a separate condition of the eye. Therefore, cataracts are not related to the LASIK procedure.

What are enhancements?

Enhancements are additional laser procedures used when needed to optimize results.

Why are you higher in price than other centers?

While our pricing is not the least expensive in Central Florida, it is not the highest either. We feel that our pricing reflects our level of training, technology and personalized care.

Why are you better than other LASIK centers?

In a nutshell, “experience, technology, results, procedure selection, and personalized care.” At our state-of-the-art facility, we offer all the established refractive surgery procedures, not just LASIK, to provide the most effective and safest options to match each patient’s individual needs. Our surgeons personally meet with every patient during their complimentary consultation to discuss their options and answer any and all questions. You will be guided through the entire process from start to finish by medical professionals and will never be subjected to a sales pitch or a hard sell. Magruder Laser Vision was the first LASIK center in Central Florida in 1996. Our facility continues to set the bar high in refractive surgery clinical experience, teaching, and unparalleled research by Dr. Michael J. Shumski and Dr. Jeffrey B. Robin, under the continued guidance of Dr. G Brock Magruder, Jr. Dr. Shumski is a nationally recognized refractive surgeon, specializing in laser cataract surgery, with a masters in Medical Engineering. Dr. Robin has traveled the country establishing centers and contributing to the evolution of refractive surgery since 1985. We are proud to offer the latest technology in order to provide the safest and most precise procedures to Central Florida.

What are ICL’s?

One of the strengths of Magruder Laser Vision is that we offer a wide variety of vision correction procedures beyond LASIK. One of the most exciting procedures is the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). ICLs are FDA-approved small lenses, similar to a contact lens, that can be implanted inside the eye enabling vision correction in nearsighted patients who have prescriptions too high to safely correct with laser vision correction, such as LASIK, SMILE, or ASA, or whose corneas are either too thin or otherwise not suitable for safe laser surgery. In most cases, ICL patients have been told in the past that they are not candidates for LASIK or similar procedures. Most ICL patients can achieve results similar to our LASIK patients, and these can truly be life-changing procedures. If you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK because you have too much nearsightedness or your corneas are too thin, you might be a good ICL candidate.

Do ICLs correct astigmatism?

Yes, ICLs can correct most levels of astigmatism.

What is the EVO Visian ICL?

EVO ICL, also called an Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a refractive implant used to correct common vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. The EVO ICL is meant to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts and unlike most permanent refractive solutions, the EVO ICL is removable. Unlike some other vision correction options, the EVO ICL is an additive technology that corrects vision without the removal of any corneal tissue.

What is astigmatism?

The cornea (front clear dome over the colored part of the eye) is a very powerful focusing lens, and its focusing power is based on its curvature. The center of the normal cornea is relatively spherical (like a basketball), meaning it has an even curvature and the same focusing power throughout. In astigmatism, the cornea has two axes with different curvatures (like a football). This curvature results in the cornea focusing incoming light to more than one point inside the eye and can decrease the quality of vision. Small amounts of astigmatism are relatively common, larger amounts less so. Astigmatism is frequently combined with other eye prescriptions like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Modern lasers, like those at Magruder Laser Vision, are excellent in correcting astigmatism either alone or with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What insurance plans do you take?

Insurance plans are ever changing, so it is best to contact our office for the most up to date list.

A mature woman enjoying wearing her eyeglasses.

Your Journey To 20/20 Vision Starts Here!

We invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation to determine which vision correction solution is right for you. Then you will finally see what you’ve been missing.