Q: What is LASIK? A: LASIK eye surgery is a refractive surgery that uses the assistance of lasers. The lasers reshape the corneal surface so that a sharper image is reflected onto the back of the eye. "LASIK" is an anagram for "Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis."

Q: How do I know if I am a cadidate? A: To find out if you are a candidate we would need to do a full evaluation. This comprehensive exam takes about two hours and your eyes will be dilated. You will meet with the LASIK surgeon at the end of your evaluation to discuss your options. If you have questions and/or are just starting to do research on Laser Vision Correction, it would benefit you to attend one of our LASIK seminars. The seminars are held monthly at our Muskegon Surgical Center at 1298 E. Sherman Blvd.

Q: What are the age groups of the candidates? A: Candidates are usually between the ages of 18 and 65, if your vision is stable or unless other ocular (eye)conditions prevent you from having the procedure.

Q: What is the difference between all of the Laser Vision Correction procedures? A: Shoreline Vision offers the latest technology in Laser Vision Correction. At the conclusion of your evaluation the LASIK surgeon will recommend which procedure will be best for your eyes. CustomLASIK uses wavefront technology to generate a 3-D map of your entire optical system that gives your surgeon a highly-detailed view of your eye. The wavefront analyzer used in CustomLASIK makes the procedure as much as 25 times more precise than conventional (traditional) LASIK. IntraLase is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap. The thin flap of tissue is created with a laser. Shoreline Vision is proud to be the first, and at this time the only, LASIK Center in Muskegon and Tri-Cities to perform blade-free Laser Vision Correction. PRK is a surface procedure that may be the best treatment option for patients with thin corneas or any corneal irregularities. PRK corrects your vision without the surgeon creating a corneal flap.

Q: How long do I need to stay out of my contacts prior to having the evaluation? A: If you wear soft contacts you need to discontinue wearing them two weeks prior to your eval. If you wear hard lenses or RGP's you need to stay out of them for at least four weeks prior to your eval. You should be wearing your current prescription glasses. If you do not have a back up pair, we can schedule a brief appointment and order a current prescription to get you by until your evaluation.

Q: Is the procedure painful? A: Topical anesthetic drops are used to numb your eyes. Patients are generally very comfortable throughout the surgical procedure. We will have something available to help you relax if needed.

Q: How much does the procedure cost? A: At Shoreline Vision we only offer Custom LASIK with IntraLase and PRK. The pricing varies for each patient based on your insurance and the procedure that you and our surgeon decide is best for your eyes. Our fees include your LASIK evaluation, the procedure, all follow up appointments for one year. If you were to need an enhancement, that would be covered for two years.

Q: What kind of financing options are there for Laser Vision Correction A: Shoreline Vision participates with Care Credit for financing. To find out if you are approved visit the LASIK financing page for a direct link to the Care Credit website.

Q: What if I do not see one of the practice's doctors? Can I go back to my Optometrist after I come to Shoreline Vision for my procedure? A: Yes. The doctors at Shoreline Vision work with many Optometrists and other medical doctors around the area to get you back in their hands after surgery or more in-depth eye appointments. Ask your Optometrist or family doctor for more information.