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Until recently, cataract surgery required the use of a manual surgical blade to open the eye and capsule supporting the lens. This method increases the chance of variability affecting outcomes. With recent LenSx® FDA approval, however, surgeons now have the ability to consistently reproduce incisions without blades. The precision of the laser’s incisions eliminates several variables that have complicated cataract surgery for the past 40 years. Recent results demonstrate that the LenSx® Laser is up to ten times more precise than manual portions of the cataract surgical procedure. Also, laser cataract surgery is customized for each unique eye and performs an advanced astigmatism treatment to ensure the very best visual result.
Our “blade-free” laser approach to cataract and refractive lens exchange surgery is the most precise and gentle way to remove your natural lens and takes about 15 minutes. Our LenSx laser allows the surgeon to further improve the accuracy and predictability of the procedure, while offering an advanced astigmatism treatment to provide you with increased precision, accuracy and faster healing time. When you come in for an eye exam, you can ask the doctor if you are a good candidate for this revolutionary procedure.
In the absence of noticeable eye or vision problems, a child should have a complete eye exam around the age of 4 or 5 when they are starting school. They should be screened earlier if there is a family history of strabismus or ‘lazy eye’, or if any problems with ocular alignment or vision are detected.
When you arrive for a complete eye exam we require a list of your current medications, ID, current insurance cards, a form of payment, and a referral if required by your insurance. Previous medical records are not necessary unless requested by our doctors.
Yes, our doctors must document all medications you are currently taking. Rather than bringing all your bottles and viles of medications, simply bring a list or fill out our Medical History form in advance of your appointment.
A complete eye exam can take up to 90 minutes.
We accept most private and government insurance plans. Please refer to our insurance page for a list of providers or call our office to confirm that we are a provider for your insurance plan.
Medicare will pay a small portion of your new spectacles after cataract surgery through the DME program. Since Clemson Eye is not a provider for DME, we offer a 35% discount off a new pair of frames and lenses to our cataract patients. There are very few providers of DME in the area, so we hope that this discount may balance the Medicare benefit.
Our contact lens fitting fee ranges from $55 to $190 depending on the level of service.
A refraction is a measurement of your eye’s prescription for glasses or contact lens correction that produces your best vision. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans do not cover the cost of refraction. If your insurance plan does cover this procedure, we will reimburse this expense.
With a medical diagnosis, your health insurance will cover the exam excluding any co-pays, deductibles, etc. Vision plans cover routine eye examinations and offer coverage for glasses and contact lenses. We would be happy to verify your benefits when you book an appointment. Clemson Eye is a provider for most insurance plans and is happy to file your insurance claim for our services. All co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles are due on the date of service.
Being a ‘glaucoma suspect’ means that certain aspects of your eye exam have been identified that put you at higher risk for developing glaucoma and possible vision loss. Lowering your eye’s pressure with drops may reduce this risk before irreversible damage occurs.
The visual field test is one of the most important diagnostic tests to determine if your vision is worsening due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Because your field of vision may deteriorate very slowly you may not be aware of the changes. This disease has been popularly referred to as the “thief of sight”.
You may drive after receiving a dilated eye exam, but we recommend that you exercise caution and wear dark glasses to reduce glare from bright light. People with cataracts may have more significant difficulty under these conditions.
Your eyes will return to normal after dilating drops in approximately 24 hours, although this may vary depending on eye color. In the meantime, we recommend that you wear sunglasses outside.
Yes, on the day of service payment is due in full therefore, please come prepared to make payment in the form of check, cash or credit card. Payment plans are also available.
We request a deposit of $125 at the time of registration and we offer 35% off the final bill to all self-paying patients. Charges can range from $60 to $200 depending on the extent of the exam, diagnostic tests, etc.
In an effort to provide eye care to all of our patients, we created the H.E.L.P. program. Click here to learn more.
LASIK has been a safe surgical solution to correct vision errors in the U.S. since 1995. Most patients enjoy good long-term stability of vision and enjoy the freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Joseph Parisi performs advanced, customized, bladefree LASIK on the Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye Q and FS200 lasers. Vision correction consultations are complimentary. For more information, visit our LASIK section.
