LASIK / Vision Correction

Why Nationwide Vision?

At Nationwide Vision in Arizona, we offer a comprehensive approach to vision care.

From the moment you step into any one of our offices, our friendly staff and expert Doctors of Nationwide Optometry are focused on one thing and one thing only: your comfort. In order to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnoses for your eyes, we use the most advanced medical technology and equipment available.

From there, your doctor will take you through the process step-by-step to make sure you understand how we can help you see more clearly.

  • LASIK/PRK:Corrects farsightedness and nearsightedness vision, and astigmatism. Patients 21 and older may be candidates for LASIK or PRK.
  • ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses): Corrects distance vision, especially significantly high prescriptions. Patients 21 and older may be candidates for ICLs
  • CLE (Clear Lens Exchange): Corrects distance and near vision, including when a patient wears reading glasses. Also corrects astigmatism. Patients 45 and older may be candidates for a lens exchange

Meet Our Surgeon

Dr. Petelin is a board-certified Ophthalmologist with an extensive surgical background, performing over 15,000 refractive surgical procedures and 10,000 cataract surgeries. Dr. Petelin is dedicated to providing the best surgical outcomes for his patients. He has participated in FDA studies and been recognized numerous times by Best Doctors, America’s Top Ophthalmologists, and Leading Physicians of the World, as well as featured as a “Top Doctor” in Phoenix Magazine since 2005.  Dr.

Are you a candidate for LASIK?

What to Expect with LASIK Surgery

The Day of Surgery

Once you have scheduled your surgery, you should plan to be at our surgery center for about 90 minutes or longer. This will allow you time for any questions you may have or to finish any paperwork or additional testing needed. Prior to the procedure you will be given a mild, oral sedative. An anesthetic eye drop is used to numb the eye and an eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure. The procedure is virtually painless and takes less than 15 minutes. Your doctor will operate a computer-directed laser to reshape your cornea. The reshaping of your cornea usually takes five seconds to a minute, depending on the prescription. After this portion of the procedure, your doctor will replace the flap. Corneal tissue has extraordinary natural bonding qualities, so no stitches will be needed. Healing begins almost immediately.

Post-Operative Care

Our technicians will advise you about the type of eye drops you should use and how often. You will be given a kit with instructions, eye drops and protective eyewear to wear at night for the first week. After the surgery, you will need to rest for about 30 minutes before heading home. Please make sure that you have a driver to take you to and from our laser center.

After the procedure, you may experience slight discomfort or a feeling similar to having an eyelash or dry contact lens in your eye. This sensation generally disappears after the first day. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help minimize any discomfort.

You should notice improved vision immediately and it will continue to improve in the days and weeks following your procedure. Once you return home from your procedure, it is best to rest for a few hours. For the first 24 hours, please avoid straining your eyes by reading, working on a computer or watching TV. Be sure not to rub or touch your eyes.

The day after your procedure, you will return to the laser center for a quick checkup by the doctor. Please plan to have a driver for this appointment also. You may resume reading, computer work or watching TV but make sure to keep your eyes well lubricated and rest them often.

Most patients typically can return to work a day or so after their procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK

1. Who would be a good candidate for LASIK?
The decision to have laser vision correction depends on the results of a thorough consultation. Some basic requirements include a stable eyeglass prescription for one year, healthy cornea and thick enough corneas, no active eye disease and at least 21 years of age.

2. How do I choose a LASIK surgeon?
One of the most important aspects in the decision-making process is to make sure the surgeon who performs your LASIK procedure is experienced. Ask specific questions that assure you your surgeon is skilled and has the expertise required to take care of your needs.

3. Can LASIK correct my farsightedness?
Yes! LASIK treatment corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea).

4. What if I’ve been told I’m not a candidate for LASIK?
Technology continues to advance, and many patients who were not a candidate a few years ago may be a candidate today. There are also other vision- correction technologies available now, like lens implants.

5. Traditional LASIK  vs. Custom LASIK
Traditional LASIK provides treatment similar to that which glasses or contacts would provide for a patient. Custom LASIK takes into account every person’s individual visual needs and can treat higher-order visual aberrations that cause problems such as starbursts, halos and decreased contrast sensitivity. There is also a lower risk of complications with Custom LASIK, and the Wavefront mapping technology used in the procedure gives the surgeon an incredibly accurate and precise means of locating and correcting problems with the eye. Also, studies have shown that the possibility of achieving 20/20 vision is higher with Custom LASIK.

6. Is the LASIK procedure painful?
No. The actual treatment itself is painless. Anesthetic drops are given to numb the eye. A patient may feel pressure during the procedure and afterward they may feel as if there is an eyelash in their eye. Any post-treatment discomfort can easily be treated with Tylenol or Advil.

7. How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes; it depends on the prescription and the amount of correction needed.

8. If I have great vision, will I still need to have routine eye exams?
Yes. Even though your vision has been corrected and you no longer need a prescription, it is still essential to take care of your eyes by having a routine exam every year.

9. How SAFE is LASIK?
Studies have shown that LASIK is safer than regular contact lens use. It has been FDA approved since 1995. There have been more than 12 million procedures performed in the United States since its approval, making it the safest and most common elective procedure to date.

What our customers are saying:

I am very impressed with your staff. They are both professional and give excellent customer service. Plus, the glasses I got at Nationwide are the best I’ve ever had.

- Tim J

I was very pleased with the whole process. Everyone was very professional. I received a very nice discount as well. I would recommend Nationwide to anyone i know.

- Keith F

Very helpful and friendly at first phone call. Day of Exam, staff was wonderful and very patient with all my questions. Surgery day went well. Having the Dr. communicate through the procedure was comforting. I will be referring my co-worker here!

- Kimberly E

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*All exams performed by Associate Doctors of Nationwide Optometry.