Dr. Tyrie Jenkins has been practicing in Hawaii for over 20 years! In that time we have helped answer several questions, we encourage you to find the answers below:
What types of eye care conditions do you treat? 
Dr. Jenkins offers full ophthalmology services and surgeries using the latest FDA-approved technologies. Check out our complete menu of patient services for more details.
Where are these treatments carried out?
Dr. Jenkins office is located at 615 Piikoi Street, Suite 205, at the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Piikoi near Ala Moana Shopping Center. She is affiliated with The Surgical Suites, where she performs cataract and other laser procedures. LASIK and PRK procedures are also being done at the First Insurance Building.
Will my insurance cover my procedures?
Coverage depends on your individual insurance policy. Generally, medical insurance will cover specific procedures stated in the policy at a fixed rate. Elective procedures are not covered and are the responsibility of the patient. Our staff is happy to help you research this question, just let us know when you call and we are more than happy to help.
What do I need to do to prepare for a routine examination? 
For the courtesy of others, be on time. Allow extra time to fill out a medical information sheet if this is your first visit. Bring dark glasses in case your eyes are dilated following treatment. You may need to arrange for a ride home if your eyes are being dilated.
Is it safe for me to drive after an examination?
Even a routine exam may result in blurred vision for several hours. We offer a pleasant waiting room while your eyes adjust, or you may wish to arrange for someone to drive you home. Dark glasses are recommended.
What do all these ophthalmic terms mean?
A complete list of ophthalmology terms and disorders may be found at in our online glossary.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
With LASIK a very thin flap of corneal tissue is lifted out of the way to allow the laser to correct any irregularities of the cornea. The flap is then replaced and healing takes place within 24 hours. With PRK the laser is applied directly to the surface of the eye without creating the flap. The healing process is slower but the results are the same. This procedure is better for patients with conditions such as thin corneal surfaces.
How do I know if I am a candidate for these treatments?
Dr. Jenkins performed the very first LASIK procedure in Hawaii and has continued to stay in the forefront of the technology curve. She is trained in all these procedures using the most advanced equipment available in Hawaii and will select what is appropriate for each patient. To explore your options, please contact us or take our online quiz.
What do I need to do to prepare for LASIK and PRK surgery? 
The prepreation is minimal on your part, we require you to stay out of your soft contact lenses for two weeks prior to your procedure. If you are wearing hard contact lenses we require that you stay out of them for 1 month prior to your procedure. We also ask that you do not wear eye makeup for two days before and three days after your procedure. A step-by-step guide will be presented to you when you come in for your consultation.
With LASIK should I get one eye or both eyes done at a time?
Most candidates are suitable for having both eyes corrected with a same-day treatment. However, patients must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages and discuss them in detail with the surgeon.
Will my insurance cover laser eye surgery?
Most insurance companies will not cover LASIK, since it is considered an elective procedure.
Do I need to take time off work?
The majority of LASIK patients can return to work in 24 to 48 hours. Vision may fluctuate over the first few weeks after surgery, but most patients are comfortable returning to work the day after they are seen for their post-operative visit.
Can I wear contact lenses after LASIK if I want to? 
Neither LASIK nor PRK is a magic wand and treatment does not guarantee total freedom from glasses or contact lenses. The vast majority of patients have excellent day-to-day vision. Patients with high degrees of refractive errors to begin with cannot expect the same results as those with low to moderate error. They will likely need eye wear for driving at night, reading subtitles at the movies, and other eye-intensive activities. Remember too that as you approach the age where reading glasses may be needed (mid-40s), you will most likely still need to use them to read or work at close range.
Is it safe for me to drive after refractive surgery?
The operated eye is blurred immediately after treatment. You will not be able to drive. We advise you to have someone with you to accompany you home. Each patient’s symptoms vary, and you should only drive when you feel confident.
How long will the results of LASIK or PRK last?
Medical researchers have been following LASIK patients for 15 years and have uncovered no detrimental long-term effects. The corneal flap procedure has been practiced widely since the 1980s with no long-term complications found. In view of these findings, we have confidence in these procedures, but it is not possible to guarantee that some rare problems may develop in the future.
What if LASIK is not the best procedure for me?
The field of refractive surgery is continually changing. Laser procedures are becoming more customized and providing more options to our patients. We will be happy to discuss alternatives with you should you not be a candidate for LASIK or PRK.
