Treatments
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)
Your Decision
The decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses.
LASIK does not always create 20/20 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye. Your doctor will provide you with additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding surgery.
Before Your Consultation
Patients who wear spherical soft contact lenses should discontinue their contact lens wear for at least 7 days prior to their evaluation.
Patients who wear astigmatism correcting (Toric) contact lenses should discontinue their contact lens wear for at least 14 days prior to their evaluation. Patients who wear hard or rigid gas permeable contact lens should discontinue use for at least 21 days prior to the evaluation.
One or more careful refractions (determinations of eyeglass correction needed) will be completed. If you have your prior eyeglass prescriptions, it is helpful to bring these in. Contact lens wearing patients who are believed to have an unstable refraction will be asked to discontinue contact lens wear and return for a repeat refraction in one to three weeks. When back-to-back refractions are stable (equivalent), the procedure may be scheduled.
Corneal topography, a detailed surface map of the cornea, will also be completed to rule out keratoconus and irregular astigmatism of the cornea. An instrument called a pachymeter will help determine your corneal thickness. A thorough eye exam will be completed including dilation. Only healthy eyes are eligible for surgery.
Screening Consultation
You will need to schedule an exam with Dr. Magbalon or Dr. Newton to help determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. This exam is $220.00. If you are a candidate, this fee will go toward the total cost. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure. We will also talk about your goals and expectations of refractive surgery.
Refractive Surgery Evaluation
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is performed. This exam is to confirm that your eyes are healthy and to determine your degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness and also astigmatism. Several specialized tests are also done. We will analyze the surface of the eye (cornea) and measure the corneal thickness and the pupil size.
The measurements from this exam will give the doctor the information he needs for you to have an optimal result. If you are established with an optometrist, our doctors will do a pre-surgical appointment. At this appointment you will have the specialized tests and also meet with the refractive coordinator to schedule your procedure.
LASIK Surgery Fees
We use the FDA-approved Zeimer femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap and the VISX Star S4 Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The fee covers all aspects of the surgery and all follow-up care for one year.
Payment Options:
- CareCredit – Apply online at https://www.carecredit.com/
Payment in full is required one week prior to your procedure. That payment can be paid by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover).
LASIK is an excellent investment in your personal well-being. Act now and see your world clearly!
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)
What happens before surgery?
You will be given a thorough eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy and that you are a suitable candidate. Your cornea will be digitally photographed, and a computer will map your eyes. The surgeon will use this map to plan your surgery for the most precise results possible.
Does laser vision correction hurt?
You do not feel pain during the surgery. Your surgeon will place anesthetic drops in your eyes before your procedure. Patients report a feeling of pressure during the procedure, and mild discomfort for a day or so.
What happens on the treatment day?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you will spend about 90 minutes at the laser center. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
What happens after surgery?
Goggles will be placed over your eyes. You will leave the goggles in place until the next morning. Postoperative instructions, including use of eye drops, will be reviewed with you. You will be sent home with instructions to rest with your eyes closed. You will probably notice improved vision, but it will still be blurry when you leave the center. Your vision will continue to improve as the hours go by.
When can I go back to work?
Many people return to work the next day, but a day or two of minimal use of your eyes is recommended.
Are there any side effects?
Some people experience “dry eyes,” which usually is easily alleviated with drops and disappears over time. Another side effect may be starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night. This effect also lessens or disappears over time. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur; although fortunately, this is rare.
Will insurance cover this procedure?
Insurance typically does not cover this procedure, as it is considered an elective surgical procedure.
The LASIK Procedure
After your eye has been completely numbed using “eye drop” anesthesia, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking. Next, the Zeimer femtosecond laser makes a protective flap in the cornea. During this process you may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort. To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute. To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area. To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more that the other. Then the protective flap is folded back in place where it bonds securely without the need for stitches. After LASIK, some patients report a slight discomfort that usually goes away within twelve to twenty-four hours.
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