Correcting Your Vision with Laser Surgery

Most people who wear glasses or contact lenses wish they didn’t have to. Thanks to laser eye surgery, there is an alternative to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses or possibly eliminate them completely. In order to eliminate the inconvenience of contact lenses or eyeglasses, millions of patients have been motivated to find out if they are good candidates for Laser Vision Correction.

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser Vision Correction is a phrase used to describe a number of Laser Eye Surgery procedures that reshape the cornea (the curved front tissue of the eye). One of the most commonly selected laser procedures to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism is LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis).

LASIK eye surgery, which produces clear vision, has become the most popular vision surgery in the country.  More than one million Americans undergo LASIK each year. In most cases, LASIK treatment results in excellent outcomes for patients, with them experiencing 20/20 vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The LASIK Procedure:

In LASIK, a laser precisely reshapes the cornea. A painless five minute in-office procedure begins with folding back a very thin hinged corneal flap created by a very sharp blade or a computer-guided laser. With the corneal flap pealed back, the cornea is reshaped with this laser. After the procedure, patients experience immediately improved vision, although it might take weeks or months for the patient’s vision to stabilize.  Irrespective of how long it takes for vision to stabilize, there is little or no discomfort following the procedure.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

A pre-LASIK eye examination must be completed to determine if a patient is a good candidate for LASIK. The pre-LASIK work up includes all components of a routine comprehensive eye exam, including refraction and ocular health examination using dilating eye drops.  Additional testing includes precise measurement of the curvature of the front of the eye using a corneal topographer and measuring the corneal thickness (pachymetry). All candidates must be at least 18 years of age and must have no change in their refraction for at least one year.

Does my medical insurance pay for LASIK?

LASIK is not covered by insurance. The cost for LASIK varies among surgeons. Complete understanding of the cost and fee structure for the procedure should be discussed with the surgeon you have chosen.

Call 1.888.700.EYES (3937) for more information