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LASIK May Be a Better Solution than Contacts – Here’s Why:

While contact lenses are a popular vision correction treatment option for the most common vision problems, they come with their own unique drawbacks, limitations, and inconveniences. Contact lenses, especially, require significant daily maintenance, and not everyone wants to deal with the inconveniences of wearing contact lenses.

Whether you’re a long-time wearer tired of relying on contacts or you’re facing vision problems for the first time, know that there are other options available. LASIK eye surgery is available to treat the most common vision problems, and it may be a better solution for people who don’t want to deal with the maintenance, solutions, and cost of contact lenses.

LASIK Eye Surgery vs Contact Lenses

Contact lenses may seem like a convenient solution at first, but the process is much more complicated than popping your contacts in at the start of the day. If contact lenses aren’t properly maintained each day, there could be more serious consequences to your eye health. This is true whether you’re wearing traditional contact lenses, or extended wear contacts.

Even if you’re meticulous about contact lens maintenance, there is the cost of the contacts themselves, the cost of solutions, the constant risk of losing a contact lens, and the time required to maintain your contacts each day. These inconveniences may have you searching for a better solution.

Laser eye surgery procedures like LASIK may offer a number of advantages over wearing contact lenses for vision correction:

  • LASIK eye surgery is available to treat the most common vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
  • While nobody can promise that you’ll never have to use glasses or contacts again, LASIK patients are often able to rely significantly less on vision correction devices after having the procedure.
  • Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up without reaching for your glasses first thing, or dealing with daily contact lens maintenance? With the benefits of laser eye surgery, you’re free to reimagine your morning routine.
  • Same goes for taking trips, enjoying outdoor activities, or participating in your favorite athletic activities. It’s nice not to have to stress about your glasses or contact lenses.
  • Glasses and contact lenses can be expensive, both to purchase and maintain, especially when you wear them for many years. While LASIK does have a one-time cost, it’s nice not to worry about the constant, ongoing cost of contact lenses and supplies.
  • LASIK is also a quick, efficient procedure. It takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes, and you get to go home the same day. After surgery, you’ll have a series of check-ups at specific intervals to follow-up on your healing progress.
  • Advances in LASIK technology may mean that even if you were unable to have laser eye surgery in the past, there may be a procedure available today that is a better fit for your needs.

Schedule A Free LASIK Consultation At One of Our LASIK Vision Centers Near You!

If you’re tired of dealing with the drawbacks of vision correction devices like contact lenses, now is the time to learn more about LASIK eye surgery, and scheduling your free consultation at your local LASIK Vision Institute location is the perfect place to start.

During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with your LASIK team about your candidacy, learn all of the details about laser eye surgery, and get answers to all of your key questions.

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When thinking about laser eye surgery, the cost of LASIK can seem intimidating, but luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Did you know that in addition to other LASIK financing options you can use FSA or HSA funds for the procedure?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Funds and LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery is one of the eligible medical expenses for your FSA, and using it can help alleviate some of the financial concerns associated with this procedure. Using an FSA will decrease your taxable income while increasing your spendable income to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. Since only a certain amount of unused FSA funds can rollover into March of the next year before you lose the funds, LASIK surgery is a great use of unused funds as the end of the year gets closer.

Using Your Health Savings Account (HSA) for LASIK Surgery

Your HSA can also be used to help cover the cost of LASIK eye surgery. By setting up an HSA, you can pay for elective medical services like LASIK and other laser eye surgery procedures while maximizing your tax savings. With an HSA, contributions from your employer are excluded from your gross income, and you can claim tax deductions from your personal contributions as well as ones made by anyone other than your employer. Additionally, contributions roll over each year until they are used, and any interest or other earnings on the HSA are tax free.

When you decide you’re ready for laser eye surgery, be sure to consider all of your LASIK savings options including FSA and HSA funds so that you can achieve better vision in a more affordable way.

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We’re located nationwide – it’s easy to find a LASIK Vision Center near you.

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You have likely heard the term LASIK eye surgery many times before. Perhaps you have friends or family who’ve even opted to undergo LASIK vision correction, or maybe you have even considered LASIK surgery for yourself. Although LASIK has been performed in the US since the early 90’s, many people are unsure of what LASIK eye surgery is and how it works to improve vision.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK Eye Surgery is an advanced surgical procedure employed to correct common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The underlying objective of the procedure is to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, so as to improve the way light is focused or refracted by the eye, and consequently enhance visual acuity. Performed by an ophthalmologist, the LASIK procedure utilizes a specialized device known as an excimer laser, characterized by its ability to remove very fine layers of corneal tissue without causing heat damage to surrounding structures.

The LASIK procedure begins with the application of local anesthetic eye drops to ensure patient comfort throughout. The surgeon then creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea using a precise instrument called a microkeratome or, in the case of bladeless LASIK, a femtosecond laser. This corneal flap is gently lifted to expose the underlying stromal layer of the cornea. The excimer laser, controlled by a computer and pre-programmed with measurements specific to the patient’s refractive error, is then employed to delicately ablate or remove corneal tissue. Each pulse of this laser removes an incredibly small amount of corneal tissue, allowing the surgeon to flatten (for myopia) or steepen (for hyperopia) the curve of the cornea to bring about more precise focus. For those with astigmatism, the laser is used to smooth an irregular cornea into a more standard shape.

Once the reshaping process is completed, the corneal flap is repositioned back onto the underlying cornea without the need for sutures. This flap adheres naturally and begins the healing process. The actual LASIK procedure is quite swift, typically lasting only about 15 minutes for both eyes, although patients should plan for more time for pre-operative preparations and post-operative care. The majority of individuals notice significant improvement in their vision immediately following the surgery, and the recovery period is generally quite brief, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two. While LASIK has a high rate of success and patient satisfaction, it is important to note that it is not suitable for everyone, and potential candidates should undergo a thorough examination and discussion of risks and benefits with a qualified ophthalmologist.

What does “LASIK” stand for?

LASIK, is an acronym for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”. LASIK (taken from the term Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision). LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed by an ophthalmologist, or eye doctor. LASIK surgery has the ability to enhance vision through the use of a laser to reshape the patient’s cornea. The cornea is a part of the eye which helps focus light rays to create an image on the retina. When the shape of the cornea and/or the eye is not perfect, the image one sees can be distorted. This is when LASIK surgery may be an option to improve vision.

How is LASIK performed?

With LASIK surgery, the LASIK doctor will begin by using anesthetic drops in the patient’s eyes. Then, he or she will create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The flap is then folded back, and the LASIK surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This is what allows for improved vision. The LASIK surgeon will use a computer to monitor and track your eye, and to direct and operate the laser during the procedure. After the cornea has been reshaped, the LASIK surgeon will carefully return the flap in the cornea to its original position where it is able to heal without the use of sutures. LASIK eye surgery can be quite short— approximately 5 to 15 minutes in duration.

What kind of laser is used for LASIK?

More LASIK physicians in the U.S., and those at The LASIK Vision Institute, choose the VISX laser technology to perform LASIK vision correction than all other lasers combined. LVI provides its patients the latest FDA clinically approved laser and diagnostic technology in the industry.

If you would like more information on LASIK eye surgery, or if you are wondering whether LASIK is right for you, you could take advantage of a no-obligation Free LASIK Consultation where you can have your vision assessed to find out whether you are a candidate for LASIK and receive more information on LASIK eye surgery.

Introduction to LASIK

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a groundbreaking surgical technique designed to correct various common vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a procedure that has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology and offered millions of individuals the opportunity to achieve improved vision.

Since its introduction in the U.S. in the early 1990s, LASIK has been a subject of intrigue and curiosity for many. Friends or family members might have opted for LASIK, or you might have considered it for yourself. Despite being widely recognized, many aspects of LASIK are not fully understood by the public. This article will offer an in-depth exploration of LASIK eye surgery, its mechanics, success rate, potential risks, recovery, and the future of this innovative procedure.

Understanding the Basics of LASIK

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that works by altering the shape of the cornea – the clear front part of the eye. The cornea is responsible for focusing light onto the retina to create a clear image. However, if the shape of the cornea is irregular, it can cause distorted vision, known as a refractive error.

These refractive errors include:

  • Myopia or Nearsightedness: This condition makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it.
  • Hyperopia or Farsightedness: This condition causes close objects to appear blurry while distant objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
  • Astigmatism: This condition causes blurred vision at any distance. It occurs when the cornea or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, causing light to focus on multiple points in and around the retina

LASIK surgery employs an excimer laser – a type of ultraviolet laser – to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it, correcting the way light enters the eye and hits the retina. This reshaping helps to reduce or eliminate refractive errors, improving the overall quality of vision.

How is LASIK Eye Surgery Performed?

LASIK is a relatively quick and painless procedure. Before the surgery begins, numbing drops are placed in the patient’s eyes to prevent discomfort during the procedure. The patient is then asked to fix their gaze on a target light while the surgeon positions the laser precisely over their eye.

The first step in the procedure involves creating a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea. The surgeon uses a microkeratome, a precise surgical tool, or a femtosecond laser to do this. The flap is then folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue, referred to as the stroma.

Next, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the exposed cornea. The computer-controlled laser removes the necessary amount of tissue based on the pre-determined measurements. The laser vaporizes the tissue without generating heat, ensuring a gentle and precise procedure.

Once the cornea is reshaped, the surgeon repositions the corneal flap, which naturally adheres to the stroma without the need for stitches. The entire procedure typically takes about 15 minutes for each eye.

Post-procedure, patients are advised to rest and avoid straining their eyes. Vision may be hazy or blurry for the first day or so, but most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision.

What Laser Technology is Used in LASIK?

The most common laser technology used in LASIK surgeries is the VISX laser. Many LASIK surgeons, including those at The LASIK Vision Institute, favor VISX technology because it has been extensively tested and approved by the FDA. This laser system is precise and consistent, leading to reliable results.

The VISX system uses a proprietary technology called CustomVue, which creates a detailed map of the patient’s eye. This map is used to guide the laser during the surgery, ensuring each LASIK procedure is customized to the patient’s unique eye shape and vision needs.

Who is a Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is an excellent solution for many individuals struggling with refractive errors, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Good candidates for LASIK are at least 18 years old, have had a stable prescription for at least one year, and have a common refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism).

Potential candidates must also have corneas that are thick enough to allow the creation of the corneal flap. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, can affect healing and make a person an unsuitable candidate for LASIK.

A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine if a person is a good candidate for LASIK. During this exam, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s eyes, review their medical history, and discuss their expectations to make a final determination.

What is the Recovery Process Like After LASIK?

One of the key benefits of LASIK is its relatively short and straightforward recovery process. Immediately after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some blurry vision and sensitivity to light. However, these symptoms typically fade within a few hours to a couple of days.

Most patients are able to return to work, driving, and most other everyday activities within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. In the first few weeks following the procedure, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous activities and anything that might lead to eye injury. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the healing process.

It’s also worth noting that while many patients experience immediate improvements in their vision, it may take up to six months for vision to completely stabilize.

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

The cost of LASIK can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the type of laser technology used, and the geographic location of the procedure. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per eye.

While insurance typically does not cover LASIK as it’s often considered a cosmetic procedure, many clinics offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. It’s also worth considering the potential savings from no longer needing to purchase glasses or contact lenses.

In recent months, there has been an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium linked to certain eye drops, that has caused concern and confusion among the public. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has infected at least 68 people in 16 states. In response, several eye drop products have been recalled, including EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, which have been associated with the bacterial infection.

LASIK Vision Institutes has NEVER offered these eye drop brands

It is important to note that The Lasik Vision Institute Centers have never offered or sold the recalled eye drop brands. Patients who have received LASIK surgery at our centers can rest assured that their post-operative care and recommended eye care products have not been affected by the recall.

Which Eye Drops Have Been Recalled?

At least four eye drop products have been recalled in recent months. The two products that have been associated with the bacterial infection are EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears. The other two products, Pharmedica USA’s Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops, and Apotex’s Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, were recalled for other reasons not related to the bacterial infection.

Pharmedica USA’s Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops were recalled in March due to concerns that the product is not sterile, which could increase the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness. Similarly, Apotex Corp. recalled Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15% “out of an abundance of caution” due to cracks in some of the bottles’ caps, which could affect the product’s sterility.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Infection to Watch Out For?

If you have used EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, you should look out for symptoms such as yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, redness of the eye or eyelid, a sensation that there is something in your eye, increased sensitivity to light, and blurry vision, according to the CDC. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical care immediately.

What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of aggressive bacterium that can be found all over the environment, including in water, soil, and human waste. It can enter eye drops through contamination with environmental agents during handling. The bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics and is particularly dangerous in healthcare settings and for people with weakened immune systems.

Infections can present in ways such as keratitis, sepsis, and respiratory and urinary tract infections. It is essential to exercise general caution when using artificial tears, such as avoiding contaminating them with fingers and disposing of them within the advised time frame, according to Dr.Robert Dinga of LASIK Vision Institute. 

Conclusion

The recent outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to certain eye drops has resulted in several recalls of eye drop products. Lasik Vision Institute Centers have never offered or sold these recalled products, and patients who have received LASIK surgery at our centers can rest assured that their post-operative care and recommended eye care products have not been affected. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of an eye infection and seek medical care immediately if you have used the recalled eye drops and experience any of these symptoms

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision problem – so common that as many as one-third of all people might suffer from it to varying degrees. In fact, some people with small amounts of astigmatism might not experience a noticeable effect on the clarity of their vision.

Astigmatism is a vision problem caused when the clear front cover of the eye (the cornea) is shaped irregularly. Because of this, a person isn’t able to focus light clearly as it enters the eye. The cornea is supposed to be round in shape, like the top of a globe; people with astigmatism have corneas that are egg shaped – imagine half a football instead of a baseball. When they look at something, light entering the eye bends unequally, resulting in blurriness or vision distortion.

LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism correction can be an option for someone who suffers from mild or moderate astigmatism. Astigmatism correction offers a number of benefits – not only is vision impacted, but people with astigmatism frequently suffer from eyestrain and headaches as well. These, too, can often be relieved once the astigmatism has been treated.

LASIK and Astigmatism

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism alters the curvature of the cornea. By re-shaping the cornea into a more spherical shape with LASIK surgery, astigmatism’s refractive error is resolved when the front surface of the eye becomes more symmetrical. This astigmatism correction then allows light to properly come through the cornea to the back of the eye and focus on images more clearly.

Astigmatism may occur in one or both eyes; only the affected eye needs to be treated with LASIK surgery. Due to the irregular eye shape in people with astigmatism, light hits the eye at multiple points (it should be just a single point). This sends mixed signals to the brain, resulting in blurry vision. Astigmatism correction is achieved when laser eye surgery reshapes the inner layer of the cornea, which then allows light entering the eye to come to a single focus on the inner layer of the eye (retina).

Watch Dr. Gary Legault explains what astigmatism is and how LASIK can help correct it.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions
  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches

Astigmatism can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the most common symptoms: Blurry or distorted vision: This is the hallmark symptom of astigmatism. Objects may appear stretched out or skewed, and lines may appear wavy or crooked. Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions: Astigmatism can make it harder to see in dimly lit environments. Eye strain or fatigue: Because astigmatism can make it harder for the eyes to focus properly, it can lead to eye strain and fatigue, especially after prolonged periods of reading, writing, or computer use. Headaches: Some people with astigmatism may experience headaches, especially if their vision is not corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Causes of Astigmatism

  • Genetics: Astigmatism can run in families and may be inherited.
  • Eye injury or trauma: A serious injury to the eye can cause astigmatism.
  • Eye surgery: Certain types of eye surgery can cause astigmatism.
  • Corneal disease: Certain conditions that affect the cornea, such as keratoconus, can cause astigmatism

Genetics: As with many other eye conditions, astigmatism can be inherited from your parents. If you have a family history of astigmatism, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. Eye injury or trauma: A serious injury to the eye, such as a blunt force trauma or a penetrating injury, can cause changes to the shape of the cornea and lead to astigmatism. Eye surgery: Certain types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or corneal transplant surgery, can cause astigmatism as a side effect. Corneal disease: Certain conditions that affect the cornea, such as keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), can cause astigmatism.

Benefits of LASIK for Astigmatism

  • Improved vision: LASIK can correct astigmatism and improve visual acuity.
  • Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses: Many patients find that they no longer need glasses or contacts after LASIK surgery.
  • Faster recovery time: Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days after LASIK surgery.
  • Reduced symptoms: LASIK can help reduce symptoms associated with astigmatism, such as eye strain and headaches.

Cost of LASIK for Astigmatism

The cost of LASIK for astigmatism can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience and reputation, the location of the practice, and the specific technology used during the procedure. On average, the cost of LASIK for astigmatism ranges from $1,999 to $4,000 per eye.

Conclusion

LASIK surgery for astigmatism correction can be a safe and effective option for those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. If you are interested in LASIK for astigmatism correction, schedule a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologist to determine if the procedure is right for you.

LASIK fear is among the most common reasons that people shy away from the procedure.  And among the most common LASIK fears, three show up more than any others among those considering the procedure.

LASIK Fear #1 – Fear of being awake during surgery

Perhaps the most common LASIK fear is the fear of being awake during surgery. But LASIK surgery begins with numbing eye drops, and sometimes a mild sedative, to help you relax. Still, some patients notice mild discomfort, such as pressure, vibration or dimmed vision, during the procedure. You don’t have to worry about blinking, though, because a specially designed instrument holds your eye open. And a computer in the laser tracks your eye movement more than 4,000 times per second, ensuring precision. In 15 minutes or less, both eyes can be done with little discomfort. If you can stare straight ahead for 45 seconds—about as long as it takes to watch a traffic light—you can do this.

LASIK Fear #2 – Fear of LASIK cost

A second common LASIK fear is the cost of LASIK. A LASIK price typically covers the initial consultation with eye exam, laser technology, highly trained eye surgeons, personalized aftercare and a lifetime commitment. The cost of LASIK can seem costly at first, but a lot is rolled into that final price. Ask your LASIK specialist to explain the variety of payment options and discounts that are available. Some patients estimate that their cost of LASIK pays for itself within a few years because of their saved costs in eye glasses, contact lenses and contact lens solution. With proper planning, LASIK can fit into even a tight budget.

LASIK Fear #3 – Fear of complications

A third popular LASIK fear is fear of complications. Like with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications. Choosing the most advanced laser technology and a highly experienced, reputable surgeon can reduce the risk of complications.

In addition, individual qualities, such as cornea thickness and ocular health, can reduce risks even further. At your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will discuss any risks and complications with you. Elect for the procedure only if you feel comfortable with the risks of LASIK.

Among patients who overcome their LASIK fears, many wish they hadn’t been so afraid.

Having laser eye surgery shouldn’t haunt you. With a professional behind the laser and an understanding of the procedure, it’s easy to overcome common LASIK fears and opt for a surgery that can change the way you see the world.

Get educated, do your research, and learn what to expect. Make a consultation appointment to speak with a LASIK specialist to help overcome your fear.

The thought of having a laser pointed at your eye can make LASIK seem like a scary procedure for many people. The reality is, laser eye surgery is an easy and safe FDA-approved procedure. There are many misconceptions about LASIK, including what to expect on surgery day, LASIK cost, recovery time and much more.  Below are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about laser vision correction.

1. LASIK recovery time is lengthy and extensive

In reality, for most people, the recovery time for LASIK is very minimal. In fact, most patients are able to resume most normal daily activities within a day or two following their procedure, and while everyone heals at their pace, most patients can head back to work within two days.

2. Laser vision correction is incredibly  painful

Laser eye surgery actually is virtually painless. While some patients describe feeling mild discomfort from a slight pressure or vibrating sensation, most report feeling no pain during their procedure. Actually, most patients say that the feeling of anxiety and fear of the unknown is worse than the actual LASIK procedure.

Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes just before surgery begins, and you may be given a mild sedative as well. After your procedure, your eyes may have a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours, but for most patients, these side effects will go away in a few hours after taking a short nap.

3. LASIK is a “cure all” for glasses and contacts

LASIK surgery was designed to help reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses, but it does not guarantee that you will never need them again. LASIK patients are still susceptible to presbyopia, which occurs naturally with age and may require patients to need a pair of low prescription readers. While the majority of patients are able to go day-to-day without the use of glasses or contact lenses, it is best to consider LASIK as a procedure to reduce your dependency on them rather than get rid of your lenses forever.

4. LASIK is a lengthy procedure

In actuality, LASIK takes minimal time and can have life changing results. The average procedure, including prep time, ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, but the laser correction itself only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Lasers used during LASIK can cut through your eye

This is very false. Do your research on the safety of LASIK. The lasers used during LASIK emit a cool beam of light, which is not capable of penetrating your body via your LASIK procedure. Rather than burning or cutting the biological matter of your body, excimer lasers used during LASIK have a useful property where they can remove exceptionally thin layers off of the surface of your eye with almost no heating or change to the remainder of your eye, making them ideal for these delicate surgeries.

If you’re considering LASIK, schedule a free consultation to understand if you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery.

Age marks plenty of milestones: driving, voting, working and retiring. But there’s no set age for LASIK. Most providers won’t perform LASIK on those under 18 because eyes tend to keep changing into early adulthood. But laser eye surgery has been performed on children (with severe vision problems) and octogenarians alike.

These are outliers to most cases. The most common age for LASIK, in fact, falls between the ages of 20 and 40.

What Age Do You Need To Be for LASIK?

LASIK is FDA-approved for those 18 and older. Most providers encourage young adults to wait until their mid-20s because, until this time, a person’s prescription may be still changing. Having a stable prescription for at least two years is often required as proof before anyone, young or old, is deemed a good LASIK candidate.

From the point of stable prescription on, most adults concurrently grow their savings, begin traveling for work and pleasure, and perhaps develop an irritation or exhaustion with contacts and eye glasses. This creates the popular period during which most people have LASIK.

Around the age of 40, a person’s eyes start to change again. Soon thereafter, many people start to need reading glasses due to a condition known as presbyopia. LASIK does not correct presbyopia, but some people with the condition decide to have monovision. Monovision is a laser eye surgery that leaves one eye corrected for near vision and the other eye corrected for distance vision.

At age 60, the eyes start to change once more. This is when risk of cataracts increases. Some adults get to age 70 or 80 with no cataracts and have otherwise healthy eyes. Despite being outside the common LASIK age spectrum, these people can be good candidates for laser eye surgery. It’s possible that a 70-year-old without cataracts or other eye illnesses is actually a better candidate than a 30-year-old with very dry eyes and diabetes.

Age certainly influences one’s LASIK candidacy, but it by no means draws an absolute boundary. If you are in good health, have a stable prescription and are considering LASIK, schedule a free consultation to assess your candidacy.

LASIK eye surgery is a common procedure used to correct eye problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All three are conditions that affect the eye’s ability to focus on objects near and far away. Part of the LASIK procedure requires an eye surgeon to create a hinged flap of tissue, which can be done with either a blade or a laser. The importance of this step in the LASIK procedure cannot be overstated.

So what’s the difference between Bladeless LASIK and traditional?

The first and most obvious difference is that traditional LASIK eye surgery uses a thin blade called a microkeratome to make an incision in the cornea, which creates the hinged flap. This thin protective flap of tissue allows the cornea to heal quickly and naturally once the procedure is finished, with little to no discomfort.

The Bladeless LASIK option utilizes a precise, high-energy femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome blade to create the flap of corneal tissue. Since being invented in the 1990s, the femtosecond laser has been incredibly successful. This laser continues to provide LASIK patients and their eye doctors with a bladeless alternative to traditional laser eye surgery.

Is Bladeless LASIK safe?

Both Bladed LASIK and Bladeless LASIK are proven safe and effective, but the bladeless femtosecond procedure has a number of important advantages. Bladeless LASIK, for example, has a lower risk of corneal flap complications.

Some LASIK patients need a second procedure, which laser eye surgeons call a “touch up” or an “enhancement.” Bladeless LASIK allows for a safer enhancement should it be needed. A study found that creating flaps of corneal tissue with a bladeless femtosecond laser resulted in faster visual recovery and better uncorrected visual acuity than did creating the corneal flap with a blade.

Is Bladeless LASIK better for me?

Laser eye surgeons, optometrists and their patients have come to find that both Bladed LASIK and Bladeless LASIK procedures are among the safest medical procedures in modern medicine.

Every patient is different. Although Bladeless LASIK has many advantages for many patients, it isn’t always the best option. Schedule a free consultation to find out which method is right for you.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery depends on a variety of factors, including the type of LASIK surgery being performed. While LASIK is not typically covered by insurance, there are quite a few options for financing your laser eye surgery. Ahead, we’ll cover some of the popular options for LASIK financing, along with one lesser-known option that can be very handy if you’re financing your surgery around tax time.

How to Afford LASIK: Simple Tips for Covering the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

  • Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Account – A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account that may be offered through your employer which can be used to pay for any qualified medical expense, including LASIK. Similarly, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that may be offered by your employer that allows you to put money into an account to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs, including LASIK. If you have questions about these offerings, speak with your benefits provider, so when you are ready for LASIK surgery, HSA or FSA funds may be a viable savings option.
  • CareCredit – A unique financing option, CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used to cover medical expenses, including LASIK eye surgery. Choosing CareCredit for LASIK financing allows you to pay in monthly increments, rather than one lump sum. The card is designed specifically with medical costs in mind, and the application process is similar to what you will find with most major credit cards.
  • Tax Refund – Who doesn’t enjoy getting a refund check in the mail around tax time? All the better when you can put those funds toward paying for your LASIK surgery. It’s especially handy during the spring months but you can always set your refund aside in savings if you are planning your procedure during a different time of the year.
  • Personal Financing – This is the catch-all category for financing that comes from your own pocket, and there are many options available. Using funds from your checking or savings accounts is the simplest choice, and you can also use credit/debit cards, funds that come from gifts, an inheritance, side-work, or even that big jug of coins you’ve been saving for a rainy day. If you’re planning to have LASIK in the future, setting those extra infusions of cash aside in savings can go a long way toward covering the procedure when the time is right.
  • Insurance/Group Discounts – Some LASIK companies work with insurance providers and certain large employers to provide LASIK discounts to their employees. Ask your benefits manager if a LASIK discount is available through your insurance or company benefits plan.

While you’re busy finding the right financing mix for your LASIK eye surgery, remember that there are many helpful resources available. When researching, calculate an estimated monthly payment for LASIK financing based on the cost of your laser eye surgery procedure and your preferred financing options. There are many ways to cover the cost of LASIK surgery, and your vision health is more than worth the effort.

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