The LASIK Vision Institute, autor en The LASIK Vision Institute

Ultimately, the results after LASIK are what drive the popularity of the procedure, and there are millions of people who have had LASIK who can tell you about their results first-hand. Whether you want to know what to expect from the recovery process, understand the differences between laser eye surgery procedures, or research how long LASIK results last, you’ll find ample data to help with the research process.

The best way for you to understand how LASIK could improve your vision, and what results you could expect, is to schedule a free evaluation with a LASIK provider near you. Below we’ll touch on some of the most common LASIK surgery results questions to help get you started.

What are the types of laser eye surgery?

Technology plays an important role in the results of laser eye surgery, and the laser technology used to perform LASIK surgery is constantly evolving. Today, laser eye surgery patients have access to a wide range of procedures, each with their own benefits. LASIK technology can help improve results, and even cut down on discomfort during the recovery process.

How long does the recovery process take after LASIK eye surgery?

The recovery process after LASIK eye surgery begins as soon as the procedure ends, and a full recovery typically takes between three and six months in total. The post-op checkups start within 24-48 hours after surgery, and continue at progressively longer intervals throughout the recovery process. While it takes time to fully heal after LASIK, pain, discomfort, or blurred vision should dissipate early in the process.

Most people are able to resume working within a few days after LASIK eye surgery, and you may notice improvements in vision quality before the three to six month timetable for full recovery. If you’re itching to resume your favorite activities after LASIK, be sure to ask your LASIK specialist about any activities that could negatively impact healing.

How long do LASIK results last, and is LASIK surgery permanent?

The results of LASIK are typically long-term, and many people only need one LASIK procedure during their lifetime. However, there are factors that influence LASIK long-term results, and sometimes re-treatment may be required to restore the full benefits of your laser eye surgery. Many surgeons offer assurance plans to cover this contingency.

If you have any questions about what to expect from LASIK surgery results, your LASIK specialist is the ideal source for learning more. Schedule your free LASIK consultation to learn more about laser eye surgery results, and the benefits you can expect from LASIK eye surgery. Find a LASIK provider near you!

Laser eye surgery has become safer over the years, thanks to better technology and more experienced surgeons. Most patients experience some side effects, though, whether that’s dry eye or redness after surgery. But these tend to be temporary. Some risks could be permanent, however. Yet there’s a lot in your power to support the success of your laser eye surgery.

Here are some variables you can control.

Before laser eye surgery

Before laser eye surgery, you will likely have several providers from whom to pick. These will vary in cost, experience, protocol and the overall professional atmosphere you experience during your consultation. The provider you pick is the first determinant of your laser eye surgery success.

Your provider should be very experienced. The most experienced surgeons have been practicing for more than 20 years, and some have performed tens of thousands of procedures. You should seek out a provider who has performed thousands of procedures similar to the one you get (for instance, if you get PRK laser eye surgery, find a highly experienced PRK surgeon). He should also have any combination of fellowship, certification, professional affiliation and accolades attached to his name.

You will also want a provider who turns down a fair percentage of people for laser eye surgery. The reason is that not all people are laser eye surgery candidates, so it follows that not all people who go in for a LASIK consultation are going to be good candidates for surgery. Look for about ten to fifteen percent turn-down rate.

At the laser eye surgery consultation

At your laser eye surgery consultation, your provider is going to ask for your health history. It is very important to offer as much information as you have regarding medical conditions, prescriptions, allergies and related information not just to your eye health but also to your general health that affects any part of your body. The person who conducts your consultation has been trained to identify flags, such as having a pacemaker or diabetes, that merit extra considerations for laser eye surgery.

Your provider may offer a couple types of procedures, such as LASIK or PRK. In addition, there are customizable types of each procedure, and LASIK can be bladeless or it might use a microkeratome blade, which is typically a less expensive option. If bladeless procedures are offered, the price difference is often worth the investment in your best possible results and a faster recovery time.

After laser eye surgery

Regular follow up visits are a part of a standard laser eye surgery procedure. Attending these is the easiest way for your doctor to ensure your healing is progressing as it should and to check for any serious complications. These are rare, but they can be caught early.

In addition to your follow up visits, your doctor will likely prescribe eye drops to take at set times in the days following your procedure. Taking these eye drops as prescribed will support healing. Follow your doctor’s orders exactly as you heal from your procedure.

Once healing is complete, regular annual eye exams to check your prescription and eye health is recommended. If you follow these steps, you can maximize your possible outcomes from your laser eye surgery.

When the weather grows cold and the days grow short, sometimes it’s easy to become a bit lax about eye protection. The truth is that eye protection is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Eye safety is especially important if you participate in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, or simply like to spend time outdoors during the snowy season. Whether you’ve recently had LASIK eye surgery or simply want to make eye safety a priority during the winter, understanding your eye protection options to prevent injury is the perfect place to start.

Winter Sports Eye Safety

…the Slopes, the Snow, and Outdoor Adventures

Snow goggles are the most popular choice for winter sports eye protection, especially if you’ll be spending time on the slopes. You can find snow goggles made by most of the top sunglasses brands, along with a few companies that focus exclusively on winter eye safety goggles. In addition to protecting your eyes, goggles do a nice job of shielding your face from the cold.

Just as with sunglasses, the first step in identifying a good pair of snow goggles is to look for 100 percent UV protection. This is a must, as UV protection helps shield your eyes from the sun’s most damaging rays.
Polarized lenses are also important, and will make life much easier if you spend time on the snow. Snow-covered terrain can be full of glare, and polarized lenses help protect your eyes from glare, making it easier to see.
Snow goggle lenses come in a wide range of colors, and if possible it’s a good idea to try different colored lenses outdoors to see which work best for your vision. Remember that light-colored lenses can still offer the necessary eye protection, as long as they are polarized and 100 percent UV resistant.
A high-quality pair of goggles also helps protect your eyes from airborne debris, which can be a real issue given the high speeds involved in many winter sports. For an added layer of protection, look for break-resistant lenses, which are designed not to shatter in the event of a fall or heavy impact.
Need prescription lenses for your snow goggles? Prescription lenses are available, and some manufacturer’s also produce goggles designed to fit over a pair of glasses.
For both your comfort and quality of vision, look for eye protection goggles with very good ventilation. Foggy goggles are no fun, and good ventilation helps keep your field of vision clear.
If you live in a place with extreme cold, goggles will also help protect your eyes from the dangers posed by very cold weather. With or without high winds, cold weather can be dangerous for the eyes.
For more leisurely winter outdoor activities, a good pair of sunglasses can also get the job done quite well. You’ll mostly be looking for the same key qualities: 100 percent UV protection, polarized lenses, and the durability to stand up to wintry conditions.

Finding the right eye protection is a critical step for eye safety while you enjoy your favorite winter sports, and it’s easy to do. Most ski shops and sporting goods stores will carry a nice selection of snow goggles, and you can shop for sunglasses in the same places you would during the summer. In addition to protecting your eyes, the right winter sports eye protection will help you make the most of all your favorite winter activities.

LASIK eye surgery is a type of vision correction many adults consider if they already use glasses and contact lenses for distance vision. But what is it, who is it for, how much does it cost, and how safe is it?

In a nutshell, what is everything you need to know about this surgery?

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a third option, in addition to glasses and contact lenses, that’s used to treat common vision problems (e.g., nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). It’s been approved since the mid-1990s. In 2001, it became the world’s most common elective procedure.

The procedure relies on the expertise of a surgeon who’s trained in the ophthalmic surgery. A LASIK surgeon uses what’s called an “excimer” laser to reshape the cornea. Most people who get laser eye surgery therefore reduce their need for further vision correction, such as through glasses or contact lenses.

It’s common for people to have LASIK eye surgery in both eyes on the same day and return to work one or two days later. Vision improves immediately, though it may continue improving for one year. Since 2003, customized technology, called “WaveFront” technology, has been available for laser vision correction. Developed by NASA, WaveFront customization yields safer, better results for many patients.

Who is LASIK eye surgery for?

About 80 percent of the adult population is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Many of them share key traits:

Aged 18 or older (so that their prescriptions are more likely to have stabilized)
Have a common vision problem (e.g., astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness)
Lead active lifestyles
Cannot or prefer not to wear glasses and/or contact lenses
Are in general good health

In addition, there are some medical requirements, such as strong tear production and thick corneas. You can find out fairly easily if you meet these criteria by having a professional consultation. These consultations take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your provider and your unique eyes. Many providers offer consultations for free, letting people learn if they’re candidates. If it turns out you’re not a candidate, most providers can offer an alternative surgery, such as PRK laser surgery, that offers similar results and uses similar technology.

How much does LASIK eye surgery cost?

The national average cost for Custom Bladeless LASIK—the most advanced, safest type of this surgery—may vary. Your price might vary based on eye prescription, geography, surgeon experience, package inclusions (such as enhancements for life versus enhancements for the first year after surgery), and other factors.

Most insurance companies do not cover laser eye surgery, because it’s considered an elective procedure for most people. (Firefighters, entertainers, military servicemen and servicewomen and others can sometimes make a case that they need this procedure.) However, many insurance companies negotiate discounted rates with some providers.

One common way for people to pay is through pre-tax dollars from an FSA, HRA or HSA. This can be a fast way to afford laser eye surgery today while saving hundreds in taxes.

How safe is LASIK eye surgery?

Over the years, technologic improvements—especially with Bladeless WaveFront technology—have increased safety. The overwhelming majority of people who opt for surgery experience no long-term complications. Much of the stigma regarding laser eye surgery complications date back to the earliest days of the surgery, when surgeons were less experienced, and laser technology was less advanced.

Immediately after surgery, it’s common to use antibiotic drops and steroid drops to help your eyes heal. This lasts for about a week. The eyes can be sensitive to light in this time frame, and some people experience dry eyes and night haloes for up to several months after surgery (though sometimes longer). Despite this, one of the most common things people say afterwards is that they can’t believe they waited so long to get laser eye surgery. It’s not a bad idea to talk with people who have had LASIK eye surgery to learn first-hand what life during the healing process and life after the healing process are like.

What else should I know about LASIK eye surgery?

To determine if LASIK eye surgery is right for you, an article online can go only so far. The first step to learn more starts with getting a professional LASIK consultation. This lets an experienced ophthalmologist or optometrist examine your eyes, discover any eye conditions (i.e., dry eye, glaucoma and cataracts have all been discovered during LASIK consultations.) and see if you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery. The consultation is your chance to learn about your unique eyes, your financing options and your journey toward a life less limited by glasses and contact lenses.

Contact lens irritation is a common problem for people who frequently wear contacts. The irritation may be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies and even the antihistamines you take to reduce allergic reactions.

Fortunately, a variety of solutions is available to you as you work to resolve your irritation and continue wearing contact lenses as you have in the past. Here are a few solutions to consider.

Five contact lens irritation solutions

These solutions are ordered generally from least to most drastic.

1. Remove, Rinse, Rest

Your first option for reducing contact lens irritation is simply to remove the lens, rinse it off, and let it rest in its case overnight. This re-wets the lens and flushes away any foreign particles that may be causing irritation.

2. Decrease Lens Wearing Time

If your irritation persists, reduce contact lens irritation by reducing contact lens use. If you wear your contacts from sun-up to bedtime, try wearing them only during work hours. Try wearing your glasses one to two days per week to reduce wearing time. Additionally, if you wear monthly replacement lenses, you can shorten the lens life to three weeks.

3. Cold Compress

It sounds too simple to be true. However, a cold compress can subdue and suppress irritation from an allergic response. If allergies are causing your contact lens irritation, a cold compress may relieve your symptoms. Do your contacts feel most irritated after you’ve been outside? Some people who walk to work, or spend part of their work day outdoors find a correlation between their contact lens irritation and their time outdoors. For these people, a cold compress might do the trick.

4. Eye Drops

There are two types of eye drops: those that re-wet the eye and those that lubricate the eye. Re-wetting eye drops temporarily flush the eye with liquid. This can provide instant, temporary, relief to people whose eyes are feeling dry and who need a bit of extra moisture.

Lubricating eye drops are FDA-regulated and must include an oily or viscous base. The word “lubricating” on a package means these eye drops are manufactured to provide longer-term lubrication to your eyes. These can be a bigger relief to people who have chronic dry eye. A lubricating drop helps treat the condition of the dry eye. It’s important to note some people are sensitive to preservatives used in eye drops, so if you find your contact lens irritation increases with use, discontinue application of your eye drops.

5. Consider Switching to Daily Disposables

The most common contact lens is a monthly lens replaced about every four weeks. These contacts can be less expensive than daily disposables, but some eye doctors find their patients stretch the amount of time between changing lenses. This can increase risk of infection and cause dry eye or contact lens irritation. If your contacts are irritating you, you might do better with a daily disposable lens that can be replaced every morning.

LASIK for contact lens irritation

If your contacts still cause irritation, you might consider LASIK.

LASIK is the natural progression after daily disposables. By having LASIK eye surgery, you can reduce or eliminate your need for contact lenses and better avoid irritation keeping you from enjoying clearer vision today.

Are you doing everything that you can to protect your eyes from injury? October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, making this an excellent time to brush up on the steps that can help reduce the risk of eye injuries. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite activities, taking care of household chores, playing sports, or working in a career with a risk of eye injury, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of eye injury.

Eye Injury Prevention Month: A Timely Reminder to Protect Eye Health

Eye Injury Quick Facts

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) publishes statistics on eye injuries from its own Eye Snap Shot survey, to highlight the myths and facts surrounding common eye injuries. You may be surprised by some of the most common reasons for eye injuries, as well as where those injuries most frequently take place:

Rather than at work, nearly 45 percent of eye injuries occur at home. Common activities that can lead to eye injuries at home include home improvement projects, yardwork, cooking, cleaning, and other household chores.
Over 40 percent of eye injuries are sustained while playing sports, or during other recreational activities.
Lack of eye protection was a common thread in many of the injuries reported in the survey, with 78 percent of respondents not wearing any eyewear at the time of injury, and only 5.3 percent wearing protective glasses or goggles.
Reducing the Risk of Eye Injuries at Home, Work, and Play
According to the AAO, 90 percent of eye injuries may be prevented by wearing the proper protective eyewear. However, the right eyewear may differ depending on the task or activity, so it’s important to be aware of the risks of any activity:
- Does the activity involve the use of hazardous chemicals or other materials that could cause damage to your eyes on contact?
- Is there a risk of flying debris or other particles, whether as a participant or bystander?
- Are there flying projectiles or objects that could unexpectedly fly into the eye?
- Will there be prolonged exposure to the sun? The sun’s UV rays can damage the eyes, even during cold-weather activities like skiing.
- If you’re participating in an activity with a risk of eye injury, then finding the right protective eyewear is a key step in preventing eye injury. You can speak with your eye doctor to learn more about protective eyewear for your unique needs, and the AAO offers a series of general guidelines:
- For work around the house and yardwork, protective eyewear certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is recommended. ANSI-approved eyewear can be found at most hardware stores.
- For protective eyewear related to employment, the necessary protection is determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can learn more from your employer’s human resources department, or from the person who handles OSHA compliance at your place of employment.
- For sports and recreational activities, the AAO recommends choosing protective eyewear tested by the standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The most common sports for eye injuries are baseball, basketball, and racquet sports.

Eye injury prevention starts with a careful evaluation of the risks of any activity, and an understanding of the steps that you can take to reduce the risk of injury. Wearing the right protective eyewear is a key step in preventing eye injuries, for people of all age groups. Eye Injury Prevention Month is a great time to speak with your eye doctor, and learn more about what you can do to protect your eye health.

Options in Laser Vision Correction Give Surgeons the Power to Personalize

Because LASIK is so popular, you may think it is the only laser vision correction procedure available. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are several techniques and technologies that make up a spectrum of choices in laser vision correction. Taken together, laser vision correction options give surgeons the ability to recommend a procedure to address a patient’s specific vision needs and lifestyle demands.

If you are thinking about moving beyond glasses or contact lenses and wondering about laser vision correction, below is an overview of the most common procedures available in the U.S. today.

LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis)

Like other types of refractive surgery, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. LASIK is a two-step procedure:

The first step makes a micron-thin, circular flap in the surface of the eye – called the cornea. This is performed under eye drop anesthesia, takes just a few seconds and the surgeon uses either a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. Next, the flap is gently lifted to reveal the surface where the actual vision correction treatment takes place.

In the second step, a computer-guided excimer laser removes the microscopic pieces of tissue creating the patient’s vision problems. The flap is then laid back in place to act as a natural bandage and protect the reshaped cornea as it heals. The results — improved vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses — can usually be seen in as little as 24 hours.

How good is LASIK? To date more than 7,000 peer reviewed clinical papers have been published defining LASIK’s reputation for excellent visual outcomes and safety profile. Recently, a team of researchers from refractive surgery centers in the United States and Germany reviewed the results of 97 LASIK studies published between 2008 and 2015. As a result, the outcomes of nearly 68,000 procedures were analyzed and found:

99.5 percent of eyes attained uncorrected distance visual acuity better than 20/40 after LASIK.
98.6 percent of eyes were within +/- 1.0 diopter (D) of the target refractive outcome.
90.9 percent of eyes were within +/- 0.5 D of the target refractive outcome.
98.8 percent of patients reported being satisfied with their LASIK results.

Who are good candidates for LASIK?

LASIK is a great option for adult patients with a stable prescription – meaning it hasn’t changed in over a year – for nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism with adequate corneal thickness. If you’re not a good LASIK candidate, a number of other vision correction surgeries are available, such as PRK and SMILE laser eye surgery, but there are others.

Procedure time: less than 10 minutes per eye
Typical results: 20/20 or better vision without glasses or contact lenses
Recovery time: a few days to several weeks for vision to stabilize
LASIK Cost: $2,000 – $3,000 per eye

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

With more than 20 years of clinical performance delivering excellent outcomes safely and effectively, PRK surgery is a great alternative to the more popular LASIK procedure. Like LASIK, PRK is both safe and effective. Visual outcomes with PRK are similar to LASIK, however the recovery process can be challenging to some as there is some discomfort involved.

Just like with LASIK, eye drops are used to numb the eye to make the patient comfortable during the PRK procedure. The outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is removed and an excimer laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the surface of the cornea. The result is a smooth, shaped surface that improves the eye’s ability to focus.

To protect the newly shaped surface of the eye, a contact lens is put in place as a bandage until the epithelium layer heals, which takes about 5 days. While the procedure itself is relatively painless, once the anesthesia wears off patients typically experience discomfort, blurred vision, dry eye, glare and haloes during the recovery process. This healing process can take several days and up to three months for patients to achieve their best corrected vision. During the recovery and healing, patients are prescribed a routine of eye drop medications to prevent infection and inflammation and keep the eyes comfortable by maintaining the right moisture balance.

How good is PRK? The result from PRK are very similar to LASIK. However, the healing process can impact the final best corrected visual outcome, resulting in either undercorrection or overcorrection that may be resolved with additional treatment.

Who are good candidates for PRK?

PRK eye surgery is particularly well suited for adult patients with stable prescriptions of nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism seeking a laser vision correction option, but who may not be eligible for LASIK. Patients with thin corneas, large pupils, corneal scarring or those who enjoy playing contact sports or who have jobs with a high risk for eye injury such as emergency responders often benefit from PRK.

Procedure time: about 10 minutes per eye
Typical results: 20/20 vision without glasses or contact lenses
Recovery time: several days to several weeks for vision to stabilize
PRK Cost: $2,000 – $3,000 per eye

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a laser vision correction procedure performed using a femtosecond laser to create a thin disc of tissue – similar to the shape of a contact lens – from within the layers of cornea. The disc of tissue, known as a lenticule, is removed through a small opening in the surface of the eye, also created by the laser, to change the overall shape of the cornea to improve vision while leaving most of the eye’s surface undisturbed.

Because the incision in the surface of the eye is small – less than 6 mm – the SMILE laser eye surgery procedure is considered minimally invasive. SMILE has been available outside the United States for more than 10 years, and more than 1.5 million procedures have been performed worldwide.

How good is SMILE? Research is showing SMILE produces virtually the same visual acuity as LASIK for the correction of nearsightedness. To date, more than 400 clinical studies have been conducted to determine it is a safe and effective vision correction option for those who are good candidates. Recent research finding include:

Six months after surgery, 99 percent of participants achieved 20/40 or better vision.
88 percent of participants achieved 20/20 or better vision at the 6-month post op visit
91.7% stated they were “Very Satisfied” with results of their surgery.

Who are good candidates for SMILE?

SMILE laser vision correction is an option for adult patients over the age of 22 with stable nearsighted prescriptions with or without astigmatism. SMILE is not approved for the treatment of hyperopia or farsightedness.

Procedure time: About 10 minutes per eye/ The same as LASIK
Typical results: 20/40 or better vision without glasses or contacts.
Recovery time: a few days to several weeks for vision to stabilize
SMILE Cost: Similar to LASIK and PRK, approximately $2,000 – $3,000 per eye

Is a laser vision correction procedure right for you? The fact is, there are several options surgeons can recommend to personalize a treatment to a patient’s specific needs, but not everyone is a good candidate. Therefore, the best way to find out what laser vision correction procedure, if any, is appropriate for your eyes, vision and lifestyle is to have a thorough evaluation with a highly-qualified surgeon to discuss your needs and to make an informed recommendation. From there, you and your surgeon can work together, discuss the risks and benefits of any one procedure, and decide on how best to achieve your vision goals.

If you’re interested in laser eye surgery, you’ve probably come across many different laser procedure terms as you research options. Sorting through the information and understanding the details of each procedure can be confusing. LASIK is the most common and familiar of all laser procedures available. But did you know there are different kinds of LASIK? To learn if All-laser LASIK is the right procedure for you, read on!

All-Laser LASIK: What is It?

But aren’t all LASIK procedures performed with a laser? Yes… and No. For example, there two steps to any LASIK procedure. First, an outer protective cover called a flap, is created on the cornea (the clear, outermost covering of the eye). Traditionally, a small microkeratome (a bladed instrument), is used to create the corneal flap. In step two of LASIK, the flap is lifted so an Excimer laser can be used to reshape the cornea. The Excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser in the non-visible light spectrum. By reshaping the cornea, an excimer laser can correct vision issues related to near-sightedness, far-sightedness and/or astigmatism.

With all-laser LASIK, a Femtosecond laser is used to create the outer protective cover (flap) during the first step of the LASIK procedure instead of using a microkeratome (blade). Femtosecond lasers are infrared laser in the non-visible light spectrum and use high-energy, cool temperatures and ultra-fast speeds to create the LASIK flap – thus, replacing the need for a surgical blade in the first step of the LASIK procedure. After the creation of the Femtosecond flap, an Excimer Laser is also used to gently reshape the cornea to accomplish the vision correction, second step of the LASIK procedure.

All-Laser LASIK, Bladeless LASIK, and Other Similar Terms:

When researching LASIK, you will find many different terms or brands are used to describe the same procedure. For example, All-Laser LASIK and Bladeless LASIK refer to the same type of LASIK procedure where no microkeratome (blade) is involved. Other names for the All-Laser LASIK procedure include brands such as: IntraLase, iLASIK® or IntraLASE.® These are not different types of procedures; rather, these terms are brands of bladeless LASIK using a Femtosecond laser to create the flap and an Excimer laser to correct vision. IntraLase was the first Femtosecond laser approved by the FDA in 2001, thus making it possible for LASIK surgeons to begin performing All-Laser LASIK.[i]

Benefits of All-Laser LASIK:

There are some advantages to choosing a bladeless LASIK procedure. With computer-guided control, Femtosecond lasers allow surgeons to better customize the creation of the corneal flap for individual patients. The enhanced accuracy of the surgical process makes it possible to create flaps with even thickness and structure. In doing so, there is less risk of a flap problem. For example, a non-uniform flap contour may induce new astigmatism after LASIK.

The precision of a Femtosecond laser also allows surgeons to refine the corneal flap with optimal architecture and flap edge contour. A beveled edge enables the Femtosecond flap to fit more securely in its original position at the end of the LASIK procedure. A more secure flap edge means faster healing for patients and less risk of a flap problem like displacement.[ii]

Many patients are naturally nervous about the idea of a blade being used on their eye during the LASIK procedure. If this is so, All-Laser LASIK can provide peace of mind for patients choosing to proceed with LASIK.

Cost of All-Laser LASIK:

In general, the cost of any LASIK procedure will vary depending on the provider you choose and the area where you live. All-laser LASIK will typically cost 10%-15% more than a traditional, microkeratome (bladed) LASIK procedure.[iii]

Are You a Candidate for All-Laser LASIK?

The best way to find out if you are a candidate for All-Laser (bladeless) LASIK is to see your primary eye doctor for an examination. Then, if your eyes look health, schedule a consultation with an All-Laser LASIK specialist. It’s that simple!

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[i] Johnson & Johnson Vision. (2016). History of refractive surgery. Retrieved from

https://www.jjvision.com/sites/default/files/media_center/History_of_Refractive_Surgery.pdf

[ii] Kim, J.Y., et al. (2006). A femtosecond laser creates a stronger flap than a mechanical microkeratome. Retrieved

from https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2163686

[iii] Thompson, V. (2019). Bladeless LASIK: Femtosecond laser eases LASIK fears. Retrieved from

https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/intralasik.htm

LASIK surgery can be an empowering experience. Have you ever misplaced your eye glasses? Or, have you had a contact lens fall out? Have you been caught without eye solution in order to get your contact lens back in? LASIK surgery may help you avoid these frustrating situations.

Navigating the world doesn’t need to feel stressful, and two steps ahead of you doesn’t have to resemble fog. If any of the above situations sound familiar, you might consider (or perhaps, have already considered) LASIK eye surgery.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular laser eye surgery that can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Deciding on LASIK Surgery

Not every person is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. If you think you may be interested in LASIK, you can first talk to your regular eye doctor about whether or not it is right for you. Laser eye surgery might not be the best option if your eye glasses or contact lens prescription is still changing. Ideally, your prescription should have remained the same for one year prior to LASIK surgery. People with irregular corneas or with certain medical conditions might not be good LASIK candidates, either.

But, for many people, LASIK surgery can eliminate the hassle of dealing with eye glasses or contact lenses. You can experience freedom from constantly wearing contacts or glasses, and the frustrations that occur when your eyewear is broken or misplaced. LASIK is also a popular treatment for people who have trouble wearing contacts because of allergies.

LASIK Surgery in Your Network

Approximately 750,000 LASIK procedures are currently being performed on an annual basis in the United States. Millions of LASIK procedures have been performed since laser eye surgery was first performed in the US (over 30 years ago!).[i] This means there is a good chance someone you know has improved his or her vision with LASIK. As you consider laser eye surgery, reach out to family, friends, and your social networks to learn more about other people’s LASIK experiences.

Although serious complications are rare, there are risks to LASIK surgery. That is why it’s so important to weigh the benefits and the risks as you research and talk with friends, family, and your primary eye doctor.

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[i] History of Refractive Surgery. (2013). Eyedoctornetwork.org. Retrieved from http://www.eyedoctornetwork.org/history-of-refractive-surgery.htm

Interested in learning more about LASIK eye surgery? Striking up a conversation with your regular eye doctor is a perfect place to start. While your eye doctor may not bring up the topic themselves, it’s worth bringing it up during a visit if you’re considering the benefits of laser eye surgery. Your regular eye doctor is in the best position to know the details of your unique eye conditions, vision problems, and vision health history.

It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your eye doctor anytime you’re considering changes that could impact your vision health, and LASIK is certainly no exception. So even if your eye doctor doesn’t bring up the topic themselves, you can take the next step simply by asking for their feedback. In addition to being in the best position to know about your vision health, your eye doctor may be able to recommend a trusted, local surgeon for your laser eye surgery needs.

Most optometrists are familiar with other vision health practitioners in their area, and can help take the mystery out of finding a laser eye surgeon who is right for your needs. While online reviews can be a valuable place to start, a referral from a trusted eye doctor is a great tool to help you choose a surgeon with confidence.

Coordinating LASIK with Your Regular Eye Doctor

Your regular eye doctor’s input doesn’t have to end with telling you about whether LASIK is a fit for your vision health needs, or even recommending a surgeon who can help you take the next step. Team-based LASIK care, also known as LASIK co-management, starts with the initial contact between your eye doctor and surgeon. Although your regular eye doctor won’t perform the surgery, he or she can help evaluate whether or not LASIK is right for you and assist in creating a vision treatment plan.

When your laser eye surgery case is co-managed, the eye doctor generally sees you for most of your pre- and post-operative eye care visits. That means your eye doctor is a good resource to discuss your expectations for the procedure and evaluate any potential risks of laser eye surgery based on your vision health history.

Your eye doctor is positioned to provide an honest assessment of your vision health, and recommend treatment options based on your unique needs. Remember that while laser eye surgery can address the most common vision problems and may reduce your need for vision aids, nobody can promise that you will never need vision aids again.

What Is Your Eye Doctor’s Role in Team-Based Care?

At the start of the process, your optometrist can help test your vision health, in order to decide whether LASIK is right for you. That can mean a measure of corneal thickness, a look at your vision prescription history, and tests for overall eye health. Your eye doctor may also ask some important questions, to ensure that you understand exactly what to expect from laser eye surgery.

Aside from helping you prepare, your eye doctor may also be able to manage key elements of pre-operative and post-operative care if your case is co-managed. That means that you can return to your normal eye doctor for post-operative checkups, an arrangement that is preferred by many LASIK patients.

Co-managed or team-based LASIK care is a great way to learn more about the process, and keep your regular eye doctor in the loop. However, not every LASIK center offers co-managed care, so it’s a good idea to ask before assuming that your eye doctor will be able to be involved in the process. The potential benefits of co-managed care are many, so it’s worth asking next time you’re considering LASIK eye surgery.

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