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For a range of LASIK eye surgery information read the sections below, to learn more about ophthalmology, refractive surgery options, and other eye care concerns.

What is LASIK?

Used to correct refractive errors, LASIK eye surgery is a treatment that reshapes the cornea in order to produce clear vision. The LASIK refractive eye surgery procedure can treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, and reduce patients’ dependency on contact lenses and glasses. Because refractive errors impede the focusing ability of the eye, patients who suffer from these conditions experience blurred vision. LASIK eye surgery provides these individuals with an effective treatment option, where a predetermined amount of corneal tissue is removed. This reshaping of the cornea improves the eye’s focusing power and enhances patients’ visual acuity.

LASIK Eye Surgery Cost and Financing Information

The cost of LASIK eye surgery often appears intimidating to patients considering vision correction treatment. LASIK cost varies based on the patient's degree of refractive error and the area of the country the procedure is performed. What many patients don't know, however, is that there are numerous LASIK financing options available that can help decrease or disperse the fee.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

A good candidate for LASIK eye surgery must meet several general requisites. LASIK patients should be at least 18 years old, demonstrate no change in refraction for at least one year, and have realistic expectations regarding the results of LASIK eye surgery. Patients who have experienced an eye infection or injury in the past year should not undergo LASIK. If you are interested in LASIK, an eye surgeon or ophthalmologist can determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. During a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will check your eyes and medical history. Are you a LASIK candidate? For more LASIK eye surgery information, use TheEyePharmacy’s online directory to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.

The LASIK Procedure

To determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, the ophthalmologist will conduct a pre- LASIK eye examination. Once completed, patients should follow certain guidelines in the days and weeks preceding LASIK vision correction.

The traditional LASIK vision correction procedure begins with the creation of a hinged corneal flap. After the eye is anesthetized with topical eye drops, the LASIK eye surgeon creates the flap on the outer surface of the eye to expose the underlying cornea. The flap can be created with a microkeratome (a hand-held device) or with the IntraLase® laser, which allows the surgeon to create the flap using a computer-guided laser. The cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser and the flap is replaced. Learn more about the LASIK eye surgery procedure.

After LASIK eye surgery many patients experience immediate improved vision, although it can take up to six months for vision to stabilize. Patients can expect a short LASIK surgery recovery period but there is usually little to no discomfort following the procedure. Follow-up exams ensure proper healing.

LASIK Risks and Benefits

Most patients are extremely pleased with their LASIK results. LASIK eye surgery benefits include improved visual activity, freedom from corrective eyewear, and possibly new career opportunities. Patients who achieve a successful LASIK outcome can eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses, and enjoy the freedom of clear vision at all times. Patients can play sports, swim, spend a day at the beach, and participate in various activities without the restrictions that glasses and contacts bring. LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective treatment that has continued to gain popularity among patients.

A small number of patients – one to five percent – experience LASIK eye surgery complications. LASIK risks include sensitivity to light, haloed or glared vision, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, loss of visual clarity, and sensitivity. Fortunately, advances in LASIK technology have dramatically reduced complications and many problems can be easily corrected with additional treatment.

Statistics – LASIK Results

LASIK eye surgery has become the most popular vision surgery in the country. More than one million Americans undergo LASIK each year. LASIK surgery statistics and information from the FDA indicate that complications occur in just 1 to 5 percent of patients. In most cases, LASIK treatment provides patients with exceptional results, with many patients experiencing 20/20 vision or better following LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK Technology

If you are interested in LASIK vision correction but are nervous about undergoing a surgical treatment, read about the latest developments in LASIK technology. Advances in LASIK eye surgery now provide patients with the safest and most accurate form of treatment ever available. The development of the excimer laser made LASIK eye surgery possible. Excimer lasers are incredibly precise, only penetrating a microscopic amount of tissue at a time for remarkable accuracy. New-generation microkeratomes provide increased accuracy and safety for LASIK eye surgeons during the creation of the corneal flap. A microkeratome, or hand-held blade, allows the surgeon access to the cornea so irregularities can be corrected.

LASIK Eye Surgery FAQs

For your convenience, TheEyePharmacy has compiled a list of frequently asked LASIK questions. After consulting this source for LASIK eye surgery information, find an ophthalmologist near you using the TheEyePharmacy directory.

Testimonials from LASIK Patients

If you are interested in reading what previous LASIK patients have to say, read LASIK reviews and testimonials. These reviews provide patients considering LASIK eye surgery firsthand information and an insider’s look at the experiences of real LASIK patients.

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

Selecting an appropriate LASIK surgeon is perhaps the most important step in the LASIK procedure. When choosing a LASIK eye surgeon, your decision should not be based solely on the cost of surgery or office location. Selecting an experienced, reputable, and qualified physician is an important factor in your outcome. Patients should choose their LASIK eye surgeon based on thorough research and individual concerns.

Laser Vision Correction Surgery FAQs

Here are answers for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about laser vision correction surgery. Read the sections below to learn more about the safety of LASIK, how to find qualified LASIK surgeons, and LASIK surgery cost estimates.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK is usually safe, provided you are a good candidate. The success rate for LASIK averages above 95 percent for most experienced LASIK surgeons. Do your research to see if you are a good LASIK candidate prior to receiving laser vision correction surgery.

What Are The Risks Associated With LASIK?

As with any refractive surgery, there are risks of LASIK complications. Common side effects of this laser vision correction surgery include:

• Starbursts
• Difficulty with glare and night vision
• Foreign body sensation

Most of these side effects are temporary and should pass within a few days or weeks of the surgery. Approximately 1 to 2 percent of patients will have permanent side effects. Talk to one or more LASIK surgeons to find out if you could be prone to LASIK complications, or to learn about safer methods, including IntraLASIK and custom LASIK.

Is LASIK Painful?

Because of the minimal amount of tissue affected, the LASIK procedure is typically near-painless. Most patients complain of mild discomfort, but this usually can be controlled with medication.

What Results Should I Expect?

It is very common to see doctors advertising claims of 20/20 vision in all of their LASIK patients. However, LASIK statistics show that 20/20 vision does not occur with every surgery. You should expect to have improved vision and reduced dependency on your glasses and contacts.

How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

LASIK costs have declined as the procedure has become more common. The average LASIK surgery costs $499 to $2,500 per eye. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) cautions patients not to choose their doctor based on the LASIK surgery cost. Instead, the AAO encourages people to choose their doctor based on experience level. Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK costs.

How Can I Pay For My Surgery?

Patients may pay for LASIK costs with cash, check, or credit card. Many doctors also offer LASIK financing to help cover the LASIK surgery cost.