Patient Portal: Login

Request Appointment
Call Us 559-449-5050
Category

Lasik Surgery

Home Archive for Lasik Surgery ( Page 3)

Considering a laser eye surgery? Have you done your research on Lasik eye surgery? Don’t wish to get overwhelmed with jargon and unnecessary details? Lasik Surgeon at InSight Vision Center, Fresno, CA we will provide you with all the necessary information in simple terms so that you make an informed choice.

Terms Associated with Lasik Eye Surgery

 

  • Astigmatism

 

 

    1. A term that is used for describing the defective anatomy of an eye. Any eye that has a complex shape and is not perfectly round in shape is called an astigmatic eye.

 

    1. Ablation
      The surgical removal of tissue from the cornea for correcting astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness.

 

    1. Bladeless Lasik
      A vision correction surgery that uses the IntraLase laser to create a uniform flap of the corneal tissue without using any blade.

 

    1. Bilateral Lasik
      A vision correction procedure that is performed on both the eyes.

 

    1. Cornea
      That area of the eyeball which focuses light at the back of the eye and comprises of five layers of tissue.

 

    1. Corneal Flap
      The creation of the corneal flap is the very first step of the surgery for correcting vision. This protective flap is then manipulated for proper focusing of light onto the retina.

 

    1. Corneal Epithelium
      This is the soft tissue that covers the front portion of the cornea.

 

    1. Dry Eyes
      When the eye is incapable of producing tears, the deficiency is described as dry eyes. It results in irritation, burning sensation and a persistent feeling of foreign particles being present in the eye.

 

    1. Diopter
      This is the standard unit for measuring the refractive error. While a negative diopter indicates myopia, a positive value signifies the presence of hyperopia.

 

    1. Excimer Laser
      A refractive surgical procedure that involves the use of an ultraviolet laser for removing corneal tissues.

 

    1. Hyperopia
      The inability of the eye to focus on objects in close proximity due to a refractive error.

 

    1. Intraocular lens
      An artificial lens designed to replace the cloudy eye lens.

 

    1. Lens
      This is the clear structure which is located just behind the iris. The lens allows the eye to focus on objects that are up close and distant.

 

    1. Keratectomy
      A surgery performed to remove the tissue from the cornea and reshape it using laser energy.

 

    1. Myopia
      Defines a refractive error which makes it difficult to see objects that are placed at a distance. The condition is often caused by a steep cornea or a long eye which prevents proper focusing of light onto the retina.

 

    1. Pupil
      This is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering into the eye. The iris contracts in bright light causing the pupil to shrink in size so that less light passes through and expands in the dark to allow more light.

 

    1. Retina
      Retina is the fine nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye that acts as a protective film. The retina is responsible for capturing images and transmitting them to the brain.

 

    1. Stroma
      This is the thickest layer of tissue found in the cornea.

 

    1. Visual Acuity
      Describes the sharpness of vision.

 

  1. Wavefront
    A standard measure of the refractive error for astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia.

These are commonly used terms that you should know prior to your eye surgery because it is important to understand how the vision correction procedure will restore your eyesight in a safe and efficient manner. If you have any concerns or queries regarding the LASIK procedure, get in touch with our eye care specialists in Fresno, CA at 559-449-5050 to get rid of glasses and contact lenses.

Is LASIK eye surgery a safe and effective option for your children?

Here at InSight Vision Center, we will address all your concerns related to refractive surgeries and advanced eye care. From what is the right option for a teen and the ideal age to undergo a refractive surgery to the cons and consequences of LASIK for teenagers, every question regarding vision correction will be answered keeping your best interests in mind.

Why Myopia Has Become a Worldwide Epidemic?

Did you know that the number of short-sighted teens has grown tremendously in the recent past? Today a shocking 90% of teens leaving school wear glasses and the prevalence rate of short-sightedness has almost doubled in the USA over the past 3 decades. Research has confirmed that most myopia cases develop during school years and tend to stabilize by the early twenties. In rare cases, the condition continues to progress eve after the mid-twenties. Many genetic factors and environmental elements are also known to cause myopia which is why today most teens are suffering from vision problems.

Is LASIK the Right Choice for a Teenager?

At InSight Vision Center, we want that every patient receives utmost care and has a successful surgical experience. This is why our staff is very discerning when it comes to considering an ideal candidate for Lasik. Many factors are to be taken into consideration prior to deciding the eligibility for a LASIK procedure and one of it is the stability of the condition. The maturity of myopia plays a vital role in ensuring a sustainable positive outcome. A candidate is considered eligible for a refractive procedure only if he/she has a vision prescription that has stabilized over the previous year. As a teenager’s eyes are still in the development phase, the vision prescription keeps changing and that is why their eyes would need an enhancement procedure in the near future even after a successful LASIK procedure.

The Ideal Age to Undergo a LASIK Procedure

As soon as a teen learns that he/she needs to wait for a while for their vision prescription to stabilize, the first thing they want to know is how long they need to wait before surgery becomes a viable option for them to get rid of their glasses. Unfortunately, there is no definite age that can be considered perfect for undergoing a refractive procedure, as every patient is unique and the eyes change and develop at their own pace. Again, the best way to confirm that the eyes have reached a steady phase is a stable vision prescription. Most eye surgeons, therefore, recommend waiting until the age of 18. However, even at this age it is possible that the eyes may not have attained complete vision stability.

Best Alternatives to LASIK eye surgery

The best possible options to a LASIK surgery are reading glasses or contact lenses but none of these bring the freedom offered by a minimally invasive LASIK procedure. However, lenses and glasses are highly effective at restoring clear vision until the patient is eligible for a vision correction surgery.

Why Is It Wiser to Wait for a Little Longer for LASIK?

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for treating myopia but in order to achieve lasting results, it is important to have a stable prescription. Lasik eye surgery efficiently restores vision but when the eyes continue to develop and change, it fails to give excellent results over the years. Glasses can be changed every year but a laser eye surgery cannot be treated as a top-up solution in case the vision continues to change post surgery. Most patients that undergo a refractive surgery in their early twenties experience excellent, long-lasting outcomes.

Should a Teen Still Consider a Laser Consultation?

Certainly, as some eyes tend to stabilize at an early age and there are surgeries that have been highly successful on patients who are as young as 18. An initial consultation will help in establishing the shape and the thickness of the cornea. This information helps the eye surgeon decide if the candidate can undergo a LASIK eye surgery or would need to wait a little longer. A consultation also helps in diagnosing an underlying eye condition known as keratoconus and this would mean that a surgery would not be possible at any age. A consultation also brings the opportunity to explore other vision correction surgeries such as implantable lenses. While most teens need to wait until they hit twenty, contact lenses are the most suitable, teenage-friendly option. They make a safe, comfortable and fuss-free solution.

Want to know if LASIK is right for your child? Talk to our LASIK surgeons at 559-449-5050.

It is important to take care of your eyes. Sometimes you may experience eye defects like astigmatism, bifocal vision, nearsightedness and farsightedness. LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct eye defects. Here are some precautions which you need to take before, during and after surgery.

What to do Before LASIK Surgery?

  1. To ascertain if you are a good candidate for LASIK, an eye examination must be performed. In order to have a good surgery you will have to stop wearing contact lenses weeks before the evaluation by the surgeon. Wearing contact lenses changes the shape of your cornea.
    • You must not wear soft contact lenses for up to two weeks before the surgery.
    • Toric lenses or gas permeable lenses must not be worn for up to three weeks before the surgery.
    • Hard lenses must be stopped four weeks before the surgery.
  2. You must tell the surgeon about your medical history and any medication you are allergic to. Discuss with the doctor about the outcome of the surgery and the precautions to take.
  3. Stop using perfumes, makeup, lotions and creams day before the surgery. Make arrangements to travel to and from the surgery centre.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

  1. The lasik surgery procedure lasts for 30 minutes. During the surgery a mechanical microkeratome or laser keratome will be used. Your vision may be reduced or you might have some sort of pain during the surgery. Your vision may be blurred you will have to stare at a light for about 60 seconds. You are not the right candidate for LASIK if you cannot stare at this light for 60 seconds.
  2. A shield will be placed over your eye at the end of the surgery. You must wear it.
  3. You must not work on the day of the surgery.

What to do After LASIK Surgery?

You must have transportation available to take you home after the surgery. You will have some pain in your eye after the surgery but you must not rub the eye or touch it. You must take plenty of rest. Take some days off from work, university or school. If the pain increases and you feel a lot of tenderness in the eye please contact the surgeon. You must see the doctor twenty within four to forty eight hours after the surgery. You must also visit the doctor for the first six months at regular intervals after the procedure.

You will be given eye drops to lubricate your eyes. You must use these eye drops. Any medication to reduce pain and antibiotics must also be taken. Take precautions to prevent eye infections. You must wear sun glasses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of sun light and dust. Don’t watch television or use computers for up to twenty four to forty eight hours after the procedure. Avoid drinking alcohol for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Don’t use contact lenses until your eye heals and also follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t take a shower for twenty four to forty eight hours after the procedure and after that take a bath instead of the shower.

You should not work for some weeks after the procedure. You must wait for up to four weeks before indulging in any sports. Don’t use creams, lotions and eye make up for up to two weeks after the procedure. Do not indulge in swimming activities, hot tubs or whirlpools two to three months after the procedure. Contact your doctor if there is pain and heaviness in your eyes.

Taking care of your eyes is very important to avoid complications before and after the LASIK surgery. If there is any problem with your eyes then you must consult your surgeon immediately. You must follow the advice of your doctor and your eyes will be healthy and your vision will be restored after LASIK.

If you want to learn more about LASIK, please contact our experienced eye surgeons at InSight Vision Center by calling 559-449-5050

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are worn directly over the cornea. They perform the same function as eyeglasses. Refractive errors are corrected by contact lenses and eye glasses. Contact lenses are safe to use and are a good alternative to eye glasses. 24 million people in the U.S.A. wear contact lenses.

Contact lenses are used to correct conditions such as:

  • Presbyopia (Bifocals are needed)
  • Astigmatism (Vision is distorted)
  • Hyperopia (Far sightedness)
  • Myopia (Near sightedness)

Choose an optometrist who is experienced. You must have a pair of eye glasses as a backup. Which contact lenses to choose depends on your medical condition. There are two kinds of contact lenses which are soft lenses and gas permeable lenses.

Contact lenses should not be worn for a very long time and must be removed at bed time. Damage can occur to the cornea if not properly used. The cornea can catch infections if it is not properly cleaned and cared for.

Intolerance can develop if lenses are not worn properly. Gas permeable lenses can cause damage to the cornea if not worn properly or worn during sleep. They can be hidden under the lid of the eye. They can pop out of the eye. Protein build up can cause lens related allergies. Discomfort and blurring can occur. It is important to clean the lens properly. People with allergies must use disposable or rigid gas permeable lenses.

Some conditions can stop you from wearing lenses:

  • Not taking proper care of the lenses
  • Dirty working environment
  • Dry eye
  • Allergies
  • Eye infections

Contact lenses should be cleaned to remove germs and prevent any infections. They should be replaced every 3 months. Don’t use contact lenses solution again. Dispose off the lenses solution in the lens case after each use and let the case air dry. Do not put your lens in your mouth. Don’t use homemade cleaning solutions. Use only good quality eye drops. Wash hands before wearing lenses. Don’t share your lens. Don’t use fashion lenses.

Follow the guidelines of the optometrist. Consult an optometrist if your eyes are sensitive to light, your eyes are painful, your eye is red for more than two days, you have discharge coming out of your eyes, you have blurry vision or your eyes feel scratchy. Get your eyes checked every year as a precaution.

LASIK

LASIK is a better option for people with eye vision defects. This type of surgery is safer and has better long term benefits than wearing contact lenses. For the surgery your eyes will first be evaluated and surgery will then be scheduled.

Before the surgery don’t wear contact lenses for up to a week. Eat a light meal before the surgery and avoid wearing any head bands which may interfere in the surgery. The surgery lasts for 10 to 30 minutes. A medical device called microkeratome is used and the cornea is reshaped during the process. Local anesthesia is given to the patient during this time. Your vision may be blurred for some time after the surgery. This improves substantially after 24 hours and recovery is very fast. You must visit your doctor 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and at regular intervals for up to six months.

Advantages of LASIK:

The vision is corrected and you will have the desired vision after LASIK surgery. The patient experiences less pain because of the numbing drops which are used. Vision is corrected immediately or the next day. Bandages and stitches are not required after LASIK. Patients no longer need eye glasses or contact lenses after LASIK.

The possibility of eye infections is more in contact lenses wearers. An experienced surgeon must be consulted for LASIK. They must use the latest technology. Don’t let cost come in the way. Tell the surgeon your medical history. Consult your surgeon whenever needed.

Call us at 559-449-5050 to know which is the best option for you.

There are different types of refractive surgeries that improve eyesight problems and eliminate dependence on visual aids. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is one solution that has become quite popular because of the many benefits it offers.

What is LASIK and What Are It’s Benefits?

LASIK is a laser operation that uses ‘excimer’ UV rays to alter the shape of the cornea. This corrects any errors that cause visual impairment, when light does not focus accurately on the retina.

Data collected by research firm Market Scope estimated that over 600,000 LASIK procedures were performed throughout the USA in 2011 alone. Why, then, is there such a high patient count for a procedure that has been around since 1991?

The answer lies in the benefits that patients enjoy. Here’s why is a good treatment choice for those who qualify for it:

    1. Lasting Solution and Quick Vision Correction

Sight improvement after a LASIK procedure is, in most cases, permanent. Sometimes, blurry vision can reoccur, in which case patients have to follow up with LASIK enhancement to restore their vision. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that LASIK surgery has a success rate of up to 90%, with most patients recovering anywhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision. As it is a laser procedure, it is quick and almost painless. This is hugely beneficial and convenient for the patient. The surgery only takes around 10 to 30 minutes.

    1. Low-Cost Procedure and Saves Money

Compared to other refractive procedures, LASIK surgery is more affordable. The average cost ranges between $1,700 and $4,000 per eye, depending on your chosen eye care center, geographical location, your vision problem, etc. Many eye clinics also provide flexible financing methods (medical insurance, monthly installments, credit card payments, etc.). Since the results of this surgery last for years to come and may also last a lifetime. This saves you a lot of money as you no longer need to invest heavily in eyeglasses or contact lenses.

    1. Fast Recovery and Minimal Pain

Your eye surgeon will make a small incision on the cornea, to create a flap of tissue that will be lifted during the surgery. Since the laser correction surgery is minimally invasive, recovery times tend to be fast. Some patients report improvements within a day or two, and most recover full vision function within a week. Contrary to the belief, this procedure is minimally invasive and hence is almost painless.

    1. Natural Facial Attributes

An added bonus of this procedure is that it allows you to maintain your natural facial look. After prolonged periods of wearing prescription glasses, the eyes eventually look smaller or larger, since corrective lenses increase the eyes’ axial length (the retina continually adjusts backward or forward for clearer vision).

    1. Ability to take part in different activities

Professional activities such as acting, athletics, defense etc., require correct vision. LASIK provides safe, reliable, quick, long lasting results and a near perfect vision. This allows the person to take up different activities which require correct vision.

    1. Reduced Risks of Allergies and Infections

Many patients who underwent LASIK have shared cases of reduced allergy symptoms. These include reduction in sinus due to lack of pain resulting from glasses sitting on the nose, lesser headaches and lack of irritation and redness in the eye due to constant use of contact lenses.

    1. Better Quality of Life

By eliminating visual aids, LASIK provides many other benefits. For instance, there will be less eye irritation, redness or allergic reactions caused by contact lenses. What’s more, not having to wear glasses will:

    • Eliminate sinus pain caused by the bridge of prescription glasses pressing on your nose
    • Get rid of headaches caused by the muscles in your eyes becoming overworked by corrective lenses
    • Improve side vision, which is usually blocked by the frame of eye glasses
    • Reduce glare from lenses that causes poor night time vision

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

LASIK is often recommended to patients who suffer from hyperopia (farsightedness) myopia (shortsightedness) or astigmatism (a vision defect associated with distorted or blurry images).

It can also correct vision problems caused by glaucoma disease, but only if there is no damage to the optic nerve and intraocular pressure remains normal when wearing contacts or eyeglasses. A vision test will determine the severity of glaucoma symptoms and determine whether this refractive surgery is a viable treatment option or not.

Patients with dry eyes or thin corneas may not qualify for this procedure, and it cannot restore cataract-triggered vision loss. If you’re unqualified for Lasik surgery, an ophthalmologist can suggest alternative refractive or laser technology procedures like PRK, which offer similar results.

Is LASIK Safe?

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK has risks. For instance, migrations of the corneal flap can cause complications such as inflammation, infections or even excess lacerations. There is also a possibility of developing dry eyes, double vision or haloes (mild glare) in the eye.

In rare cases, vision clarity may even deteriorate further, especially when patients miss follow-ups or fail to abide by post-operative care instructions. Some patients may be more predisposed to complications than others, in which case other alternative treatment options should be considered.

A professional consultation will help determine if you meet the medical requirements for a LASIK procedure. Contact the specialists at Insight Vision Center today!

In recent times, people have become more comfortable with corrective eye surgeries for treating vision problems caused by near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism, due to increased safety and enhanced technology. Two of the most popular surgeries include PRK and LASIK.

PRK, abbreviated for Photorefractive Keratectomy, is a type of surface ablation employed for eye surgery. Computer-controlled laser is used directly over the corneal surface after removing a part of it, which is then allowed to grow back the next few days; whereas in LASIK, the surgery is performed under a thin flap of cornea which is placed back after the procedure. Though both procedures have their own pros and cons, they give excellent results in the end. Read on to know more.

PRK vs. LASIK

The main difference between these two surgeries is based on how surgeons deal with the corneal surface. In PRK, eye surgeon removes the outer layer of cornea and performs vision-correction surgery directly on corneal surface. The exposed area is then allowed to reshape through cell regeneration. It makes a better choice for people with thin corneas or chronically dry eyes.

In LASIK surgery, an incision is made (either with laser or blade) in the cornea to create a flap of tissue. This flap is then lifted and computer-controlled surgical laser is used to reshape inner layers of cornea to repair curvature imperfections causing poor vision. Corneal flap is then put back in place which heals over the reshaped part of the cornea.

PRK is Better Than LASIK in Patients Over 40

Surface cells of eyes of people over 40 are not tightly bound. This can cause the flap to slip during LASIK which can lead to serious complications. With PRK, those risks are eliminated by the absence of flap, making it suitable for elders. Moreover, patients over 40 have slightly dry eyes which get aggravated if LASIK is performed over them.

Candidates for PRK and Lasik

Every patient who is a good candidate for LASIK can opt for PRK, but vice versa does not hold true. PRK is advised for patients with:

  • Thin corneas
  • Large pupils
  • Irregular astigmatism
  • Steep corneas
  • Prior eye surgery
  • History of dry eye syndrome

Additionally, people with high-risk occupations, sportspeople and athletes prefer PRK over LASIK to eliminate the risk of corneal flap displacement. Thorough checkup by a qualified eye surgeon is a must before you proceed with either surgery.

PRK Recovery vs. LASIK Recovery

Though both surgeries give almost the same results, their recovery times differ significantly. PRK recovery takes a little longer than LASIK since the outer corneal layer needs time to reconstruct and heal. Cell generation will result in itchiness, blurriness and discomfort for a few days post surgery. Prescription eye-drops are given to patients to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

In LASIK, the flap is placed back over the cornea when procedure ends, thus drastically cutting down recovery time. The itchiness lasts just a few hours. However, for both surgeries the vision continues to improve gradually for several months before reaching peak quality.

PRK vs. LASIK- What’s the Difference?

Let’s take a look at the differences between PRK and LASIK surgery:

Difference PRK LASIK
Type Laser-based corrective vision
surgery so as to help the
patient reduce dependency on
glasses or contact lenses.		 Laser-based corrective vision
surgery so as to help the
patient reduce dependency on
contact lenses or glasses
Treatment for Preferred for people who have
a thin cornea, Myopia or
Nearsightedness, Hyperopia or
Farsightedness, Astigmatism		 Nearsightedness or Myopia,
Farsightedness or Hyperopia,
Astigmatism
Eligible Age 21-40 21-40
Pros Decreased depth of laser
treatment, no complications regarding corneal flap, corneal
thickness regulated		 Speedy recovery, decreased
risk of post-surgery infection, lower post-operative
discomfort, peak vision
achieved quickly as compared
to PRK, both eyes can be done
at the same time
Cons Recovery slower as compared
to LASIK, increased risk of post-
operative complications,
greater post-operative
discomfort, patients sometimes
have to wait for up to one to
two weeks before operating
the second eye		 Possible complications from
corneal flap, increased depth of
laser
Potential Side Effects Dry eyes, infection, night
blindness – halos around lights,
light sensitivity during night
time		 Night blindness – halos around
lights, dry eyes, infection,
dislodged corneal flap, light
sensitivity during night time
Cons Recovery slower as compared
to LASIK, increased risk of post-
operative complications,
greater post-operative
discomfort, patients sometimes
have to wait for up to one to
two weeks before operating
the second eye		 Possible complications from
corneal flap, increased depth of
laser
Criteria No history of dry eyes, no eye
injuries or infections within a
year, stable prescription for
minimum one year		 Normal depth cornea, no
history of dry eyes, stable
prescription for at least one
year and no injuries or
infections within a year
Healing and Recovery Takes up to six months before
peak accuracy is achieved and
clarity in vision is reached.
Requires around one to three
days for blurring and
discomfort to subside		 Vision improved immediately,
blurring and discomfort gone
within 24 hours
Outcome 20/20 vision or better 20/20 vision or better

 

PRK vs LASIK

What is Right for you

The best way to getting rid of your glasses and contacts is to visit a few of your local area eye doctors for a consultation and see if you are eligible for either or both procedures. It is possible that you may be a candidate for only one or both surgical procedures; these doctors will give you their professional opinions, options, and recommendations. It is advised that you visit a couple of eye doctors in your area and their professional opinions on what to do regarding your eyes after which you can draw up your own conclusion.

To learn more about the best laser corrective procedure for you, contact our professionals at Insight Vision Center in Fresno today! To schedule a consultation, call on 559-449-5050.

Which LASIK Eye Surgery Is Right for Me and How Much Would it Cost?

There are three kinds of people: those who love flaunting their quirky and cool glasses, second who swear by contact lenses and the third group consists of those who can’t wait to get rid of glasses/contact lens. If you fall in the third category, then LASIK is your savior.

LASIK, which stands for Laser in-situ Keratomileusis, is a corrective surgery used to fix common vision problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism. It uses specialized laser known as ‘excimer’ laser which reshapes the cornea to give better, clear and focused vision. Excimer laser precisely removes extremely tiny amounts of tissue without disturbing adjacent tissues.

Types of LASIK Eye Surgery

There are three types of LASIK procedures. Consultation with your doctor will help in determining which one will give you the best results.

    • Conventional LASIK:

This primarily uses your prescription for contact lenses or eye-glasses. Based on that, laser settings are determined to reshape the cornea. The level and accuracy of vision correction is similar to that of the familiar procedure of choosing glasses in a vision test – “which offers better clarity: this or that?”

    • Custom LASIK: 

Custom LASIK allows surgeons to customize laser treatment according to patients’ individual eyes. It uses Wave Front technology that creates a customized map of all unique attributes of your eye. This further enables your surgeon to address unique visual correctional requirements of an individual. Surgeons can achieve sharper and clearer vision by addressing higher order aberrations and correcting refractive errors, including subtle vision problems.

    • Bladeless LASIK: 

Bladeless LASIK eliminates the need of blades to cut corneal flaps before surgery. It uses a gentle laser instead of a manual blade to create a uniform and precise corneal flap. The laser is operated at an extremely high speed and is controlled by a computer, which allows the tissue to be targeted and divided at a molecular level without damaging the surrounding tissue. Recovery time is faster since the flap is more accurate and falls back naturally into place.

    • Costs of LASIK Eye Surgery:

The cost of LASIK surgery varies according to geographic location, surgical experience of the doctor and technology used. Avoid those who present extremely low prices and shady offers. Risking the safety of your eyes to save a few bucks may end up costing you more in the long run.On an average, LASIK eye surgery (bladed) costs about $1,700 per eye. Alternatively, state-of-the-art technologies such as bladeless Custom-Wavefront LASIK can be around $2,500 per eye. Depending on eye’s health and magnitude of vision problem, the cost may even go up to $4,000 per eye.

Typically, insurance does not cover the cost of laser eye surgery unless your job requires perfect vision. Combat fighters and athletes usually qualify for full insurance cover. Feel free to ask your insurance company for negotiated rates and membership discounts that are applicable for AAA holders or those in military. US employees have an FSA, HSA, or HRA to cover health expenses with income-tax-free accounts. The cost of laser eye surgery is an eligible expense for all these accounts. Check with your tax preparer if you qualify for the same.

Book an appointment to visit us and know more about the options.

The human body, although amazingly designed, does suffer from some serious design flaws. An obvious example of this is the rate at which your vision deteriorates with age. With the dependence on technology and electrically operated gadgets increasing, more and more people, ranging from kids to the elderly, have started having vision issues.

Nearly two-thirds of the adult population wears prescription eyewear, according to the statistics from the Vision Council of America. Another twenty percent use contact lenses. However, wearing glasses and contact lenses have their own limitations. The good news is that with one simple LASIK eye surgery you can have restored vision. LASIK uses lasers to reshape the cornea, enabling proper focus of the light that passes through it onto the retina situated at the back of the eye. The inevitable result of this procedure is a significant improvement in eyesight.

How Is LASIK Performed?

  • First, your surgeon uses a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, a mechanical surgical tool to create a circular thin flap in the cornea.
  • Thereafter, the surgeon folds the flap that was hinged back, in order to access the underlying cornea or the stroma, and uses an excimer laser to remove the corneal tissue.
  • An ultraviolet light beam is then used to remove the tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it so that it can focus light more accurately on the retina for an improved vision.
  • For people suffering from nearsightedness, the goal is to flatten the cornea. For people with farsightedness, a steeper cornea will work.
  • Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is then put back in its place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. After this is done, the cornea is allowed to heal naturally.
  • This surgery involves application of only topical anesthetic drops for the healing to take place. No bandages or stitches are required. Quite a relief!

Preparing for LASIK

  • Before you undergo LASIK, your eye doctor will perform a thorough examination of your eyes to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo this procedure. Important aspects such as the thickness and shape of your cornea, moisture content, pupil size as well as the presence of any refractive errors will be evaluated.
  • The curvature of the front surface of your eye is measured using an automated instrument called a corneal topographer which also creates a “map” of your cornea.
  • You also are likely to undergo a wavefront analysis to provide an even more precise map of aberrations that affect your vision.
  • Since contact lenses usually alter the natural shape of your cornea, you will be asked to discontinue wearing contact lenses for sometime as advised by your doctor, before you undergo the surgery.

What Happens During LASIK?

  • LASIK is performed individually on each eye, with each procedure taking just about five minutes. It’s really quite simple.
  • First and foremost, numbing eye drops are applied to your eye to prevent any sort of discomfort that you may face during the procedure. Required medication may also be administered to help you relax.
  • Thereafter, using an eye-lid speculum, your eye will be positioned under the laser. The speculum will keep your eyelids open throughout the surgery.
  • Your eye surgeon will mark the cornea using an ink marker before creating the flap. A suction ring is then applied to the front of your eye in order to prevent any eye movements or loss of contact that might affect flap quality.
  • Once the corneal flap is created, the surgeon will then adjust the excimer laser for your particular prescription, with the help of a computer.
  • Next, you will be asked to focus on a particular beam of light for a short time. Meanwhile, your surgeon, using a microscope, will watch the eye as pulses of light are sent upon the cornea with laser.

Post-Surgery Scenario

  • Once your LASIK eye surgery is over, your surgeon will have you rest for a while. You might feel momentary itching or burning sensations right after the procedure. You will also, most likely, experience some blurry vision and haziness immediately following the surgery. However, clarity should start improving by the very next morning.
  • You will be asked to take certain precautions post your LASIK and it is recommended that you refrain from doing any arduous exercise for at least a week, since this can traumatize the eye and affect healing.
  • You also will have to take care of little things such as not rubbing your eyes and making sure you wear glasses both during the day and nighttime.

LASIK eye surgery is a breakthrough for curing eye vision related issues. It is by far the most effective procedure for correcting common sight problems. It is relatively painless and quick and the benefits following this surgery make the entire process totally worth it. Say goodbye to your boring glasses and irritating contact lenses because what you now have is this brilliant treatment called LASIK.

Considering LASIK? To get the best rates book an appointment with Insight Vision Center, an eye care center in Fresno, CA.

Request your appointment

Request now & we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Request Now
Call Us 559-449-5050

Main Office

  • 1360 East Herndon Ave., Suite
    #103 & 201 Fresno, CA 93720
  • Phone:  (559) 449-5050

Chestnut Office

  • 7015 N. Chestnut Ave., Suite
    #101 Fresno, CA 93720
  • Phone:  (559) 492-3547

Madera Office

  • 509 South “I” Street, Suite C
    Madera, CA 93637
  • Phone:   (559) 674-2020

Fresno Surgical Hospital

Copyright © 2024 InSight Vision Center. All Rights Reserved | Security Policy | Privacy Policy | Nondiscrimination Statement