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LASIK

Laser vision correction has changed the way of life for millions of Americans, and LASIK has been at the forefront for decades. LASIK has helped patients all over the world reduce and even eliminate the need for corrective eyewear and see more clearly. Dr. Michael Sumsion and Dr. Sean Sumsion, our experienced board-certified LASIK surgeons, are certified in iLASIK. An all-laser LASIK technology, iLASIK is one of the most advanced laser vision correction systems available. With state-of-the-art LASIK techniques, our surgeons can perform LASIK as safely and effectively as possible, providing you with an improved view of the world!

What is LASIK?

LASIK, or Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a form of eye surgery that uses laser energy to reshape the eye’s cornea to better refract light. This method of vision correction makes it possible to significantly improve conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

What to Expect During LASIK 

What are the Benefits of LASIK?

LASIK can help patients who have refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and/or farsightedness, see more clearly without heavy reliance on corrective eyewear. In fact, many patients who have obtained LASIK at Riverside EyeCare have been able to achieve 20/20 vision, eliminating their need for glasses or contacts altogether.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK? 

More people than ever before are now candidates for laser eye surgery thanks to remarkable and continuous innovation in treatment methods and technology. 

Candidates for LASIK include patients who:

Is LASIK Safe?

There is a running debate as to whether it is safer to undergo LASIK surgery or simply get contact lenses. While both options are considered safe for vision correction, the general consensus is this: not only is LASIK surgery arguably safer than contacts due to the amount of eye-touching associated with the latter, but LASIK is widely thought of as one of the safest elective surgeries in the industry, sporting an exceedingly low complication rate of around 1%.

Keep in mind, however, that all surgeries come with risks. To ensure satisfactory results and healthy healing, we strongly advocate you take care in choosing a doctor. A reputable, board-certified ophthalmologist can make the entire LASIK process as safe, painless, and generally hassle-free as possible.

How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

For many patients the LASIK surgery price is worth the vision improvements they are able to achieve. Furthermore, reaching a new level of freedom from corrective eyewear is a valuable achievement, especially for those with an active lifestyle. If you are considering LASIK and wondering about the cost for your procedure, a consultation with one of our ophthalmologists is the best way to receive an accurate price quotation. There is no set cost for the LASIK procedure and each surgery is customized to meet the precise vision improvement needs of the individual. Before you decide to proceed with LASIK surgery, you can expect to be fully informed about the total cost of the procedure and have an opportunity to explore the payment options we accept. You may also opt to learn about the financing options we offer through CareCredit® that can make your LASIK procedure more budget-friendly.

What Does the LASIK Procedure Entail?

LASIK involves the careful and precise reshaping of the cornea so that light is able to focus into the eye in a much better way. Our surgeons typically utilize VISX® CustomVue™ and Wavefront™ LASIK technology to perform LASIK procedures. Wavefront™ technology allows our surgeons to precisely map the cornea and plan the procedure with exceptional precision. Then, once he has created a corneal flap, your surgeon will use the FDA-approved VISX® CustomVue™ laser to correct your vision. Once the laser has improved the shape of the cornea, the corneal flap is then returned to its normal position. The entire procedure is virtually painless, and usually takes only minutes to complete.

What is the LASIK Success Rate?

Just as its complication rate is extremely low, LASIK surgery has a very high success rate, improving (and sometimes perfecting!) the vision of an average of 90% of patients. The success of your LASIK surgery will vary, but most can expect a significant improvement in their vision.

What Does LASIK Surgery Recovery Entail?

Some blurry vision is common after LASIK, but this should diminish fairly quickly. You may also experience some temporary sensitivity to light and excessive eye watering. Most patients who have LASIK are able to resume normal daily activities the day after treatment. Your surgeon will be able to give you more detailed information on the procedure and recovery once he has evaluated your needs at your initial consultation.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

The results of LASIK vary with each patient. However, most individuals who have LASIK experience marked visual improvement after one day, with continued improvement in the ensuing weeks. After LASIK, you should see much more clearly without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Note that natural changes of the cornea or lens may affect the quality of vision. 

In some cases, LASIK touch-up procedures can correct for vision changes. If other age-related changes occur within the eye, such as the development of presbyopia (nearsightedness) or cataracts, the use of corrective eyewear for reading or surgery to remove cataracts may be necessary to restore clear vision.

Are There Any Side Effects of LASIK?

While LASIK surgery has a high rate of success, there are some minor risks that may be associated with the procedure. Temporary side effects such as, dry eye, glare, halos, double vision and/or difficulty with night vision, may appear and clear up quickly—usually within a few weeks or months. If your procedure does not result in the appropriate degree of vision improvement, a touch-up procedure may be an effective way to fine-tune your results. Serious complications are extremely rare. Our surgeons’ level of experience and expertise in LASIK surgery, combined with the state-of-the-art LASIK technology they use, helps minimize risks.

Are There Alternatives to LASIK?

If your surgeon determines that you are not a good candidate for LASIK, you may be able to undergo PRK (another type of laser vision correction) or refractive lens exchange (RLE) to improve your vision. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your options and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure.

LASIK Surgery Video

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LASIK – ADDITIONAL FAQs

Patients who are considering LASIK often have many questions for our eye surgeons about the procedure. To help you learn more about LASIK, they have provided answers to many of the most common questions they receive:

What does LASIK stand for?

A: LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis.

How long do the results of LASIK last?

A: Ideally, the results of LASIK should last for decades; however, natural changes of the cornea or lens may affect the quality of vision. In some cases, LASIK touch-up procedures can correct for vision changes. However, if other age-related changes occur within the eye, such as the development of presbyopia (nearsightedness) or cataracts, the use of corrective eyewear for reading or surgery to remove cataracts may be necessary to restore clear vision.

How do I find out if I am a candidate for LASIK?

A: If you are considering LASIK, scheduling a consultation with one of our eye surgeons is the next step in finding out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. To make an appointment, you just need to call or email our office to reach a team member who can help you with scheduling.

Are there age restrictions for LASIK surgery?

A: To be a candidate for LASIK, individuals must be at least 18 years old. For older patients, unstable vision and eye changes related to aging may make LASIK surgery unadvisable. One of our eye surgeons can discuss which options are best suited for your age and the condition of your vision.

Why should I choose Riverside EyeCare Professionals for my LASIK procedure?

A: At Riverside EyeCare Professionals, our board-certified ophthalmologists Michael Sumsion, MD and Sean Sumsion, MD, offer LASIK performed using some of the most advanced laser technology available. By incorporating VISX® CustomVue™ and Wavefront™ LASIK technology,  they are able to deliver customized LASIK results, which can produce the greatest degree of vision improvement. Furthermore, Dr. Michael Sumsion has practiced ophthalmology for more than 25 years and has performed thousands of LASIK procedures and other eye surgeries. Dr. Sean Sumsion gained experience at Wilford Hall at Lackland Air Force base, one of the highest volume refractive surgery centers in the military. While there, he performed hundreds of LASIK and PRK procedures for the servicemen and servicewomen in the Air Force.

Do I have to be awake during LASIK?

A: Before LASIK your eye surgeon provides a small sedative pill to relax you during the procedure; however, you will be awake. In order to perform LASIK with the greatest amount of accuracy, patients must remain awake during the vision correction process. Anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye, helping to prevent any potential discomfort while you are being treated

Is LASIK covered by insurance?

Because LASIK is an elective surgery, most insurance plans do not cover it. However, it is always worth it to check with your insurance company, as there are always exceptions.

At Riverside EyeCare Professionals, we never want financial difficulties to stand in the way of treatment. We are proud to offer CareCredit®, a payment plan eligible to certain individuals. To see if you qualify, and to have any other financial questions answered, we encourage you to to contact us.

Schedule a Consultation 

For a free vision screening or to discuss if LASIK is right for you, contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals today.