FAQs
Does LASIK hurt?
LASIK is not painful – your eyes will be numbed before treatment. You may feel some discomfort when being treated with the excimer laser, but only in the form of pressure on the eye. You should not feel any pain. During LASIK recovery, you may experience dryness and irritation, but nothing more than mild discomfort.
How long is the procedure?
Depending on the person, the LASIK procedure itself takes about 10 minutes per eye. The entire process from start to finish will take around an hour (including prep time).
How much does it cost?
Generally, refractive surgery is not covered by insurance. The price of LASIK greatly depends on the provider and the methods. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2200 to $3500 per eye. Our prices have always been on the lower side of the spectrum, though we are not a “discount” provider. We don’t discount quality, either!
Of course, Advanced Valley Eye Associates does offer financing options and flexible payment options. Ask about our payment and financing options!
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
Typically, a good LASIK candidate is over the age of 18, is of good overall health, and is free of any eye diseases or conditions. Whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK can be determined when you attend a LASIK consultation. During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history, measure your visual acuity, and perform a thorough examination of your eyes. If all tests are clear, you may be a good candidate, and schedule your surgery.
What are the risks?
LASIK surgery is still surgery, and therefore still comes with some risks. LASIK complication rates are extremely low – but complications do happen. Complications of LASIK surgery include dislodged corneal flaps, infections, keratoconus, and irregular astigmatism. Most complications can be prevented with proper aftercare. LASIK surgeons are particular about who they operate on, specifically to avoid these complications.
What will my vision be like after LASIK?
Your post-LASIK vision will greatly depend on your prescription prior to the procedure. The vast majority of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. For those with severe refractive error, or other factors with their ocular health, this may not be possible. Vision can be greatly improved with LASIK, but there is no guarantee that you will have “20/20” vision after surgery. We stress that the goal of refractive surgery is to “reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts” – – so complete elimination isn’t a good expectation for most patients, especially those over 40 years old. This is an important factor to discuss at your consultation.
What is “bladeless” and “custom” LASIK?
Traditional LASIK uses a blade to create the corneal flap, and does not rely as heavily on custom corneal topography. This type of LASIK is becoming less common as custom bladeless LASIK takes hold. This newer method uses a femtosecond laser to fashion the flap, rather than a steel blade, for a more precise, less complicated procedure.
What is recovery like?
LASIK recovery is surprisingly easy. Many people are able to go back to work the very next day, although we recommend having surgery on a Friday and take the weekend to rest. You will use some prescription drops for about a week, and you will be asked to refrain from activities like sports and swimming during recovery. Don’t wear makeup for a week after surgery, and be sure to wear sunglasses outside.
Are you interested in LASIK surgery at Advanced Valley Eye Associates? Contact our Davis office to schedule your LASIK consultation today!
