The cost of laser eye surgery, or LASIK, can vary depending on the doctor and location, but is roughly $1500 to $2000 per eye. Make sure post-operative care is included in the cost of laser eye surgery with information from an ophthalmologist in this free video on laser eye surgery.
While lasik eye surgery is a popular option to improve vision, many people are surprised to learn that this popular laser eye surgery can also be used to treat problems with night vision. Night vision problems can be caused by a number of things, including vitamin deficiencies, degenerative eye diseases and inherited conditions. Fortunately, as new technologies and techniques continue to emerge, LASIK has become an effective way to combat such problems. Consider your needs and talk to your doctor before deciding if you are a good candidate for this type of corrective procedure.
How Does LASIK Work?
Traditionally, LASIK eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea of the eye. People with nearsightedness have corneas that are too steep, causing incoming light rays to be focused before the retina. The LASIK procedure allows surgeons to flatten the cornea so that the light rays can be focused properly directly on the retina. People with farsightedness have corneas that are too flat, causing incoming light rays to be focused behind the retina. In this case, the LASIK procedure works by steepening the angle of the cornea so that the light can be focused on the retina.
Using LASIK to Improve Night Vision
One of the biggest concerns about LASIK in the past was the possibility of experience night vision problems as a result of the procedure. Some patients reported experiencing side effects such as glare, light halos and generally poor night vision. Extensive research and innovative technologies have led to breakthrough techniques devised to correct this problem. Wavefront guided laser treatments and Intralase LASIK methods are the two cutting edge treatments that can help patients improve both their day and night vision.
The Benefits of LASIK
There are many reasons to choose LASIK surgery, but it is important to consider the potential benefits before making a decision. Night vision problems can be a major problem, especially for anyone who needs to drive at night. In some cases, night vision can become so impaired that night driving is simply impossible. Utilizing LASIK to improve night vision can reduce or even eliminate this problem entirely.
There are, of course, many other reasons to opt for LASIK eye surgery. Anyone who struggles with glasses and contacts knows how inconvenient and cumbersome corrective eyewear can be. laser eye surgery can minimize or even completely do away with the need for glasses and contacts. Sports and exercise activities are much more convenient without needing to worry about dropping your glasses, while sports such as swimming and diving are easier without the concern of losing your contacts in the water.
LASIK is not right for everyone, so it is essential to talk to a qualified doctor before deciding if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Laser eye surgery can improve night vision, as well as boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. Consider factors such as LASIK cost , potential risk and the possible benefits of having the surgery.
LASIK vision correction is no different than any other surgical procedure. There are complications associated with it and, like all well-informed people, you should be aware of them before you decide to proceed.
Remember, too, that the skill, education and experience of your ophthalmologist, along with their office technology, greatly affect the potential for LASIK complications. The more informed you are, the less likely the potential problems.
Having said that, let’s take a look at what you should be aware of when it comes to laser vision correction surgeries.
· Dry Eyes: Most LASIK patients will experience some dryness following their procedure. Eye drops can easily soothe and resolve the short-term problem. In very rare cases, dry eyes can lead to eye infections.
· Over or Under Correction: This is usually only seen when there is a high prescription and the eyes heal faster or slower than expected. The result can be a slight nearsightedness but is easily corrected with a LASIK enhancement.
· Flap Folds: Referring to a wrinkle in the corneal flap, this is usually harmless and rarely causes any vision problems. If the fold does pose a potential problem, it can easily be repositioned by the surgeon.
· Glare and Halos: These are common short-term side affects of LASIK vision correction caused by the temporary swelling of the cornea. If the conditions persist for more than a few weeks, the surgeon can easily resolve the problem with a LASIK enhancement.
· Decentered Ablation: This can happen when the laser is off the cornea by just a very small degree. However, advanced laser technology now provides for eye-tracking so patients who might have trouble focusing during their LASIK surgery have less to be concerned about.
These are a few of the more common complications associated with LASIK vision correction. Be sure to ask your ophthalmologist about all possible side effects before you make your final decision.
It is extremely rare for people who have LASIK surgery in a high-quality facility to experience any of these complications. In fact, reports show that LASIK complications happen less than 1% of the time. Remember, too, that most problems can easily be corrected by the surgeon through LASIK enhancements.
No surgical procedure is 100% safe but, thanks to modern technology, you have very little reason to worry.
If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please visit the website of Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today.
Lasik has helped millions of patients with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Lasik surgery is famed for a quick procedure with minimal recovery and direct results. Vision results vary depending on the patient. Discover more about what you can expect from Lasik.
Lasik Surgery
The procedure is performed by creating a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea with a microkeratome blade. The Lasik surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The flap is replaced and serves as a natural bandage.
Your Responsibility During Lasik Recovery
The best Lasik surgery results are achieved through a healthy patient and a qualified Lasik surgeon. But success during the healing period also depends on you. Following postoperative instructions are essential to a quick Lasik recovery.
Schedule a Follow Up Exam After Lasik
In addition to abiding by instructions from your laser eye surgeon, you must also schedule follow up exams. The first follow up should take place one to two days after surgery. The surgeon will monitor the success of the procedure, and check the healing process, as well. This is an opportunity to address any concerns you may have.
Vision Results After Lasik
Vision results and healing period varies from patient to patient. As a guideline, you should notice visual improvement the first day. You can expect blurred vision directly after surgery, as well as halos, starbursts and sensitivity to light. But most Lasik patients report a 90 percent improvement within 24 hours after surgery. Many patients can see without glasses or contacts the day after Lasik. Vision will continue to improve during the first few weeks.
Lasik Healing Period
You may experience some discomfort during the first day or two after Lasik surgery. Common symptoms are burning and irritation. For the first three weeks after Lasik, do not rub your eyes under any circumstances. Rubbing your eyes during early recovery can disrupt the corneal flap.
As part of the recovery process, your Lasik surgeon will prescribe artificial tears, steroid drops and antibiotic drops. Eye drops promote healing and prevent infection. If you experience complications with dry eyes, you may need to administer artificial tears for the first three weeks.
Most vision related side effects subside within a few days following surgery. However, full recovery can take some time. Your eyes may take up to six months to fully adjust to Lasik surgery. Taking care of your eyes as directed by the Lasik surgeon aids the process.
You’re vision may continue to improve following Lasik surgery. But you may also experience periods of vision fluctuation. This is a common occurrence. Visual acuity is immediate, but visual clarity may take some time. During the healing period, you will notice your eyes slowly regaining contrast sensitivity, a term used to describe contrast sharpness between and object and the background.
Schedule a Lasik Screening
As with all surgical procedures, Lasik involves some risk. Lasik doctors can discuss possible complications, Lasik cost, financing options and alternatives to Lasik surgery.
Health diligence has been growing world wide with the developments and advancements in the technologies. With the introduction of lasik technology in 1988, a revolution took place in the surgical world of eyes. The horrifying moments that haunt a person to be a fun statement because of specs are no more in practice. No more hassle while playing, dancing and working. Yes, this has been made possible with the introduction of lasik laser eye surgery.
Lasik technology has been an all-encompassing action that got esteem among the people very soon. The consistency however is fully technological. There are millions and billions of lasik centers worldwide that include fame centre like lasik Dallas and lasik plus. Lasik plus is a chief in providing lasik treatments to the candidates. It is a company whose parent company, LCA Vision, has been a lead the way in the usage of laser rays in the surgical operations. Lasik plus has a track record of pioneering since 15years in the field of lasik laser eye surgeries. It provides with a sequence of vision centers throughout the world. The centers engulf extensive range of the area world wide. They spread from Arizona to Florida and from Washington to Indiana.
Well, lasik plus vision centers not only shine in lasik treatments but they present a civilized amalgamation of technology, doctors and values. All lasik plus surgeons are highly qualified and certified for their expertise from reputed medical institutes. The technology used is well complicated and complex. It practices FDA approved laser technique and facilitates a wide choice of Traditional Lasik and Custom Lasik both. It emphasize over a true viable pricing and a fair lasik promotional financing.
With lasik plus center one experiences a absolute obligation towards the care of vision of an individual during and after the whole process of lasik surgery. It offers a wide variety of lasik choices including Bausch n Lomb, VisX (Vis Six) and Ladar. Besides the laser choices, a lasik patient explores a whole new assortment of vision with pioneer results along with norm lasik platforms for each laser systems. Custom lasik is another lasik surgery as similar to the laser vision correction.
However, we can say that lasik eye surgery is a no trendy protestor marching against the specs and contact lenses that dilutes shameful looks and harassed eyes and, is promoted by experts and knowledgeable people at lasik plus centers.
LasikAide is an online information hub for those who have minor defect in vision and want liberty from lenses and glasses. Lasik Eye Surgery is so common that more and more people are opting for it. Know more about Lasik Plus, leader provider in lasik surgery.
Quite candidly, the perception of many people as well as our own was that a primary determinant of the affordability of LASIK was strongly related to the cost of having it done. We wonder if centers that charge slightly more or less than others benefit or are hurt by placing financial stress on the patients who elect to choose them. We are concerned about how important the cost of the procedure weighs in the average patient’s decision. Therefore, we decided to model the costs of LASIK at our current charges for the procedure as compared to the costs of glasses, contacts, solutions, and routine eye care to see just how much of a premium was involved for those who choose this option. We expected LASIK to cost more, and were very surpised just the opposite. The bottom line — having LASIK saves you money!
When we started looking at the actual costs for eye care over a lifetime we knew that there was a significant cost to glasses, contacts, solutions, and examinations for this care. We also knew that there are costs for LASIK and the costs associated with this care as well. For this reason we never put pen to paper and we were very surprised at our findings.
After a very conservative analysis these were our results:
A 20 year-old could save over $48,000 over his/her lifetime with LASIK LASIK could pay for itself within 4 years (if you wear prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and use contact lenses) LASIK is even cost effective for most people in their 40s and 50’s!
These statistics are based on the average U.S. life expectancy of 77.7 years, and our own estimates of vision correction costs based on current average industry prices and recommendations.
These are the basic cost assumptions of this analysis:
Prescription Eyeglasses: $200 every other year Prescription Sunglasses: $350 every other year Contact Lenses: $40 every month Contact Lens Supplies: $12 every month Annual Eye Exam (also applies to LASIK): $105 every year LASIK Cost: $3,500
Actual prices will probably vary from our calculations, based on what your situation – your annual visits may be more or less expensive than our estimate, and you may pay a different amount for glasses or contacts or buy them at in less frequent intervals – but we hope that this will be helpful for anyone who is researching the costs and benefits of LASIK.
Importantly this model includes important eye examinations AFTER LASIK which add costs to the LASIK choice, but is far outweighed by the other costs. The savings are probably even greater than calculated because there is an increase or escalation in the costs of things like glasses every year whereas the costs with LASIK are fixed. Even taking into account that a small percentage of LASIK patients may need an enhancement procedure years later, there is still an obvious and significant savings by having the procedure.
What really puts this over the top is the benefit of financing at zero or a low percentage, since the time of financing takes away the large capital cost of having the procedure, and by the time that the procedure is paid for, about half of the savings has been realized. Also, the other half can be covered with the fact that the surgery is tax deductible and/or the use of flexible savings accounts to use pre-tax dollars to cover the costs.
If you want the details, this table shows at ages in 5 year increments what the projected savings over a lifetime are for having LASIK surgery. For instance, a 30 year old would need prescription glasses and sunglasses every two years and contact lenses and supplies totaling almost $53,000. Even with the costs of LASIK and examinations, there is a savings of over $39,000! Yes, some people may not wear contacts this entire time, but it is our experience that most LASIK patients are contact wearers who also have prescription glasses. Also, we are being very conservative on glasses costs. Some prescription glasses from designers with all the bells and whistles come in close to $1,000 just for one pair of glasses.
Based on the estimated costs of this analysis we can see that contact lenses and their associated costs are substantial. This assumption is for daily wear disposable contacts. Obviously for all of those who have significant astigmatism and require toric contact lenses the costs are significantly more. By contrast, anyone who only wears glasses can subtract the contact lens costs from their personal analysis. Even for these people, there is still a savings by having LASIK over glasses alone, or for that matter for contacts alone without glasses. The latter is not recommended in that contact lens patients should always have glasses, at least for a backup should they not be able to wear their contacts. Again, our experience is that most patients have a number of glasses and contacts when they come to visit us for consideration of LASIK. This analysis also does not take into consideration the increased costs of bifocals or trifocals, which are substantially more expensive than single vision glasses.
Based on all of these factors, we believe that on average this analysis is accurate for the average person and thus demonstrates the financial benefit of LASIK clearly. There are certainly many disclaimers that should be made on this type of an analysis and to the extent that we have missed anything important, please forgive us and feel free to comment to this post and we will make corrections.
So how often is there something that you can do which will benefit you for a lifetime, providing you with an improved quality of life AND save you money? Here is my epiphany — I think that at some level patients have realized this fact and that is why so many millions of people worldwide have decided to have LASIK vision correction. Not only for the lifestyle benefit, but also for the financial benefit.
In a broader context, is not a healthier America a better and more cost effective America? Can we learn something here that has broader implications in the health care debate and legislation before us today? The emphasis should be on what we can provide to the American people that is valuable and will ultimately decrease the cost of health care and increase human productivity which will make us net a wealthier nation. This country is based on a combination of a free market economy and helping those who cannot afford to help themselves. We should be able to extend this philosophy to medical, dental, and eye care.
In the meantime, I am happy to learn that LASIK has helped to provide a better life while saving money for all of those who needed it.
Here is the most impressive thing, the epiphany. While $3500 is a substantial amount of money, it is just about the smallest number on this chart. Would it really matter if this was $5,000 instead? Not much really. So the costs for this procedure should not drive the decision to have it but rather whether it is a good idea for a particular person and also picking the best provider to have the greatest chance of realizing these savings. Second, even people who are over 40 years of age still will have a substantial benefit. In fact at age 40 there is still over $30,000 of savings by having LASIK.
Dr. Dishler is the first doctor to perform LASIK in Colorado, the first doctor to offer blade free LASIK in Colorado, and is a consultant, lecturer, and inventor. He is involved with several FDA studies and answers questions related to laser vision correction online.