LASIK
Eye Surgery

LASIK is a quick and precise outpatient procedure, typically completed in 10 to 15 minutes. Each treatment is fully customized to the patient’s unique eyes, ensuring optimal results.

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What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in North America. Millions have safely and successfully chosen it to correct their low, moderate, or high prescriptions.

This procedure involves using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct a patient’s vision error. This reduces, and sometimes eliminates, the need for glasses and contact lenses.

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Are You a LASIK Candidate?

Not everyone is a good LASIK candidate. Those with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness and those with uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease are not likely to be eligible for LASIK. However, you may be a good LASIK candidate if you are in good general health, are at least 18 years old, are free from eye diseases, including cataracts, and have a nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism diagnosis.

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Man trying to read the time after having LASIK surgery.

See Like a VIP!

At Southwest Eye Institute, we know that your sight is everything. Every patient receives VIP treatment, with personalized care from local expert physicians and support staff. We take the time to understand your needs and provide the treatment experience you deserve. From your first step to your last follow-up appointment, we ensure all your questions are answered and deliver an experience unlike anywhere else that delivers comfort and confidence.

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LASIK is Affordable

Financing Options

At Southwest Eye Institute, patients have various ways to help make LASIK affordable—ask one of our patient counselors about custom payment options.

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Insurance Eligibility & Paying Out-of-Pocket

The LASIK procedure is often considered elective or cosmetic surgery, which means many insurance companies may not cover it. Most patients end up paying for the majority (if not all) of the procedure out of pocket. It’s still very much worth asking your insurance company about your options and whether your policy includes a benefit for advanced vision correction. Each person’s needs and circumstances are different.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Tax-Free Dollars)

Many employers offer flexible spending accounts to help offset medical expenses. These accounts may allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for certain medical costs, including procedures like LASIK.

About the LASIK Procedure

Before the procedure, the surgeon applies topical anesthetic drops to numb your eyes and prevent discomfort. If needed, the doctor may approve medication to help you relax. After administering the drops, the surgeon uses a lid speculum to keep your eyes open and a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap over the cornea. A specialized excimer laser then removes some corneal tissue. By reshaping the cornea, the LASIK process helps light focus properly on the retina, improving vision.

Each LASIK procedure is customized to meet your specific vision goals. The type of LASIK surgery varies depending on your vision challenges.

Once the surgeon reshapes the cornea, they reposition the flap over the treated area. The cornea then heals naturally.

Advanced LASIK Technology

During the LASIK procedure, surgeons use highly specialized excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.

At Southwest Eye Institute, surgeons use femtosecond lasers to create the initial flap precisely. These lasers, representing the pinnacle of technology development, ensure that the flap conforms to your eye’s unique anatomies and securely fits back in place.

Surgeons also use wavefront-guided lasers to map eye optical system defects. These devices analyze how light travels through the eye, allowing the creation of a customized LASIK treatment plan for each patient.

A German-engineered Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser then corrects visual imperfections in each eye. This specialized laser preserves the natural curvature of the cornea, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects such as poor night vision or halos.

LASIK Recovery

After the LASIK procedure, you may experience irritation or watery eyes for a few hours. Blurry vision is normal immediately after surgery but typically improves within a day or two. Most patients feel comfortable after taking a short nap while wearing protective eye shields to prevent accidental eye rubbing.

Many patients notice significant vision improvement within a few days. To aid recovery, get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s instructions on prescribed medications. Avoid rubbing your eyes or engaging in vigorous physical activity for at least a week. While some doctors recommend taking a day or two off from work, many patients can return the next day.

LASIK Lifetime Vision Program

Our Vision for Life Program reflects our commitment to supporting your LASIK vision results for a lifetime. We trust our surgeons and the long-term stability of your results. Our goal is to help you maintain the best possible vision throughout your life.

The primary benefit of the Vision for Life Program is our assurance that if an enhancement becomes medically necessary, eligible and participating patients can receive the procedure at no cost from any VISION for Life surgeon nationwide.