LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)—you’ve heard the term, but what exactly is this procedure that’s taken the science of ophthalmology to another level? Here is the short answer: using a specially designed laser, LASIK surgeons make changes to your inner eye that correct refractive errors (how light is directed to the retina). The procedure eliminates or alleviates the issues of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism—problems previously requiring eyeglasses or contacts.
What Goes on During LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery corrects the following:
- Nearsightedness and Farsightedness. An eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea — the transparent, dome-shaped surface of the eye that contributes to the eye’s bending or light refracting power. The surgeon then uses a specially designed laser to reshape the cornea and redirect light to the retina. Vision is corrected or improved.
- Astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye or the lens inside the eye is curved differently, which inhibits proper light refraction. If you have read that LASIK is not an effective treatment for astigmatism, you are reading out-of-date material. Though discounted earlier as a treatment for light refraction issues, LASIK and new technological advancements now make it a viable corrective tool.
iDesign Machine
A newly developed design machine sends beams of light into the eye. Beams reflecting off the retina are captured by a microchip and analyzed for structural eye changes. An advanced computer then calculates the exact treatment necessary to rectify the curvature differences over 1287 zones of the cornea. Loaded into a high-tech excimer laser, the surgeon is guided to the areas needing curvature correction.
Is LASIK surgery permanent?
While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time for 10-12% of patients. A decrease can be corrected by further enhancement surgery.
What does LASIK cost?
The short answer can be anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 per eye, with an average cost of around $3000. The price generally includes consultation, pre-op, and post-op appointments. Quality of care should always be a primary consideration. We advise checking a surgeon’s credentials, experience, and reviews.
Note: Health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover LASIK.
Other Facts About LASIK
- The number of LASIK surgeries increased b 124,000 between 2015 and 2020 and is expected to grow by 6.48% annually over the next few years.
- Certain side effects, particularly dry eyes, and temporary visual disturbances (such as glare) are relatively common and recede over a few weeks.
- People with mild nearsightedness tend to have the most success with refractive surgery.
- People with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness along with astigmatism have less predictable results.
- A mild sedative may be given at the time of surgery. No general anesthetic is required.
- The minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18, but there is no age limit if your eyes are healthy, and your vision is stable.
The Best LASIK Surgery Is Now in New York
Dr. Craig Beyer is now in the New York area, bringing a reputation as one of the nation’s finest ophthalmologists—he is one of 10 original doctors approved by the FDA to perform LASIK surgery. To date,
Dr. Beyer has performed over 15,000 successful surgeries.
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Live in New York or the surrounding area? Call
877-274-1797 to schedule a consultation for the best in eyecare and LASIK surgery.
