LASIK Eye Surgery

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 of people have safely and successfully chosen it as a suitable option for correcting their low, moderate, or high prescriptions.

This procedure involves the use of 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.

Find Out How Much LASIK Costs.

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 diagnosis of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

To determine your eligibility for LASIK, schedule your complimentary consultation today with us. Our doctors will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, or if a different vision procedure may be right for you.

The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is an outpatient surgery. The procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to perform by an ophthalmologist (surgeon).

Before the procedure, topical anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes to prevent any discomfort. Medication may also be approved to help the patient relax. After the drops are used, a lid speculum is used to keep the eyes from closing and a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap over the cornea. Some corneal tissue is removed using a specialized excimer laser. The LASIK process helps light focus on the retina, which improves vision.

Each LASIK procedure is customized to meet the vision goals of each patient. The type of LASIK surgery will differ slightly for those with different vision challenges.

Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is replaced over the tissue that was removed. The cornea will then heal naturally.

Advanced LASIK Technology

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

Femtosecond Lasers are used at West Texas Eye Associates to create the initial flap. These lasers are the pinnacle of laser technology development. This laser creates the flap to exact dimensions, helping it conform to your eye’s unique anatomy and ensuring the flap fits back in place securely.

Wavefront-guided lasers are used in LASIK to allow surgeons to map defects in the optical system of the eye. These devices show how light travels through the eye and help to produce a custom LASIK treatment plan for each patient.

We use the most advanced technology to evaluate your eyes and perform your laser vision correction. This includes the amazing iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio System. The iDesign System generates a scan of the eye that is 25 times more precise than traditional methods used to measure and correct vision. The development of the technology in the iDesign was used by NASA on a telescope for use in space!

When combined with our Intralase femtosecond laser and VISX S4 refractive laser, we offer full laser-based surgery, with no blades, and with the greatest precision.

LASIK Recovery

Following a LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel a bit irritated or watery for a few hours. It is normal to have blurry vision following the surgery, which typically improves within a day or two. The majority of patients feel comfortable after taking a short nap with protective eye shields to keep from rubbing their eyes.

Most patients will notice their vision improving significantly within a few days of having a LASIK procedure. It is a good idea to get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s instructions about any medications prescribed. Refrain from rubbing your eyes or participating in vigorous physical activity for at least a week. Some doctors recommend taking a day or two off from work but many people can return to work the next day.

LASIK is affordable

Financing Options

At West Texas Eye Associates, patients have a variety of ways to help make LASIK affordable — ask one of our patient counselors about custom payment options.

Learn About CareCredit

Insurance eligibility and paying out of pocket

The LASIK procedure is often considered an elective or cosmetic surgery, which means many insurance companies may not cover LASIK. 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 if 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.

We stand behind your LASIK results for life!

VISION for Life is our commitment to you that we stand behind your LASIK vision results for life. We have confidence in our surgeons and in the stability of our patients’ results over the long term. Our intention is to help you maintain the best possible vision throughout your lifetime.

The primary benefit of the VISION for Life program is our assurance that if an enhancement is medically advisable to maintain vision results, eligible and participating patients are entitled to the surgical enhancement procedure with any VISION for Life surgeon nationwide, at no charge.

Take the next step towards better vision

With more options now available than ever before for vision correction, you owe it to yourself to consult with West Texas Eye Associates first. Our scheduling team will help you find a location near you