LASIK – call 866-393-2345
Living without glasses.
Laser vision correction, often referred to as LASIK, is currently the number one elective procedure in the U.S. LASIK (an acronym for the medical term, Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis), is an out-patient procedure that utilizes a cool ultraviolet light to precisely reshape the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Today, LASIK has surpassed other self-improvement procedures in popularity.
Since its introduction over ten years ago, more than 10 million people worldwide have experienced this simple, quick laser procedure, with the numbers increasing each year. In the U.S. alone, up to 60 million eligible candidates experience some form of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism which can now be treated with LASIK. This procedure, which takes minutes to complete, has not only been shown to provide better than 20/20 vision in some cases, but also improve one’s physical image and self-esteem.
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are collectively referred to as refractive errors, and the various surgical approaches for correcting these are collectively referred to as refractive surgery.
The physicians at Eye Centers of Florida have years of experience in laser vision correction and other corrective eye procedures, and will help you decide which of the following procedures is best suited to correcting your vision problems.
Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a quick, painless procedure that treats virtually all levels of refractive errors. This procedure combines the precision of the excimer laser with the benefits of an instrument called an automated microkeratome by allowing the surgeon to treat the inside surface of the cornea. LASIK is performed by folding back a thin layer of the cornea without damaging the surface. The surgeon then uses the laser to reshape the cornea, improving the way light is focused on the retina. This results in clearer vision.
LASIK is a highly effective and time tested procedure performed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of our clinic. Normally, the entire procedure lasts less than 20 minutes, with most patients experiencing an improvement in their vision immediately following the procedure. The LASIK procedure allows patients to enjoy a faster visual recovery than PRK and healing is quite rapid with little or no discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are nearsighted, without your glasses or contact lense, your world is most likely blurry and fuzzy. Laser vision correction (LVC) can help to make your world clear. At Eye Centers of Florida, our experienced and committed physicians and laser team want to ensure you make an informed decision about your vision correction options. Feel free to contact us at 239.939-3456 or 1.866.393.2345 (toll free).
 Q. What is laser vision correction?
A. Laser vision correction is a simple procedure that uses the NIDEK EC-5000 Laser or the VISX Star laser to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. During the treatment, the laser's cool beam of ultraviolet light removes a small amount of tissue, usually less than the thickness of a human hair. Short pulses of this cool beam laser light change the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina. Just as glasses and contacts help you to see clearly, so does laser vision correction. But there are some guidelines: you must be at least 18 years of age, with healthy eyes and stable vision. The professionals at Eye Centers of Florida can provide additional information and advice during a free no-obligation laser vision consultation.*
Q. Is laser vision correction safe?
A. Over 10 million LVC procedures have been performed worldwide in the past 10 years. Data obtained during exhaustive clinical trials shows that all patients experienced a significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without glasses or contact lenses) after laser vision correction.
Q. Why do people have LASIK surgery?
A. Research has shown that there are four main reasons that people choose to have LASIK. They are:
- Life simplification: No longer having to deal with glasses or contacts
- Independence: Freedom from dependence on glasses and/or contacts
- Performance: Ability to perform better in sports-related activities
- Ability to see 24/7 when it counts: Better vision for all occasions (e.g., at play, evening out, playing golf)
Q. Do I need an examination first?
A. Prior to treatment, you will have a thorough eye examination, called a laser vision consultation, conducted at the Eye Centers of Florida to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for LVC. There is no charge for this consultation. In addition, a detailed video and computer image is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea.
 Q. What can I expect on the day of LVC procedure?
A. Shortly after arrival at the surgery center, anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye(s) to numb them. In the laser room, you will be seated in a reclining chair, the physician will position your head under the laser. During the surgery, you will be asked to focus on a blinking red light while the laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea. The laser will treat your eye for less than one minute and your total time in the laser area will be about 30 minutes. After your laser treatment is completed, drops will be placed on your eye for protection and comfort. While the actual procedure is painless due to the numbing eyedrops, you may experience some slight irritation during the immediate postoperative period. A mild pain reliever such as Tylenol should alleviate any discomfort.
Q. How much time will I need to get LVC?
A. We recommend you plan to have laser vision correction when you can afford a few days to relax and enjoy the benefits of your new vision. A postoperative visit is required at 24 hours and your eyes may be light-sensitive for a short time. The healing of the eye occurs during this period so we recommend you take a day or two off of work and avoid any strenuous activity.
Q. What kind of vision can I expect with LVC?
A. This depends largely on the amount of correction required. Most people require a low to moderate degree of laser vision correction that should result in vision similar to that with glasses or contact lenses. Vision is usually blurry in the first day or two after the LVC procedure. It is expected that most patients should be able to legally drive without correction after about one week.
Q. Is laser vision correction affordable for me?
A. Laser vision correction is an elective procedure, which is paid for by the patient. However, the affordability of LVC has never been greater. First, consider the cost of replacing your eyeglass frames and lenses or the repetitive costs of disposable contact lenses. With laser vision correction you can receive the greatest value: clear vision without glasses or contact lenses! (Ask us about our financing plan.) |
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Q. How Much Does Corrective Eye Surgery Cost?
A. Corrective eye surgery has never been more affordable than it is today with our convenient payment options. We accept cash, cashier checks and most major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
As an alternative, we offer a patient financing program that allows you to pay for your surgery through easy monthly payments. For many patients, our financing plan costs as little as $3 a day.
Q. What do I do next?
A. Your next step is to learn about your vision correction needs. Call us today to schedule a laser vision consultation or to apply for our patient financing program. If you need more education, you may attend one of our seminars or call us at any time. At Eye Centers of Florida we are committed to helping you make an informed decision about laser vision correction. Call us at 239.939-3456 or 1.866.393.2345 (toll free) to schedule an appointment.
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