Imagine a life with clearer vision, free from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. At Texan Eye in Austin, Texas, our experienced surgeons use the most advanced LASIK technology to help you achieve your vision goals and enjoy a better quality of life.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular and safe vision correction surgery that can help you achieve clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. At Texan Eye in Austin, Texas, our experienced surgeons use advanced technology to customize the procedure for each individual patient, ensuring the best possible results.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
To determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, you should schedule a free screening at Texan Eye. During the screening, your eye doctor will examine your vision and assess the health of your eyes.
To be a good candidate for LASIK, you should:
- Be over eighteen years old
- Have a stable vision prescription for at least a year
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a thick enough cornea for the flap to be created
- Be in good general health
- Have healthy eyes without any ocular conditions like retinal or corneal problems
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure
If your eye doctor determines that you are a good candidate for LASIK, you will be able to schedule your LASIK procedure. If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, your eye doctor may recommend an alternative procedure to help you accomplish your vision goals.
What Happens During LASIK?
During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon will use a laser to reshape your cornea. This process can correct imperfections that cause refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
The procedure is quick, typically taking less than thirty minutes, and performed while you are awake and comfortable.
The LASIK Procedure Step by Step
- Your LASIK surgeon will create a thin flap in your cornea using the IntraLase Femtosecond laser.
- The flap is gently lifted, allowing access to the inner layers of your cornea.
- Using the VISX Star 4 laser with iDesign technology, your LASIK surgeon will reshape your cornea based on your unique eye measurements.
- The flap is then repositioned, and it will heal naturally without the need for stitches.
LASIK Technology at Texan Eye
At Texan Eye, our LASIK surgeons use the most advanced LASIK technology available to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our LASIK surgeons use the iFS IntraLase and the VISX Star 4 with iDesign, which allows for a highly customizable procedure that is tailored to your individual needs.
iFS IntraLase
The iFS IntraLase is a femtosecond laser that creates the corneal flap during LASIK. This technology allows for a more precise and consistent flap creation compared to other methods, leading to better results and faster recovery times.
VISX Star 4 with iDesign
The VISX Star 4 with iDesign is an excimer laser that is used to reshape the cornea during LASIK. This technology uses advanced wavefront mapping to measure the unique imperfections in your eyes, allowing your LASIK surgeon to customize the treatment for your specific needs.
The result is sharper vision, better night vision, and fewer side effects like halos and glare.
What Are the Benefits of LASIK?
LASIK offers numerous benefits, including:
- Clearer vision with reduced dependence on glasses and contact lenses
- Quick recovery time, with most patients returning to many of their normal activities within a few days
- Long-lasting results, with many patients maintaining their improved vision for years after the procedure
- Customizable treatment that is tailored to your unique eye measurements and visual needs
It’s important to note that although LASIK can drastically improve your vision, it will not prevent other eye conditions that may affect your vision from developing later in life. If you are looking for a way to gain greater visual freedom, talk to your eye doctor at Texan Eye about the many benefits of LASIK.
What is Recovery Like After LASIK?
Recovery after LASIK is typically quick and comfortable. You may experience some mild discomfort, like itching or burning, in the first few hours after surgery, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and artificial tears.
Your Austin, Texas, LASIK surgeon will provide you with a list of instructions to follow during your recovery. It is very important to follow these instructions closely to avoid any complications and to help your eyes heal smoothly.
You will also need to return to your eye doctor’s office for a few follow-up visits within the weeks and months after your LASIK surgery so that they can ensure that your vision is clear and that your eyes are healing properly.
Tips for a Smooth LASIK Recovery
- Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including using any prescribed eye drops or medications.
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes in the days following the procedure.
- Wear sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from UV rays and dust.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure proper healing.
What Are the Alternatives to LASIK?
While LASIK is a popular and effective vision correction option, it may not be the best choice for everyone. At Texan Eye, we offer several alternatives to LASIK, including:
ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation): A laser vision correction procedure that is similar to LASIK but does not involve the creation of a corneal flap.
EVO Visian ICL: A removable lens implant that is placed inside the eye to correct vision without removing any corneal tissue.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): A procedure that replaces your natural lens with an artificial lens to correct vision, similar to cataract surgery.
Your Texan Eye eye surgeon will help you determine the best option for your individual needs and goals.
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
The cost of LASIK can vary depending on several factors, including the technology used, the experience of your surgeon, and your specific vision correction needs. At Texan Eye, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to make LASIK accessible and affordable for our patients.
Although most insurance companies do not cover laser eye surgery, some companies cover a portion of the total cost of refractive surgery. It’s best to check with your company to see if you qualify for coverage.
At Texan Eye, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to make LASIK accessible and affordable for our patients. Financing is available through CareCredit Health Finance and Chase Health Advance Financing.
To get a personalized quote and learn more about our financing options, schedule a consultation with one of our LASIK surgeons.
LASIK Consultations at Texan Eye
At Texan Eye, LASIK consultations are offered at all our locations, but the procedures are performed at our dedicated Eye LASIK Austin facility. Our LASIK surgeons, Dr. Walters, Dr. Aschenbeck, and Dr. Zhu, are highly experienced and use the latest technology to deliver exceptional results.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards clearer vision with LASIK, schedule an appointment at Texan Eye in Austin, TX, today to schedule your free screening or consultation. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if LASIK is right for you.
