Everything you need to know to start your LASIK journey.
LASIK Explained
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a vision correction surgery that has become one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in North America. It is safe and provides great results for patients with all types of prescriptions.
The surgery involves the use of an excimer laser to correct the shape of the cornea for the patient’s vision needs. This can reduce, and often eliminate, the need for glasses and contact lenses. Come in for a Free LASIK Consultation to see if LASIK eye surgery in Scottsdale is right for you.
LASIK Surgery in Scottsdale
LASIK eye surgery is fast, easy and virtually painless. It is an outpatient surgery and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
To prepare for 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.
Every LASIK procedure in Scottsdale is customized to meet the unique vision goals of each patient. The type of LASIK eye surgery will also 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
Our highly skilled surgeons are always at the forefront of technology and offer Arizona patients the highest quality of care. During LASIK eye surgery, we use highly specialized lasers called excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
Femtosecond Lasers are used at the Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center in Scottsdale to create the initial flap. These lasers are the pinnacle of laser technology development. This laser creates the flap to extremely precise 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 eye surgery 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.
A German Engineered Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser is then used to fix each eye’s visual imperfections. It is highly specialized and capable of preserving the natural curvature of the cornea, which prevents unwanted side effects including poor night vision or halos.
LASIK Recovery
After the procedure is over, your eyes may feel a bit irritated or may be watery for a couple of hours. You should plan to have a ride home after your LASIK eye surgery in our Scottsdale office. 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 are able to return to work the next day.
LASIK EYE SURGERY COST
LASIK can be affordable. While it is considered an elective surgery, it is a worthwhile investment in comparison to the years of costs related to contacts and glasses. Learn more about the cost of LASIK and the financing available for your procedure.
FINANCING OPTIONS
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins, patients have a variety of ways to help make LASIK affordable. You can ask one of our patient counselors about custom payment options to pay for the cost of LASIK in installments. One option we offer is CareCredit. Learn more about CareCredit and how you can finance your LASIK procedure affordably.
INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY AND PAYING OUT OF POCKET
LASIK eye surgery is often considered an elective or cosmetic surgery, which means many insurance companies may not cover the cost of 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 money to cover the cost of LASIK. You can ask your employer if this is an option under your benefits. Many professions also find that LASIK is a worthwhile investment for being able to best fulfill their occupation.
Is Cheap LASIK Safe?
Many Arizona LASIK centers may try to sell you cheap LASIK. The truth is that in most of these cases, the cost of LASIK they advertise is not realistic to what is actually charged or the price applies to very few people. At Barnet Dulaney Perkins, the cost of your procedure will never go up based on your prescription.
Our experienced ophthalmologists in Scottsdale provide safe, consistent results for patients. Because our team is specialized in all types of vision correction procedures, you will never feel pressured to have LASIK. Our talented team will be able to help you find the procedure that fits best into your eyes’ needs and your lifestyle. Since LASIK may not be the best option for everyone, we offer Free LASIK Consultations at our Scottsdale eye center in order for you to see if LASIK eye surgery is right for you.
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center has also been voted the #1 Eye Care Center by Ranking Arizona for the past eight years in a row.
Hear from our real LASIK patients.
Get first-hand accounts from our real LASIK patients as they talk about LASIK and their experience with us at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center.
Nina D.
Cameo Cross
Nathan Johnson
