nlwest21 asked:


The price for LASIK eye surgery can vary between the different providers and it can also be based on many different factors. Usually the provider will quote you a price that will be based per eye. That is because one treatment of LASIK procedure is only done on one eye. This doesn’t mean that you won’t fix both eyes in the same day. Just remember that the price you are quoted will need to be doubled if you are planning on correcting the vision in both eyes.

Surgeons performing the procedure might also tack on extra charges depending on whether or not they are using a newer technology for better precision. The most common new technology that they wil use is IntraLase. During this LASIK procedure the surgeon will use a laser in place of a bladed instrument.

In 2008 analysts made a list of the average costs of LASIK surgery:

$1,662 for the non-customized LASIK in which the surgeon will use a bladded instrument and excimer lasers that are not guided by the use of wavefront analysis.

$2,105 for LASIK laser based vision correction where only a single price is quoted.

$2,341 for the LASIK procedure procedure where the surgeon will use IntraLase.

Keep in mind that there are wide variations that can be included in the price. Some advertisements will quote a great price – but will have hidden charges in the fine print. Very few people are quoted an incredibly low price without the addition in fees and other charges. Most people will need corrective surgery and follow up appointments after the original procedure.

But it seems that LASIK surgery is still becoming a bit more affordable then they were a few years ago. Reports show that in 2006 the average LASIK price was $1,950. In 2007 LASIK cost an average of $2,099 at a single price and with no extra charges. In 2008 the average cost did rise slightly to $2,105.

When you compare these prices to those in 2002 through 2005 ($1,550 – $1,965) you will notice that they are lower – but they do not include new technologies and more improved procedures. These new technologies make LASIK procedures more effective.

These are the average costs of LASIK surgery – but to understand completely how much the procedure will cost you should ask your local eye surgeon. They will understand your problem and inform you how many procedures you will need and how much you will need to pay for it.

Steve Knowles asked:


Lasik eye surgery stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. It actually reduces people’s dependence on their glasses or contact lenses and involves a simple short surgical procedure on your eye using a cool laser beam. The whole procedure is virtually painless, takes only minutes per eye and is a one day procedure so you may go home the next day.

The Lasik procedure is as simple as the following three easy steps.

1. The cornea is like a few layers of stacked paper. An instrument

called a microkeratome gently glides across the top two of these

layers creating a flap which has like a hinge.

2. The doctor then has access to the third layer or the stroma of your

eye. The Excimer Laser then alters the shape of the cornea by the effect it has on the stroma.

3. The flap is then repositioned back over the newly contoured stroma without the need for stitches as eye tissue binds together

very quickly and simply on its own.

After this simple process, you are then sent home to rest. You will feel a

little discomfort, rather like having an eye lash stuck in your eye for about 12 hours or so until the healing process is well under way.

On average, one in 5 people are not suitable for Lasik surgery and this

can only be determined by a professional. Those not deemed suitable for Lasik may be more suited to other types of surgery so it is important to be aware of your options.

One of the best parts about Lasik eye surgery is that by the next day, your vision will have improved to the point where you can at least drive a car. Many people report their eyesight having improved to 20/20 vision!

The end result hopefully of Lasik surgery is to return the cornea to as close to a normal shape as possible, and in doing so improve your vision. Although Lasik surgery appears to produce what seem to be miraculous cures, it is also possible that complications may be included in the end result.

For those in the forty plus bracket who decide to try Lasik surgery, they may discover that they still require eyeglasses for reading. If you are thinking about Lasik eye surgery, you would be well advised to do thorough research, gather all the facts and get a solid understanding of what you should expect before committing to the procedure.

Monica Keller asked:


We live in a time of seemingly endless innovation and rapid technological progress. It is hard enough to keep up on the latest e-mail filters and cell phone video cameras, much less such specialized medical procedures as LASIK eye surgery.

But if you are considering laser vision correction of any kind—the popular and effective LASIK procedure or, if you are not a good candidate for that, an alternative such as LASEK or PRK—then it is no longer just a matter of passing interest. It is your responsibility to be an informed, prepared patient for any kind of surgery, so you need to learn the latest on LASIK technology used in LASIK eye surgeries as part of that preparation.

The best doctors and clinics want to ensure the very best possible results for their LASIK eye surgery patients, which often means having not one but several different kinds of equipment. There are technologies that are more appropriate for some patient conditions than others, which is why many practices are equipped with several examples of the latest equipment available.

There are at least five or six kinds of laser eye surgery equipment being used widely in the field today, and others are being developed all the time. Medical research and technology continues to make breakthroughs that improve and maintain people’s quality of life, and the last few years have been particularly good ones for advances in LASIK treatment.

The WaveScan™ Wavefront® System used by many specialists in LASIK eye surgery works by creating a “map” that shows how your optical system, as a whole, processes perceived light. This results in something akin to a “fingerprint” of each eye’s unique vision profile, meaning that each of your eyes can be treated for their own special imperfections during the LASIK eye surgery.

The VISX® Star S4™ laser, according to many of its proponents, brings a new standard of accuracy to laser vision correction with a combination of two different systems known as Variable Spot Scanning and 3D ActiveTrak®. With a laser calibrated to .25 microns, this hybrid system offers astonishing precision, and can treat many borderline conditions that were once beyond the scope of other technologies. (For comparison, human hairs are 60-80 microns in diameter.)

CustomVue™ systems match a specially created profile (again, a kind of “fingerprint”) of your vision to an “ideal” optical system. Once again using the VISX® Star S4™ laser, this profile data ensures precise, uniquely personalized LASIK eye surgery. If you are one of the particular LASIK patients who qualify for this kind of procedure, CustomVue™ allows the surgeon to eliminate microscopic flaws in your vision that cannot be corrected with either glasses or contact lenses.

One of the newest developments on the LASIK eye surgery scene is the IntraLase® laser. It uses a special technology and method for creating the corneal flap required in laser vision correction surgery. Replacing a standard metal blade, the IntraLase® laser produces a very precise flap.

J. Lloyd asked:


As more and more people choose to seek alternatives to pricey and inconvenient eyeglasses and contact lenses, the popularity of Lasik eye surgery continues to grow exponentially. The Lasik procedure was first performed in the United States in 1991; today over one million people in the U.S. have undergone the procedure. For patients looking to embark on Lasik, finding a reputable surgery center is paramount to achieving success.

For those living in the New York area, reputable Lasik eye surgery in New York is relatively easy to find. In such a populated area – and one that is a medical hub of the east coast – Lasik has been made available to the masses.

Lasik eye surgery works to repair the way in which our eyes refract light. In a normally functioning eye, the lens of the eye works to refract – or bend – light to the retina. The retina – a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye then takes that light and converts it to messages that can be understood by the optic nerve of the brain. The optic nerve receives these messages as visual images. When one link in the chain is affected the end result changes – much like the childhood game of Whisper Down The Lane.

In the case of refractive disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, light is not refracted properly to the retina. In turn the message that the retina sends to the optic nerve in the brain is received as a blurry image. Lasik surgery corrects the way in which we refract light through the use of laser technology.

During a Lasik procedure the eye is numbed, held open with a speculum, and immobilized with a corneal suction ring. After immobilization, the surgeon cuts a small incision in the top layer of the cornea making a flap. The flap is then folded back and the surgeon is able to access the underlayer of the cornea known as the stroma.

A low-powered laser is used to resurface the stroma so that light is refracted correctly going forward. After the laser procedure, the flap is replaced over the eye and allowed to heal naturally. Such a surgical procedure – while completed quickly – requires enormous precision and skill by experienced surgeons. Those undergoing Lasik eye surgery in New York often have little problem finding reputable and experienced surgical centers.

Ultimately, finding Lasik eye surgery in New York requires some research from the prospective patient. Those living in the New York area can often get a referral from their regular eye doctor or primary physician. But often the best way to find reputable Lasik eye centers is through a recommendation by someone who has had the procedure performed.

Talk to people who you know to have had the procedure and ask questions regarding their particular experience – including comfort level, respect received by the staff, the way in which surgeons addressed their questions and concerns, billing procedures, and aftercare.

Make sure to conduct your own research when it comes to finding Lasik eye surgery in New York; visit surgical centers in which you are interested and interview the surgeons to make sure that you are compatible with them on a personal and professional level. Ultimately – no matter where you have your procedure performed – you should feel as if you have been educated thoroughly regarding the procedure and have had all your questions answered.

Carson Danfield asked:


Refractive surgery (LASIK) often produces amazing results, however, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. If you’re considering LASIK, it’s important that you are aware of the limitations and possible complications that may arise.

According to FDA reports, nearly 100% of LASIK patients have good results and no complications, but you need to be aware that there are things that can and do go wrong. Some problems include double or triple vision, light distortion so severe that patients can’t drive at night, or eyes so dry that they have to wear goggles when going outside.

Some patients experience infections, inflammation of the eye, redness, blurriness or eye irritation. In many cases, LASIK eye surgery can eliminate your need for corrective lenses, but that’s not always the result. Sometimes, LASIK will drastically reduce your dependence on corrective lenses, but you may still require corrective lenses for some activities, such as reading. It’s best to think of LASIK as reducing your dependency upon corrective lenses – not necessarily as eliminating your need for them.

Diffuse lamellar keratitis is a post operative LASIK risk that happens when a foreign substance, such as a hair or speck of dirt gets trapped behind the corneal flap. If this happens to you, you may experience pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, along with the sensation that something is trapped in your eye. Rubbing will only intensify the problem and may lead to further complications, such as infection or tearing or dislodging of the corneal flap. Diffuse lamellar keratitis usually occurs as the result of the patient not exercising proper precautions during the healing period after LASIK eye surgery.

One of the most common complications of LASIK eye surgery is a slipped flap. The flap that was created during the LASIK procedure may become detached from the rest of the cornea. Most doctors recommend that you go home and sleep for several hours after completing the LASIK procedure in order to allow the cornea to start its healing process. That’s good advice and can substantially reduce your chances of experiencing a slipped flap.

Even without LASIK eye surgery, it’s expected that everyone’s eyes will change slightly with the passage of time – it’s just a natural part of life. After LASIK, your eyes will still follow their natural course of changing with time, so LASIK shouldn’t necessarily be considered a permanent solution. For most people however, their vision will not change enough to require any additional treatments, especially when the original procedure was done to correct for poor distant vision.

The information provided here is not intended to scare you away from LASIK eye surgery, since it has been a blessing to a great many people. For many who have chosen LASIK, it has meant that they are no longer dependent on corrective lenses in order to have good vision. It’s highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about LASIK and how any possible risks or side effects relate to your own personal circumstances.

Steven Walters asked:

Lasik eye surgery is very safe when compared with other types of vision correction surgery. The problem is that like most other types of surgery lasik can be quite expensive and many people might have problems affording lasik surgery. If you’re considering having the lasik procedure done to correct your vision then you should do some homework to find out what’s involved with the cost of lasik eye surgery.

The standard among eye surgery centers is to quote lasik prices on a per eye basis. Since this is the case you may be wondering what the average cost per eye is for lasik surgery. Unfortunately this is not an easy question to answer since the cost of lasik eye surgery can be influenced by many different factors. Keep in mind that the supper cheap prices of $500 per eye that you may see advertised are often not valid for most people.

Some of the factors involved in the cost of lasik eye surgery are as follows:

The first cost factor you’ll run into is the cost of pre-operative evaluations. This is critically important to determine if you are a good candidate for lasik and to tell if there are any potential complications to your lasik surgery. It will also help the surgeon determine what type of eye surgery is most appropriate for your individual circumstances. Many lasik surgeons offer free evaluations so you can get the opinion and costs from several doctors before making a decision on who will do your lasik eye surgery.

Another cost factor is the type of equipment being used in the eye surgery. Lasers, computerized eye scanners, tear analysis and eye tracking equipment are all expensive and some of the laser manufacturers actually get a residual every time the surgeon uses their laser. These equipment expenses all impact the cost of lasik eye surgery. Each eye surgery center may use different equipment and the costs can vary dramatically.

To save yourself some money on your eye surgery look for lasik discounts, but be cautious as well when considering these discount offers. You’ll need to read all of the fine print to know what is included and more importantly what is not included in discount lasik prices. In some cases the discounts won’t be available to everyone and some discounts don’t include important pre-operative and post-operative testing and follow up. This can end up making your lasik eye surgery more risky, which is never a good idea.

Based on what eye surgery center you choose the cost of lasik eye surgery can vary by as much as $1500 per eye. This is a huge difference so be sure to shop around and have consultations with several lasik providers prior to making your decision. And don’t forget to read the fine print if you’re considering discount lasik eye surgery to keep yourself safe.

Louis Zhang asked:


LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

A laser or a surgical blade is used to cut a flap in the cornea. Then, a laser removes tissue beneath the flap, permanently changing the focusing power of the cornea, thereby improving vision.

Laser eye surgery is relatively painless, quick and convenient. There are two surgical methods from which to choose.

Do your research, ask lots of questions and follow all of the surgeon’s directives both prior to and following the lasik procedure to improve its effectiveness.

The Lasik Procedure In order to access the stroma, the surgeon cuts a flap in the upper portion of the cornea, right above the pupil. Numbing drops are put into the eye, the cornea is marked to aid in replacing the flap, and then the eye area is cleaned.

A lid speculum holds the eye open. High pressure is applied to the eye with a suction ring that is briefly placed directly on the eye. Then the flap is cut. This is called a keratectomy, which may be done by either of two methods.

The time-tested way uses a microkeratome, a cutting instrument or blade. The newer method of cutting the flap is by “laser-only” or femtosecond lasik, sometimes known by the brand name “IntraLase”.

After the suction ring is removed, both lasik methods are nearly identical.

The corneal flap is folded back, and the exposed tissue is allowed to dry. Then, the patient is asked to stare at a light for about sixty seconds to help keep the eye fixed and immobile.

In less than one minute, the lasik computer pulses high-energy ultraviolet light removing the tissue that was previously determined to reshape the cornea most effectively and accurately.

The lasik laser makes clicking sounds, and there may be a smell of burning tissue. After very precise amounts of tissue are removed from the stroma, the surgeon lays the flap back into place. The eye is observed for a few minutes to make sure that proper bonding is taking place.

After Lasik Eye Surgery Once the surgery is complete, a protective shield is placed over the eye, to prevent pressure and anything from bumping the eye. Since there are no stitches in lasik surgery, these precautions must be taken to ensure that the flap remains in place.

Some patients return to work the next day, but most doctors recommend that you wait a few days. Strenuous activity, and non-contact sports should be avoided for up to three days.

Facial products and makeup are out for up to two weeks. The eyelashes may need to be scrubbed fairly often during this time to help prevent infection.

No contact sports are allowed for at least four weeks. Expect to leave off swimming, hot tubs, whirlpools and saunas for up to eight weeks.

Expected Outcomes from Lasik Most lasik patients see huge improvements in their vision by the next day. Vision may continue to improve for three to six months post-operatively. While visual fluctuations may occur temporarily throughout the day, this tendency diminishes over time.

Lasik eye surgery is not for everyone. Most good candidates follow their surgeon’s pre and post-operative directives faithfully. They find their vision, and therefore their lifestyle, greatly enhanced by this laser procedure.

Chris Crowe asked:


Wavefront Lasik is called by some a slightly better procedure than the traditional lasik eye surgery operation. Also called custom wavefront lasik, this procedure is more precise than other procedures

because it maps corneal irregularities before the surgery begins.

This means that the wavefront lasik procedure (which is also more expensive) is more attuned to the actual eye it is being performed on. With a detailed map of the specific eye, in theory the procedure can be more effective in solving the particular vision deficiencies of the patient.

Traditional lasik utilizes a similar way of measuring the eye as when you get fitted for contacts or glasses. For people with minor vision modifications needed, this is fine. But for people with higher order aberrations, they may need a more exact procedure.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are some of these lower level problems that the normal lasik eye surgery may be used with great effect on. Other problems may require more specialization.

Wavefront lasik eye surgery works in a few steps. First, the doctor shines a light into the eye. A computer inputs the data (which will show any abnormalities in the eye) and analyzes the data. Then a three dimensional model of the eye is created and the laser is put to use.

A beam of laser light then shapes the inside layers of your cornea to replicate the particular prescription the patient has in glasses or contacts. In addition, it looks for other repairs that can be made to the eye to improve vision. Wavefront uses more technology–the name is derived from the fact that light waves are used to scan the eye and gather information about the cornea and any necessary vision corrections. Some people have had great outcomes with this surgery.

Some people have trouble with glasses and contacts and just can’t seem to avoid annoying vision problems like glare and the halo-effect of lights at night when they wear glasses. People who just don’t want to deal with glasses and contact lenses also may opt for lasik surgery. It’s very important to talk to qualified physicians about the procedure and be guided by them throughout.

The wavefront lasik procedure can take as little as a half-hour or even shorter, depending on the vision doctor and whatever guidelines he or she follows.

Since the corneal flap that is created is so tiny and is in a high-blood area of the face (the eye) recovery time is very quick. Most doctors recommend lots of fluids and that the patient avoids any kind of eye-straining activities. Reading and even watching television may be considered “too much.”

But even then, the healing process takes only two or three days. Lasik is a procedure that shouldn’t be taken lightly even though the process and the healing seems so quick, relatively painless, and easy. It is always necessary to find a vision specialist you trust and to find advice from people who have undergone the procedure, general basic information about the procedure, and any other information you can find to prepare yourself.

If you are not convinced that one doctor is right, you can always consult others to get a different perspective on your health needs. You only have one pair of eyes–you should take care of them.

John Carew asked:

Improving your eyesight has become very popular in recent years, and following that, Orange County Lasik eye surgery is quickly turning into many residents’ choice of medical procedure they are going for in priorities. Eyesight problems like astigmatism and myopia have been increasingly common among individuals with the increase in usage of televisions and computers. With the advent of Lasik, these medical problems can quickly become a thing of the past.

However, one factor that has limited the take on rate of Lasik eye surgery in Orange County has been the cost of such a procedure. Having Lasik performed on your eyes does not come cheap in general for most people, as it could set a person back an amount from $500 to $2000 per eye. To improve your chances of having Lasik surgery without spending a fortune, choosing a good eye surgeon is critical to achieving that aim. There are certain things anyone should look out for in selecting a Lasik surgeon while trying to reduce the cost of the operation. It does not mean having to go for a less qualified doctor if you wish to save some money.

When you need cheap Lasik surgery but with a success rate that justifies the risk, selecting the right surgeon with the right requirements is the key. As with all medical procedures that you wish to undertake, always make sure that you have done your due diligence in researching on the subject and the various surgeons and eye centers available in your region. There are many laser eye surgery centers in Orange County, and they offer different qualities of service at different rates. Find the eye centers and Lasik surgeons that provide the specific Lasik procedure you require and make a comparison among them.

Ensure you know the risks that await you with Lasik surgery, and look for Lasik surgeons that have good track records and success rates. A good point to look out for when choosing the right surgeon to perform your procedure is to consider the kind of precautions and checks that he or she will ask that you go through before considering if Lasik surgery is right for you. While the medical solution can bring relief for many who suffer from various eye conditions, it is not suitable for everyone. If you carry certain conditions such as being pregnant, you should not have laser eye surgery. Surgeons who are considerate about their patients’ well being and medical history should be prioritized in your selection.

Everyone would prefer not to have to wear glasses or contact lenses, as it not only bring more convenience in one’s life, but also a fresher and better quality of life. Getting a qualified Lasik surgeon with a proven track record is therefore an important step in you enjoying a successful Lasik eye surgery and reaping the benefits. The process of selecting one might be tedious, but anything that concerns your health should be done with some caution and care. In doing so, the chances of you having better eyesight would be much higher at the end of the whole process.

J. Lloyd asked:


For anyone considering Lasik eye surgery, the importance of finding a reputable and experienced Lasik eye surgery center is absolutely crucial. Just as you would never embark on a surgical procedure with doctors that you didn’t know or trust, you should never entrust the health of your eyesight to random surgeons you find in the yellow pages of the phone book.

In order to get what you need from Lasik surgery – in a safe and effective way – you must find a surgical center that extends quality, dependability, experience, and professionalism to their patients – at all times.

Lasik eye surgery – for the uninitiated – is a refractive procedure that works to correct the way in which our eyes refract light. When light is captured by the lens of our eye – the portion of the eye located directly behind the iris, or colored part of the eye – the lens refracts, or bends, the light to be then captured by the retina, a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye.

The retina then takes those light signals and converts them into messages that can be understood by the optic nerve in our brain. When there are refractive difficulties in our eyes – through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – the light is not refracted to the retina properly and the brain receives a message of a blurry image.

During the Lasik procedure, a laser is used to resurface the cornea – the thin, transparent covering that blankets the iris and lens of the eye – thus clearing the way for refractive clarity. Lasik is generally a painless procedure that can be performed in mere minutes. Skilled surgeons who work within a Lasik eye surgery center and perform this procedure on a daily basis are in the best position to assess your candidacy for the procedure and what will work best for your eyesight.

Begin your search for a Lasik eye surgery center by looking in your immediate area; logistical convenience should be your first consideration but it shouldn’t be your only one. Speak to people who have had the procedure performed in your area in order to get a sense for the more popular and reputable surgery centers.

If you are interested in a particular Lasik eye surgery center, then speak to patients who have had the procedure performed in that center and who are willing to share their experience. Finally, visit the centers in which you are interested to assess their organization, patient care including pre-operative and post-operative care, cleanliness, professionalism of the staff, and financial options available to you.

Once you have decided on a Lasik eye surgery center it is important to then research the surgeons who work within the center and who will be assigned to your case. With the assistance of the Internet it does not take very long to investigate the education, experience, and reputation of any surgeon in which you are interested. Meet with the surgeon yourself to get a feel for his/her standard of care and what systems they put into place to ensure your comfort and successful outcome.