Free VIP iLASIK Consultation
Learn more about LASIK and see if it’s the right option for you during a Free VIP iLASIK Consultation with one of our surgery counselors!
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. In simple terms, LASIK uses a cool excimer laser to gently reshape the cornea, the clear window at the front of your eye. By reshaping the cornea, light can properly focus on the retina, allowing you to see clearly without glasses or contacts.
Today, LASIK is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world, with millions of successful treatments each year. It is accurate, precise, and highly predictable, with long lasting benefits. Most procedures take only a few minutes per eye, and many patients return to normal activities the very next day.
If you have been considering LASIK eye surgery, Valley Eye Associates offers advanced iLASIK technology designed to give you the clearest results and the confidence to enjoy life without lenses.
Watch the video above to learn more about Dr. Vrabec and how iLASIK can help you see the important moments in your life more clearly!
Advanced LASIK Technology at Valley Eye Associates
The success of your LASIK eye surgery depends on precision, and at Valley Eye Associates, we invest in the most advanced LASIK technology available. Unlike traditional methods that still rely on metal blades, we use an all laser approach for maximum safety and accuracy.
Our technology includes:
- iDesign and CustomVue Treatments – capture a unique “fingerprint” of your eye’s imperfections for a fully customized treatment.
- Iris Registration and Eye Tracker Technology – ensures the laser stays perfectly aligned, even if your eyes move during the procedure.
- Intralase iFS Laser – creates a custom corneal flap without handheld blades, improving safety and comfort.
- VISX Star Laser – delivers treatment accuracy down to 0.25 microns, with real time 3D tracking for precise results.
By combining these innovations, we are able to offer patients increased safety, better predictability, and improved vision outcomes compared to older methods. When you choose Valley Eye Associates, you are choosing a trusted LASIK center dedicated to excellence.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Watch the video above to learn more about the iDesign system.
The LASIK Procedure Step by Step
Your customized LASIK procedure is simple and highly precise, designed to give you the clearest vision possible. At Valley Eye Associates, we use advanced iDesign technology to ensure every step is tailored to your eyes.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Step 1: Mapping Your Eye
We create detailed measurements of your eye and cornea using Wavefront-Optimized technology. This allows us to create a “map” of your eye, complete with every contour and shape, so that we can program the laser to your eye exactly.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Step 2: Creating the Flap
A thin, precise flap is gently created on the surface of your cornea using advanced laser technology. This flap allows safe access to the underlying corneal tissue where the vision correction is performed. The process is highly controlled and customized to your eye, ensuring accuracy, comfort, and smooth healing.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Step 3: Reshaping the Cornea
The exposed cornea stroma is then reshaped with a cool excimer laser. Eye tracking technology allows for an accurate and precise treatment, even if your eye is moving. Finally, the flap is folded back in place, allowing the eye to begin healing immediately.
After the surgical procedure, the flap is carefully repositioned, and your eye begins healing immediately. Most patients notice clearer vision right away and can return to regular activities the next day.
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, our experienced LASIK eye doctor will guide you through each step to make sure you feel comfortable and confident about your treatment.
For more information, download our brochures:
How Should I Prepare Before my LASIK Eye Surgery?
BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION
To ensure the most accurate measurements during your consultation, we kindly ask that you follow these simple guidelines:
- Soft Contact Lenses: Discontinue use at least 3 days prior to consultation
- Hard or Gas Permeable Lenses: Discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to consultation
Allowing your corneas to return to their natural shape is crucial for creating the most precise and effective treatment plan.
YOUR LASIK CONSULTATION
Your path to clearer vision starts with a personalized consultation with our expert team. During this initial visit, we will perform some preliminary measurements with advanced imaging technology. With the guidance of these measurements and imaging, we will confirm if LASIK is the safest, most effective choice for your eyes.
Once candidacy confirmed, our team will discuss your vision goals and explain the LASIK procedure, answering any questions you have. Then, we will finalize your custom treatment plan by choosing a convenient date for your procedure.
PREPARING FOR LASIK EYE SURGERY
In the days leading up to your procedure, our team will provide you with specific pre-surgical instructions, which may include:
- Discontinuing contact lenses again prior to surgery – 3 days prior for soft contact lenses, 2 weeks prior for hard contact lenses.
- Starting medicated eye drops 2 days prior to surgery.
- Avoiding eye make-up 3 days prior to surgery.
- Arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure, as your vision will be adjusting.
Our team will also review your post-operative care instructions with you in detail on the day of your LASIK procedure to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
With decades of experience, and thousands of LASIK procedures performed, Dr. Michael Vrabec and Dr. Philip Smith and the entire Valley Eye team are committed to making your experience safe, smooth, and successful.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER LASIK?
At Valley Eye Associates, your comfort, safety, and clear vision are our highest priorities throughout every step of your LASIK recovery. Our dedicated team will provide you with personalized post-op instructions and schedule routine follow-up visits to ensure your eyes heal beautifully and your vision continues to thrive.
WHAT TO EXPECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER LASIK?
Rest: Plan to relax and sleep for the remainder of your surgery day. Giving your eyes a a chance to recover early significantly accelerates the natural healing process.
Mild Symptoms: It’s completely normal to experience slight burning, itching, watering, or light sensitivity during the first 24 hours. These symptoms usually improve quickly.
Protect your Eyes: We will provide protective eye shields to wear while sleeping, alongside prescription medicated drops designed to prevent infection and minimize inflammation.
Dryness: You may notice some temporary dryness as your eyes adjust. Using lubricating eye drops frequently will keep your eyes feeling comfortable and refreshed.
What is The Recovery Like After LASIK
RETURNING TO DAILY ACTIVITIES AFTER LASIK
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily activities as early as the day after LASIK. We do ask that patients avoid any strenuous activities for 7 days to protect the corneal flap as it heals, this includes no lifting anything over 40 lbs for 7 days and also staying out of a dusty environment.
Refrain from swimming in a pool for 7 days, and staying out of a hot tub, lake, or ocean for 1 month after lasik.
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery Cost
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “How much does LASIK eye surgery cost?” At Valley Eye Associates, we believe in transparency and helping you understand what goes into the price of your procedure. Below are the main factors helping you see the bigger picture and making a smarter choice for your eyes.
- Your Surgeon’s Experience & Reputation
- When it comes to your sight, experience is everything. Our surgeons bring decades of specialized training, advanced clinical expertise, and a proven track record of thousands of successful procedures right here to the Fox Valley. We don’t cut corners on your safety or your results. Choosing a highly experienced local specialist isn’t just about a price tag—it’s an investment in the long-term quality and clarity of your vision.
- Advanced Technology & Customization
- The technology behind your procedure plays a major role in the overall investment. Modern laser vision correction has advanced significantly, offering a level of precision and customization that older methods simply cannot match. At Valley Eye Associates, we utilize the ultra-advanced iDesign Wavefront system. This technology creates a highly detailed, 3D map of your eye’s unique imperfections down to the micron—measuring your vision 25 times more precisely than a standard glasses prescription. By pairing this high-definition mapping with completely bladeless technology, we tailor the treatment entirely to your eyes. Investing in this caliber of sophisticated technology is the key to achieving your sharpest possible results while ensuring the highest level of safety.
- Detailed LASIK Package
- Customized Consult + Evaluation: A thorough evaluation with an experienced doctor, making sure LASIK is the absolute safest choice for you
- The Surgery Itself: The actual laser procedure
- 6 months worth of post-operative visits with referring optometrist: Important follow-up care for monitoring your healing and answering any questions afterwards
- 12 months of enhancements, if necessary: Peace of mind in the event we would need to fine-tune or enhance your initial result
Does Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?
A common concern for many patients is whether insurance helps reduce the LASIK eye surgery cost. Since LASIK eye surgery is considered an elective procedure, most insurance providers do not cover it. However, there are still several ways to make treatment more affordable. Thanks to a handful of insurance companies, most patients with insurance benefits can save 15% off our LASIK price.
At Valley Eye Associates, we guide patients through every payment option. Our team can provide a clear breakdown during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. We are committed to making your vision correction not only life changing but also financially manageable.
Flexible LASIK Financing and Payment Plans
At Valley Eye Associates, we believe that clearer vision should be within reach for everyone. That’s why we provide multiple LASIK financing options to make treatment more affordable.
We partner with CareCredit to offer flexible LASIK payment plans, including interest free and extended monthly options. These plans allow you to spread out the LASIK eye surgery cost over time, making it easier to fit into your budget.
Patients searching for affordable LASIK eye surgery often find that payment flexibility makes a big difference. You can also explore your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost.
To help you plan, we also provide a LASIK savings calculator so you can compare the lifetime savings of vision correction compared to glasses or contacts.
With convenient LASIK payment plan choices and personalized support, achieving clear vision has never been more accessible.
PRK vs LASIK:
PRK is a procedure that does not involve creating a corneal flap. While effective, recovery is longer compared to LASIK eye surgery. The cost for PRK is the same as LASIK.
Breaking Down your Lasik Investment
Let’s talk numbers. Across the country, LASIK prices can be all over the place—usually anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per eye. Why the massive gap? It usually comes down to the tech they’re using, how seasoned the surgeon is, and the regional cost of living.
Our first priority is always making sure LASIK is the safest, best choice for your unique eyes and lifestyle. Here at Valley Eye, we’re big fans of total transparency. If LASIK is what is best for you, our standard pricing lands between $2,400-$2,600 per eye. That covers the best tech out there, including completely bladeless LASIK and custom iDesign Wavefront optimization to map your eye’s unique imperfections down to the micron. Many of our patients actually end up paying closer to around $2,000 per eye once their insurance benefits and any employer discounts are applied!
Breaking Down your LASIK Investment
While the cost of LASIK is naturally an important part of your decision, this procedure is so much more than just a regular expense. It’s a meaningful investment in a life less dependent with the hassles of glasses and contacts—giving you the crisp, clear vision you deserve every single day.
The Truth About “Bargain” LASIK
We get it—super low price tags are tempting. But when a deal feels too good to be true, it usually is. LASIK budget centers love to cut corners or tack on surprise fees later. At Valley Eye Associates, our promise to you is simple: Exceptional LASIK experiences build on clinical quality and total transparency. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t play guessing games with your vision. If something doesn’t look right, we won’t just proceed with your treatment. As a team, we stand firmly behind our work and our patients, ensuring you receive the absolute highest standard of care at every single step of this life-changing journey.
Below are some commonly asked questions about the procedure! Let’s hear the answers from the surgeons themselves!
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Eye Surgery in Wisconsin
Vision Expectations with LASIK
Is LASIK Permanent?
Does LASIK correct Astigmatism?
Does LASIK cause Dry Eye?
Does LASIK hurt?
Risks of LASIK
Who Makes a Good LASIK Candidate?
LASIK Affordability
LASIK is a fantastic investment in your vision and your future! Valley Eye Associates is committed to providing the best LASIK program in the region, and we’re also committed to making LASIK affordable for as many people as possible. That’s why we’ve partnered with CareCredit to create a variety of payment plan options for you. We hope these payment plan options can help you envision how LASIK might fit into your financial goals!
In addition to patient financing options, you may also consider your Health Savings Accounts, Flex Spending Accounts, and other payment options to pay for your iLASIK procedure. Schedule your Free VIP iLASIK Consultation or call our office at (800) 344‑4443 to learn more about all the options available to you!
Take the Next Step Toward Clear Vision
Are you ready to experience the freedom of life without glasses or contacts? At Valley Eye Associates, we make it easy to explore your options for LASIK eye surgery with confidence.
- Schedule your Free VIP iLASIK Consultation today to find out if you are a candidate.
- Complete our LASIK Self Evaluation for personalized information about your vision.
- Use our LASIK cost calculator and savings tools to see how affordable vision correction can be compared to a lifetime of glasses or contacts.
Valley Eye Associates is here to provide advanced technology, trusted expertise, and exceptional eye care.
Your vision is too important to wait. Contact us today and discover how LASIK eye surgery can help you enjoy every moment of life with clarity.