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 is an acronym that stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.” In a LASIK procedure, a cool excimer laser is used to gently reshape the cornea (the clear window in front of your eye). By reshaping the cornea, your eye can properly focus images on the retina (the seeing part of your eye). When these images are properly focused, you won’t need glasses or contacts to see clearly!
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed procedures around the world today. With millions of procedures performed each year, it is an accurate, precise, and predictable procedure with benefits that last for many years. Your LASIK procedure will last only minutes, and most patients return to their normal daily activities the day after their procedure. The benefits of clearer vision thanks to LASIK will help you create memories for a lifetime and the lifestyle you deserve.
And the most exciting part? A vast majority of LASIK patients at Valley Eye Associates see 20/20 (and, sometimes, even better) after their LASIK surgery. If you would like to learn more about whether or not you may be eligible for LASIK, take our self-evaluation survey and we will send you more information about your options.
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!
LASIK Technology
Advances in LASIK technology mean that more people than ever before are good candidates for a LASIK procedure. Whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, our LASIK technology can help you achieve more vision clarity and freedom. At Valley Eye Associates, we use the most advanced all-laser iLASIK technology to treat each of these eye conditions. While other LASIK practices still use a metal blade for part of the LASIK procedure, we are committed to providing the most innovative all-laser option for the greatest possible precision, increased safety and predictability, and better vision outcomes.
The technology we invest in has proven to benefit our patients:
- iDesign and CustomVue Treatments help us capture a “fingerprint” image of your eye’s imperfections for a treatment unique to each patient.
- Iris Registration and Eye Tracker Technology functions like an eye scanner and helps the laser perfectly track your eye during your procedure.
- Intralase iFS Laser Technology allows us to perform all-laser LASIK without the use of any handheld blades by safely creating a custom cornea flap for each patient.
- The VISX Star Laser offers the highest level of laser precision for your LASIK procedure by providing accuracy to 0.25 microns (a human hair is about 70 microns thick!). It’s also the only laser system that features 3-D technology that tracks and adjusts for eye movement in every direction during the treatment.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Watch the video above to learn more about the iDesign system.
LASIK Procedure
Your customized iLASIK procedure using the iDesign System can be explained in three steps. In each of these steps, we use highly advanced technology and precision measurements to ensure your LASIK procedure is simple and effective.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Step 1
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
Next, we use our precise iFS laser to gently create a protective flap on the surface of your eye. This flap is gently lifted to expose the cornea stroma. Using a laser for this step of your procedure ensures the precision and accuracy of the flap creation.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision
Step 3
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 your iLASIK procedure, you will notice improved vision immediately! We will provide you with eye drops and instructions to follow after your procedure. Most patients tell us that their eyes feel great just a few hours after the procedure, and nearly all patients are able to return to work and most daily activities the next day.
For more information, download our brochures:
LASIK FAQs
How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?
The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate is to join us for a Free VIP iLASIK Consultation. During that consultation, we will take detailed measurements of your eyes and discuss your lifestyle and vision goals. All this information will help us inform you if you’re a candidate for LASIK. Thanks to advances in technology, nearly all our patients are candidates for either iLASIK or one of our other advanced vision correction procedures.
Generally speaking, ideal candidates for LASIK are 18 to 60 years old, have had a stable vision correction prescription for 12 months, and have good overall health and eye health. Our LASIK Self-Evaluation can help you understand some of these criteria and get you started on your journey to better vision
Does LASIK hurt?
No — LASIK is a non-invasive procedure that most patients describe as being nearly pain-free. Before a LASIK procedure, the surface of your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. Patients will feel a small amount of pressure during the actual LASIK procedure. In addition, for the first 12 hours after LASIK, patients do experience some irritation and tear production. This is a normal part of the eye adjusting and healing after LASIK. Most of our patients tell us they take a nap after their LASIK procedure and wake up feeling and seeing much better!
I’ve heard LASIK is expensive! How much does it cost?
There’s no way around it — LASIK is a significant investment in your vision and your preferred lifestyle. While there are cheaper options for LASIK advertised in the region, Valley Eye Associates has invested in the most precise and advanced LASIK technology available in order to protect your vision.
We believe that iLASIK is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your future. Consider how much money you might spend on glasses and contacts each year over the next 10-20 years. Now think about how much you might spend on a summer or holiday vacation. While a vacation lasts a week, clearer vision will benefit you for many years. And, when you go on vacation, clearer vision will help you create even more vivid memories!
Finally, we are committed to providing flexible payment and financing options to make LASIK an option for patients on nearly any budget. That’s why we offer CareCredit financing and can discuss other options with you, such as Flex Spending Accounts, to create a financial plan for your LASIK procedure.
How long does it take to recover after LASIK?
You will notice the changes in your vision right after your procedure. After your procedure, there will be eye drops to use for a week or so. When you wake up the day after your procedure, you will likely notice the higher quality of your new LASIK vision. Most people are able to return to work and nearly all of their daily activities the day after their procedure!
Following your LASIK procedure, you will want to avoid contact sports, swimming, and other activities that could directly impact your eyes for one week. Your doctor will check on your eyes throughout this time and let you know when you can fully return to all activities.
Will my LASIK results last forever?
Yes! The results of your LASIK procedure are permanent because the cornea is reshaped using our advanced laser platform. Many people enjoy the results of their LASIK procedure for decades. Despite what you may hear, LASIK does not “wear off.” But, a small percentage of our patients do have a small laser enhancement months of years after the initial procedure to fine tune the results.
However, it is also true that after your LASIK procedure, your eye and body will continue to change as a natural part of the aging process. This is unrelated to your LASIK procedure. Over time, the effects of presbyopia or cataracts on your eye can create new issues that can cause blurry, cloudy vision. Valley Eye Associates offers innovative programs to treat these conditions as well, ensuring that we can continue to monitor and maintain your clear vision after your LASIK procedure.
After your LASIK procedure, it is important to continue regular eye exams and proper care for your eyes to maintain the benefits of your LASIK procedure.
Are there risks with a LASIK procedure?
There are risks associated with any type of surgery, even a surgery as advanced and predictable as LASIK. Thanks to the vast experience and advanced technology offered by Dr. Vrabec and the Valley Eye Associates team, your iLASIK procedure will be very safe and very precise. When you see us for your Free VIP iLASIK Consultation, we will discuss the possible risks with you in detail so you can understand how our premium technology and process can reduce any risk of your LASIK procedure and create a great outcome for your vision. In fact, Dr. Vrabec has performed over 30,000 refractive procedures with an extremely low complication rate.
Can I fly following LASIK?
There is no reason to be concerned about flying after LASIK, as a passenger or as a pilot. Airplane air is dry, so it is helpful to bring artificial tears with you when you fly, especially during the first 6 months after surgery.
An extreme example of LASIK flap safety while flying may be found in the experience of a naval flight officer who ejected from his F/A-18F Super Hornet at 13 000 feet at a speed in excess of 400 miles per hour. His 7-year old LASIK flap was unharmed, and vision the next day was 20/15.
Another study showed that 88% of pilots who land on aircraft carriers at night found their night vision to be better after LASIK with no glasses than they did with their glasses before surgery.
Discover more answers to your LASIK questions during this Q&A with Dr. Vrabec. (This promotion is no longer valid.)
LASIK Affordability
LASIK is a fantastic investment in your vision and your future — it’s also a big investment! 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!
