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LASIK Eye Surgery

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Using the latest in vision correction technology, our LASIK specialists help patients in Lakeland achieve crisp, clear sight with vision correction surgery.

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of people who undergo LASIK eye surgery achieve vision that is 20/20 or better.

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What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, helps focus light on the retina at the back of the eye for sharp vision. LASIK improves vision by correcting the shape of the cornea in eyes that do not have light correctly focused on the retina.

What Can LASIK Treat?

LASIK laser eye surgery can help patients reduce dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses by correcting refractive errors, which are the most common type of vision problems:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism
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LASIK Safety

Since it was invented more than 30 years ago, and FDA approved more than 20 years ago, LASIK has been studied extensively for safety and efficacy. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, LASIK has an excellent safety track record, with a complication rate below 1%. In fact, studies show that wearing contact lenses introduces a higher risk of certain complications, such as microbial keratitis, when compared to LASIK. Many eye doctors choose to have LASIK themselves and recommend LASIK for their family members.

Benefits of LASIK

The benefits of clear vision are endless. More than 96% of LASIK patients report happiness with their improved vision. While each patient has a unique experience with LASIK, benefits include:

  • Immediate results
  • Long-term vision correction
  • Greater ease working out and playing sports
  • Freedom from the hassle of glasses, contact lenses, and accessories
  • Convenience of waking up with great vision
  • Increased self-confidence for people who don’t like the way they look in glasses
  • Enhanced career opportunities for people interested in certain careers such as military, outdoor, and active work

Your Lakeland LASIK Surgeons

Our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest in laser surgery technology to ensure you get the best care possible. Meet your local LASIK surgeons:

Monte R. Sichelman, M.D., M.B.A.
Monte R. Sichelman
M.D.
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Am I a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is a great option for many patients, and you may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a prescription that has not changed much in the past year
  • Are in good overall health, with no history of eye disease

Take our quick candidacy quiz to learn if LASIK may be right for you!

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Vision Correction Options

If you learn at your consultation appointment that LASIK is not an option for you, there may be alternative vision correction procedures that are suitable for you. Your eye doctor can tell you more about which procedures may best meet your needs:

  • Clear Lens Exchange
  • PRK
  • LRI

With the advancements made in intraocular lens technology, a fairly new form of refractive surgery has started to gain in popularity. The clear lens exchange is an outpatient procedure where the eye’s natural lens is removed, and a permanent artificial lens is implanted. The advanced intraocular lens implanted is designed to correct for a full range of vision, including reading. Aging of the eye’s natural lens eventually leads to presbyopia (the eye’s natural lens loses the capability to focus on up close objects). Patients must resort to reading glasses and/or bifocals to see clearly up close.

In PRK, Photorefractive Keratectomy, the Excimer Laser is also utilized for reshaping the cornea, but prior to the procedure some of the surface cells of the cornea, called the corneal epithelium, are removed. Some patients, due to individual variations in the eye’s anatomy, may be better candidates for the PRK eye surgery procedure. These patients typically have a longer recovery time and may need pain medication for a few days.

Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI), is performed by making tiny incisions at the edge of the cornea called the corneal limbus. Our surgeon can induce changes in the cornea by adjusting the length, depth, and location of these incisions. The effect of this procedure is to alleviate the corneal astigmatism while keeping the average corneal power untouched. While often used in combination with cataract or clear lens exchange procedures, this procedure can be performed by itself as a means to correct vision in patients with corneal astigmatism.

Your LASIK Procedure: What to Expect

Patients find LASIK to be a painless procedure, with immediate results. Our team will ensure you feel comfortable and prepared each step of the way.

Before LASIK

Getting ready for LASIK is simple. During your consultation appointment, our experienced LASIK surgeon will learn more about you and check your eyes to ensure that LASIK is right for you. We will also answer any questions you have. Once your LASIK appointment is scheduled, our team will give you detailed preoperative instructions.

During LASIK

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, and the actual surgery takes as little as 15 minutes per eye.

  • Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
  • A painless device will be used to keep your eyes open during surgery.
  • Your surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap on the outermost layer of the cornea.
  • Your surgeon will use a very precise laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
  • The corneal flap will then be repositioned and begin to heal immediately.

Recovery After LASIK

LASIK recovery is typically quick and easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You will need to have a friend or family member drive you home.
  • Many patients return to work, driving, and many day-to-day activities one day after surgery. 
  • It is normal to experience minor discomfort and blurred vision in the hours after LASIK surgery, but these side effects are temporary and will subside. 
  • You will need to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise and swimming, for one to two weeks.  
  • Complete recovery can take up to six months after the procedure for your eyes to fully heal. Still, you’ll notice clear, crisp vision long before that.

Our team will give you detailed postoperative instructions and schedule you for a follow-up appointment.

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How Much Does LASIK Cost?

At Lakeland Eye Clinic, we know how important affordable vision care is to our patients. We also understand that each patient has unique needs and goals.

The cost of LASIK can vary based on your personalized treatment plan. We will give you transparent pricing information, as well as financing options, at your consultation appointment.

Schedule a free consultation appointment with your Lakeland LASIK eye doctor to better understand what your LASIK procedure will cost at Lakeland Eye Clinic.

Did you know that LASIK can save you money over the long term when compared to the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses?

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

Who Should Not Have LASIK?

During your eye exam, your doctor will check for any sign of eye conditions that may disqualify you for LASIK, such as thin corneas, keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye disease. If it turns out that LASIK isn’t right for you, your eye doctor may be able to recommend another vision correction procedure.

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

LASIK is generally considered a quick and comfortable procedure. Most patients find that the anesthetic eye drops applied before the surgery ensure no pain during the procedure. You might feel a sensation of pressure or experience dimming of your vision at various points in the procedure.

Will My Insurance Cover LASIK?

Most medical and vision insurance plans consider LASIK to be elective and therefore do not cover it. However, you can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for LASIK, or you can take advantage of our financing options.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Lakeland Eye Clinic

At Lakeland Eye Clinic, we believe you deserve the best vision care possible. We are here to answer any questions and help you achieve better vision. Call us at (863) 688-5604 or book an appointment online.

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