Three Things To Know About LASIK

Ophthalmology services include the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as eye surgery. One type of eye surgery that is becoming especially popular is LASIK. The FDA approved this type of surgery in 1999. Each year, ophthalmologists perform about 700,000 LASIK procedures a year.

If you are considering LASIK, here are three things you should know about this particular ophthalmology service.

1. Know the Benefits of LASIK

The best benefit of LASIK is that your vision will improve right after an ophthalmologist performs the procedure. Not only will your vision improve right away, you will have a very high chance of having perfect vision. In fact, 85 percent of people who undergo LASIK have 20/20 vision afterward. Because of your improved vision, you most likely will not have to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore.

The procedure is minimally invasive, with no stitches or bandages required. This means you will have a short recovery time. You won't even have to stay overnight in the hospital as LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis in a facility that offers ophthalmology services.

2. Know the Risks of LASIK

If you are deciding whether to undergo LASIK, you will need to decide if the risks outweigh the benefits. Some risks of LASIK include:

  • Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
  • Astigmatism
  • Double vision
  • Flap problems

If you experience any of these issues, it is possible in some instances for the ophthalmologist to do another procedure to make corrections. One risk that is rare is loss of vision.

If you have certain conditions, it may increase your risk of problems with LASIK. Some of these conditions include autoimmune disorders, persistent dry eyes, inflammation of the cornea, or a weakened immune system. If you have certain eye disease, are severely nearsighted, or have large pupils, an ophthalmologist may recommend not having LASIK.

3. Know the Cost of LASIK

The average price for LASIK in the United States is about $2,246 per eye. Some factors that contribute to this cost include the type of technology that's used and the reputation of the ophthalmologist performing the procedure. While you may be able to find LASIK procedures for less than $1,000 per eye, this usually isn't recommended. An ophthalmologist that offers lower prices usually uses older technology or doesn't cover all the necessary fees.

In most cases, vision insurance will not cover the cost of LASIK surgery. This means you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket. If you have one, you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the procedure. For more information, talk to an ophthalmology service provider like Idaho Eye and Laser center..


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