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LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, has become one of the most popular vision correction surgeries in the world, with thousands of procedures performed every year.  The numbers, however, don’t paint the whole picture.  A surgery’s true measure of success is how many patients are satisfied with their results!  The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), a leading provider of eye surgery information, is reporting on just that.

“LASIK vision correction has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective surgery,” explains the ESEC, “95.4%, according to a 10-year survey of scientific studies from around the world.”  Clearly, this degree of patient satisfaction speaks volumes.  Furthermore, the ESEC reports that “In a recent study, about 97% of LASIK surgery patients said they would recommend it to a friend or relative.”  While LASIK is not for everyone and there are risks and benefits to consider, these figures certainly speak for themselves.

LASIK Results

So, what can LASIK do for you?  First, let’s take a look at the procedure itself.  LASIK eye surgery improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.  The procedure is tailored to your specific medical needs.

Of course, the goal of every LASIK procedure is 20/20 vision.  Looking at one of the most common eye issues, nearsightedness, the ESEC reports that “Studies of mildly or moderately nearsighted patients show that one year after having LASIK surgery: 98% have obtained 20/20 vision.”  So, do you think LASIK may be right for you?  The only way to find out is to schedule a consultation!

LASIK Consultation

To schedule your LASIK consultation, contact us today.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to working with you.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you may think you’re too old to undergo LASIK surgery.  Think again!  WebMD, a leading source in medical news, reports on one study demonstrating the effectiveness of laser eye surgery in older patients.  Citing research from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the article suggests that “laser surgery corrects vision for patients in [their] 40s, 50s and 60s.”

The study looked at 424 LASIK patients between the ages of 40 and 69.  According to the article, following their surgery, “20/30 vision … was restored in 86% to 100% of eyes corrected for nearsightedness and 80% to 84% of eyes corrected for farsightedness.”  Even those in their 60s?  Yes, WebMD goes on to explain that “Patients in their 60s were just as likely to have good outcomes as those in their 40s and 50s.”

Is LASIK Right for You?

This study brings up an interesting question: Who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery?  While there is no single formula for determining a good LASIK candidate, here are some general guidelines.

A good LASIK candidate:

• …is in good general health.
• …has good eye health and is free of eye conditions such as cataracts, chronic corneal infections or keratoconus.
• …is of a certain age, typically 21 years old.
• …has a cornea of appropriate shape and thickness.

There are several other factors that need to be discussed before choosing laser vision correction.  The only way to do that is to schedule a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon.

Considering LASIK?  Learn More Today

To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

The most obvious goal of LASIK surgery is to improve vision and reduce the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. The procedure, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea, is used every day to combat the effects of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, people also have personal reasons for choosing this well-established surgery. Continue reading to find out why patients are choosing LASIK today.

Top Reasons for Choosing LASIK

The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC) has released a list of main reasons people opt for LASIK surgery. Taking inspiration from that report, here are our top reasons why patients choose LASIK eye surgery today.

Top reasons for choosing LASIK:

• Appearance: In today’s world, looks can mean a lot—and so can confidence. Many people who rely daily on eyeglasses feel embarrassed or insecure about their appearance. LASIK surgery can often eliminate the need for corrective lenses, and for many people, that can mean a boost in self-esteem.

• Convenience: Anyone who has worn contact lenses knows how inconvenient they can be. Caring for contact lenses and taking them in and out daily can be far too time-consuming for many people. With laser eye surgery, contact lenses often become a thing of the past.

• Comfort: In the end, comfort matters. Some people are simply unhappy with the way glasses and contact lenses feel, especially after they’ve been worn for several hours. Because LASIK can often reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, many patients enjoy the benefits of more focused vision without the discomfort often associated with corrective lenses.

Learn More About LASIK Today

To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

LASIK is often the focus of much media attention. As a result, there are a lot of myths and mistruths surrounding the procedure. In an attempt to clear some of these up, here are a few facts about laser eye surgery.

A few common myths about LASIK today:

1. LASIK is a high-risk procedure. As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK. However, the risk of a vision-reducing complication is extremely low.
2. Choosing the right LASIK surgeon is not that important. When it comes to LASIK, your number one concern should be the level of experience and care of your surgeon.
3. Everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. All LASIK candidates receive a thorough screening prior the procedure, and a reputable provider will reject anyone not eligible for the surgery.
4. · LASIK seems like it would be painful. Pain is often mistakenly associated with the procedure. Numbing eye drops are administered to the patient before surgery. This is intended to keep the patient comfortable and relaxed throughout.
5. · All patients have serious “glare and halos” following the surgery. Under the care of an experienced surgeon, and when proper LASIK procedures are adhered to, it is uncommon for patients to experience significant glare and halos following the surgery.

Learn More About LASIK Surgery

Now that we’ve cleared up a few myths of LASIK, contact us for more information, and find out whether you’re a candidate for the procedure. LASIK eye surgery could be the right answer for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, VA, and we can be reached at (540) 722-6200.  Call today to make an appointment.

The fact that it is called Lasik Eye ’surgery’ is what leaves many people concerned about what to expect from recovery.  The reality is that Lasik surgery is not a very intensive procedure and recovery is not particularly lengthy.

Recovering from Lasik

When you undergo Lasik eye surgery, there are a number of things that you can expect from the recovery process:

• Initially you may have some level of blurred vision. Usually this subsides within the first day
• Patients usually find that they notice that their vision has improved within a couple of days
• A patient may find that their eyes feel dry, although prescription eye drops will usually be provided
• Within the first 48 hours following surgery, you will need to visit your eye doctor for a checkup. Usually, additional visits are booked within the first 6 and 12 months.

Visit Us for Lasik Eye Surgery

If you are ready to discuss your candidacy for Lasik, contact us!

Lasik and other eye-related procedures are often covered by insurance plans or employer-provided flex-spending programs. Eyesight commonly begins to decline around age 40. Individuals approaching this stage of life should start exploring vision insurance if they do not have it already . It is important to begin the process before the need for intensive vision care arises.

How to Find Vision Insurance

• Check with your employer and insurance provider- you may have vision coverage provided by your employer. Checking with them is a beneficial first step to ensure you are not purchasing additional coverage when it is already available. If you have another form of insurance, verify your coverage with them as well.
• Contact a broker - if you do not already have coverage, a broker can help you explore your options. Coverage for vision care can vary greatly. You may find the process is simplified by using a professional.
• Verify the terms for basic coverage - the majority of vision insurance plans offer coverage for eye exams on an annual basis. Others will provide a set amount for eye glasses (or none at all). If you are only looking for basic coverage, ensure you look closely at these aspects of eye care.
• Check for specialized coverage - if you are interested in having coverage for Lasik treatment and other more intensive vision procedures, closely comparing coverage will be necessary. Different plans truly offer a wide range of coverage amounts, with varying deductibles and approved frequency of treatment.

Using Insurance for Eyesight Procedures

Our practice accepts a number of different insurance policies that cover eligible services. Contact us for more information.

We welcome all of our patients and friends to our blog.  We are looking forward to having you post here your experiences with our center.  We are particularly interested in hearing from you about how you did with your LASIK or cataract surgery and how it has effected your life.