LASIK Eye Surgery

Revolutionize Your Sight with LASIK

LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, represents the forefront of laser vision correction technology. By meticulously reshaping your cornea, LASIK offers a path to improved vision, potentially freeing you from glasses or contact lenses. Our eye care specialists conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your visual requirements and medical background, determining your suitability for this transformative procedure.

Is LASIK a Fit for Astigmatism?

Individuals with astigmatism might find LASIK to be beneficial. The procedure expertly corrects the uneven curvature characteristic of astigmatism, aiming for a smoother, more regular cornea and improved vision quality. While LASIK is a surgical procedure, it is renowned for its quick and effective nature, typically taking around ten minutes per eye.

Our advanced LASIK technology excels in precision and adaptability. It utilizes high-speed video imaging that synchronizes with your eye’s movements in real-time, guaranteeing accuracy regardless of shifts. Contrary to common associations with lasers and heat, our surgeons use advanced “cool-beam” lasers that target selected tissue without heating surrounding areas.

Many patients report an immediate enhancement in their vision post-procedure, with continued improvement over the following months. While all surgical procedures carry some level of risk, significant complications from LASIK are rare. Potential hazards include infection, healing complications, visual symptoms like glare or halos affecting night vision, the necessity for additional corrective procedures, and dry eye syndrome. Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort during the procedure thanks to anesthetic eye drops.

Post-Procedure Care and Considerations

Following your LASIK surgery, we recommend a series of follow-up appointments on the first day after surgery. We recommend one week, one month, and three months post-procedure to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal healing. Although LASIK costs are not commonly covered by insurance, some plans may provide discounts or assistance through health benefits or Flexible Spending Accounts. We offer financing options to make this transformational procedure more accessible, with plans starting at around $100/month.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Revolutionizing Vision Correction

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) stands out as the premier choice for those seeking to correct their vision through refractive surgery. LASIK combines efficiency with minimal recovery time, offering a path to enhanced vision.

Correcting Vision with LASIK

LASIK eye surgery is a cutting-edge procedure promising a solution for common vision problems. By precisely reshaping the cornea, LASIK aims to correct issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This ultimately leads to improved vision and enhanced quality of life for countless individuals seeking clarity and freedom from the constraints of traditional eyewear. Some of the issues LASIK can correct include:

  • Myopia (Nearsightedness): This condition arises when the eye’s length is too great relative to the cornea’s curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina and blur distant images.
  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness) occurs when the eye is shorter than average compared to the cornea’s curvature. This makes close objects appear blurred while distant objects are clear.
  • Astigmatism: Characterized by a cornea shaped more like a football than a spherical ball, astigmatism creates multiple focal points and distorts vision due to the unequal bending of light rays entering the eyes.

The LASIK Procedure Explained

LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular refractive surgery technique used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina for improved vision. LASIK is known for its quick recovery time and high success rates, making it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Preparing for the Procedure

The journey to clearer vision begins with applying anesthetic eye drops, ensuring a pain-free experience throughout the surgery. This critical step sets the stage for a comfortable and seamless procedure, allowing patients to remain at ease.

Creating the Corneal Flap

The surgeon meticulously creates a protective flap in the cornea using a precision femtosecond laser. This moment marks a pivotal point in the surgery, as it allows access to the cornea’s inner layers, setting the groundwork for the vision correction process. During this phase, patients might notice a temporary dimming or blurring of their vision, a regular occurrence as the surgery progresses.

Reshaping the Cornea

With the flap successfully created, attention turns to the cornea’s inner layers (stroma). Here, controlled pulses of cool laser light, invisible to the naked eye yet audible through a soft clicking sound, gently reshape the corneal tissue. This sophisticated procedure, guided by advanced computer algorithms, aims to rectify vision imperfections and, in many cases, eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Ensuring Precision with Eye Tracking

A vital feature of the LASIK procedure is the utilization of an eye-tracking device. This innovative technology ensures each laser pulse is delivered with pinpoint accuracy by monitoring eye movements in real time, guaranteeing the highest level of correction and safety during the surgery.

Finalizing the Correction

Once the corneal reshaping is complete, the surgeon delicately repositions the corneal flap to its original location. This crucial step is performed with utmost care, ensuring the eye begins its natural healing process promptly and effectively.

Post-Surgery Care

Protective shields are placed over the eye during the initial healing phase, preventing accidental rubbing or contact. While some patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation shortly after the procedure, these sensations typically subside after a brief rest period, leading to a rapid recovery and a dramatic improvement in vision quality.

Beyond LASIK: PRK and Custom LASIK

Discover cutting-edge vision correction options beyond traditional LASIK surgery. For those unsuitable for LASIK, read on about the benefits of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or custom LASIK, a personalized method harnessing advanced technology for precise correction.

PRK: The Precursor to LASIK

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a groundbreaking refractive surgery technique revolutionizing vision correction procedures. It effectively addresses common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea without creating a corneal flap, distinguishing it from LASIK surgery. PRK involves the precise removal of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea’s curvature, ultimately leading to improved vision quality and reduced dependency on corrective eyewear.

Tailored Vision Correction with Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK takes vision correction to a new level by enhancing personalization with Wavefront Technology. This innovative technology meticulously maps the distinctive traits of your visual system, ensuring a tailored approach. The bladeless laser procedure meticulously crafts an accurate and uniform corneal flap, guaranteeing sharper vision precisely tailored to meet each individual’s unique requirements.

LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a revolutionary solution for individuals to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Through the precision of an excimer laser, this procedure meticulously reshapes the cornea to address nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Candidates for this life-changing operation must be at least 18, possess healthy eyes, and have maintained a stable eye prescription for the last year.

Since its FDA approval in 1995, LASIK surgery has achieved a remarkable safety record, with complications becoming increasingly rare. While our experienced LASIK surgeons can offer insights into expected outcomes, it’s important to note that no procedure can guarantee specific visual results. Individuals with certain health conditions or women who are pregnant or nursing may need to explore alternative options.

Does LASIK Surgery Cause Pain?

Most LASIK patients report a pain-free experience attributed to carefully administering a mild sedative and numbing eye drops before the procedure. While undergoing laser correction, a sensation of pressure may be felt, but it’s generally well-tolerated. Post-procedure, patients might experience mild irritation, which typically subsides after a short rest, with prescribed eye drops aiding the healing process.

When Can Normal Activities Resume After LASIK?

Post-LASIK recovery allows for a quick return to normal activities, with many patients resuming their routine as soon as the day after surgery. Vision clarity can be expected within 24-48 hours post-operation, with the potential for continued improvement over months. Swimming or contact sports should be temporarily avoided to ensure optimal healing.

Comparing LASIK and PRK

LASIK and PRK offer paths to improved vision, with the choice between them dependent on individual conditions. The key distinction lies in LASIK’s creation of a hinged corneal flap, leading to quicker vision stabilization and less discomfort compared to PRK, which involves treating the corneal surface directly. PRK may be recommended for patients with thinner corneas.

How Permanent Are the Outcomes of LASIK Vision Correction?

The benefits of LASIK surgery extend far into your future, offering a long-lasting solution to distance vision issues. This procedure is designed to decrease or entirely remove your need for corrective eyewear substantially. However, it’s important to note that LASIK does not prevent age-related changes such as presbyopia, which may necessitate reading glasses as you age.

What Can Patients Expect After LASIK or PRK Surgery?

While LASIK and PRK surgeries are celebrated for their transformative results, they can come with temporary side effects, including dry eyes, sensitivity to light, and nighttime halos or glares. Fortunately, such issues usually fade within weeks, thanks to advancements like Custom Wavefront technology, which minimizes night vision disturbances. Dry eyes can be effectively managed with artificial tears throughout the healing process, though experiences can vary from person to person.

Why Choose Eye Associates of South Texas for Your LASIK Surgery?

Eye Associates stands out with a team of seasoned LASIK surgeons who deliver top-tier care for those considering laser refractive surgery in South Texas. Our commitment to excellence has made professional LASIK surgery accessible across the region, with conveniently located clinics in cities including Seguin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, and more. To begin your vision transformation, schedule a consultation with us today.

How Much Should You Budget for LASIK Surgery?

While LASIK surgery is considered elective and not typically covered by medical insurance, some plans may offer discounts. Depending on the specific procedure, costs vary from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye. Eye Associates of South Texas utilizes the most advanced technology, including the FS200 Flap maker femtosecond laser and the EX500 Excimer laser, to ensure state-of-the-art care for our patients from San Antonio to Gonzales and beyond. With options like CareCredit financing, investing in LASIK could be as affordable as $100 a month, offering significant long-term savings on glasses, contact lenses, and related expenses.

Unveiling the First Dedicated LASIK Facility in the Region

East LASIK Center, a division of Eye Associates of South Texas, is the only permanent LASIK facility between the vibrant cities of Austin and San Antonio. Located strategically at 1218 SH-123, San Marcos, TX 78666, within a cutting-edge surgical suite, we bring the future of vision correction closer to home. Our center is equipped with the Alcon Refractive Suite, a testament to our commitment to providing state-of-the-art LASIK procedures.

Your Vision, Our Mission

We’re trying to make 20/20 vision a reality for you, potentially eliminating the need for contact lenses and glasses. Our team of board-certified LASIK surgeons, including Dr. J.T. Kavanagh MD, Sharron K. Acosta MD, Jason Burns M.D., Christina Bui MD, and Richard Rodriguez M.D., are among the most experienced globally, ensuring you’re in the safest hands.

Expanding Our Reach

Our services are not limited to the residents of Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Seguin, who, until now, needed access to modern, local LASIK solutions. We warmly welcome patients from Austin, San Antonio, and beyond to experience the unparalleled quality of our new LASIK center.

Cutting-edge technology for Unmatched Precision

The LASIK suite at East LASIK Center features the FS200 Femtosecond LASER and the EX500 Excimer Laser, enabling us to offer all-laser LASIK procedures. With the addition of CONTURA wavefront-guided LASIK, we aim to enhance vision beyond 20/20 for some patients.

Advanced Cornea Imaging Technologies

Our commitment to accuracy and excellence is further evidenced by our investment in the latest cornea imaging technologies, including the Alcon Contura Wavefront, Oculus Pentacam, and Nidek OPD-III Wavefront Scanner. These advanced tools empower our doctors to provide the most accurate treatment plans, with many patients achieving better vision than 20/20.

Ready for LASIK? Schedule Your Free Consultation

Are you considering LASIK? Contact Eye Associates of South Texas today at 830-379-3937 for a complimentary consultation. Discover if you’re a candidate and learn more about our preoperative assessment. We collaborate with local optometrists and ophthalmologists, ensuring a seamless experience. Don’t wait to achieve the clear vision you’ve always wanted—reach out now for your free LASIK consultation.

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