Posts Tagged ‘Lasik Surgery’

If you are thinking about lasik laser eye surgery procedure, probably the next thing in your mind is how much does it going to cost you. Unfortunately the price is going to differ widely depending upon many different factors. There are a lot of factors that determine the price.

Geographical locations is one of them. Depends on where you are. For examples in the USA Beverly Hills laser eye surgery is going to cost differently from Pennsylvania lasik eye surgery.

Treatment facility is another factor. The cost of eye surgery at the hospital is going to be different from a specialized eye treatment center and again different from a small private clinic.

A treatment center with good reputation and famous eye doctors with cost you more than the regular hospital. Of course the treatment facility and the doctors credential will determine the price too.

You might be wondering, is there a typical price?

There is an average price above all the other factors. Normally for the laser procedure each eye would cost around $2000 dollars. This is the base price and you will not find much variation across the board.

Those factors that are mentioned above that makes the price differences.These factors such as local taxes, geographical locations, the qualifications of the surgeon performing the surgery and the royalties that the surgeon would have to pay. Nevertheless the lasik procedure price normally be within the range.

Would there be an extra cost?

Under normal circumstances, the cost that are quoted to you during consultation are pretty much the total cost that you would have to pay. Other additional cost incurred if any, would be the follow up treatments, post surgery medications if there is any complications involved.

Are there a Discount Price?

Well, eye surgeons are running a business. Just like any other business there are a lot of competition around and they have to be competitive in order to stay open. Therefore they do offer various forms of discounts to patients.

Check your local yellow pages, mail in coupons, newspapers or the internet for lasik eye surgery coupons and discounts. Find the one that you like and arrange for an appointment and consultation.

Some lasik surgery doctors may give discounts to patients who pay cash instead of arranging for financing.

If you are above 65 you might get a senior citizen discounts at some lasik surgery centers. Be sure to inquire about the discounts during consultation.

Can You Find a Bargain?

If you don’t mind traveling to other cities to find bargain for lasik surgery, then internet is the best place for you to do bargain hunting. As mentioned above there is a price disparities between different geographical locations.

It would be great if you could get a bargain at a city that you always wanted to travel. You could kill two birds with one stone. Go for a vacation and come back with a new vision.

Talk to Your Lasik Surgeon!

For anyone considering a Lasik procedure to correct vision, it is crucial to find a physician that is reputable and caring.  It is also very important that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the Lasik procedure, and that they have a track record of patients that are happy with the treatment they received and the results that they got.

This guide gives a number of basic questions that you should ask when deciding on which Lasik center and which doctor to select for your Lasik procedure.  The comfort you have during the process, and even the results that you receive, may depend on getting good answers to these questions.  It is important to realize that the answers to these questions will vary from physician to physician.

The first question to ask is “How many years have you been performing this type of Lasik surgery?”  There are several variations of the Lasik procedure, and the doctor should have a track record of at least three years in doing Lasik procedures.  This amount of time also allows the doctor to watch his patients and the long term success of their Lasik procedures.

Next, ask the physician for the number of Lasik procedures they have performed in the last two years.  The physician should do the operation frequently enough that he is well versed in current procedures.  Also, he should be successful enough that prospective Lasik patients feel comfortable in coming to the Lasik center.  The physician should perform at least 500 Lasik surgeries in the last two years.

At this point, ask what percent of his clients that underwent Lasik surgery ended up with 20/40 vision or better.  Notice that not all patients will achieve 20/20 vision, and that is acceptable.  However, it is important that 90 percent of the patients get at least a 20/40 correction after the first Lasik procedure.  Claims of much more than 90 percent might make him seem much better, but in this case ask for evidence that that number is true.  There are some exceptional physicians out there, but also a few Lasik doctors that make unfounded claims.  Asking the doctor what percentage of Lasik patients achieve 20/20 should run about 50 percent.  Again, if the number is greatly higher, ask for evidence.

Finally, ask about post-Lasik complications.  The percentage of patients that experience complications after 6 months is complete should be 3 percent or less.  If the physician claims that complications are so rare that he doesn’t keep records, you should be very suspicious and ask for evidence, if any.  No doctor is perfect.  Similarly, when asked the percentage of patients that require an additional operation to achieve clear vision, the number should be less than 10 percent.

To wrap up the interview, ask the physician what types of Lasik procedures he recommends and practices, and under what circumstances he denied a Lasik procedure to a patient.  Not all vision challenged people are good candidates for a Lasik operation, and the doctor should at least have a few examples of people he dissuaded from the operation.

Finally, ask about the cost of the operation and if financing plans are available through the Lasik center.  A physician that is willing to sit down and discuss these questions is often a physician that will address any other medical issues that come up, and is a good prospect to perform your Lasik procedure.

What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

The first significant step before the Lasik surgery is to have a comprehensive eye examination, in order to be sure that you are a good candidate for the Lasik procedure.  A map of your eye will be created during this exam.  This map is used in order for the Lasik physician to determine how to reshape your eye to give you the clearest post-operative vision possible.

This eye exam will do several things.  Your eyes will be dilated in order to see if there are any irregularities within the eye itself.  The thickness of the cornea will be measured, and a precise map of the cornea will be generated.  The “refractive error” (or the reason why your vision isn’t currently perfect) will be accurately analyzed in order for the Lasik procedure to get the best results possible.  Finally, how your eyes generate tears will be closely looked at, as good tear production is essential for the health of every eye.

Before or after these measurements, the Lasik physician will discuss your past medical history to see any previous operations or any ongoing health problems.  A few chronic conditions may make the Lasik procedure not a good option for some people, and also women currently expecting should wait for some time after delivery.  The physician also will discuss the expectations the Lasik client has about the operation and subsequent changes in their lifestyle.

Though most people pass through this Lasik eye exam with flying colors, be prepared for some suggestions or serious discussion.  Your eye map may indicate that a newer form of Lasik procedure might be better, such as one that generates a three dimensional waveform for each eye.  Tear production issues may indicate that the Lasik procedure is not the best option for you, and the Lasik physician may recommend another solution.

If all goes well and the Lasik procedure is scheduled, the physician will review the treatment plan and what the client should do to prepare for the Lasik surgery.  This plan may vary slightly between patients, but in general will look something like the schedule below.  Always follow the recommendations of your Lasik physician closely.
First, contact lenses should be avoided for several weeks prior to Lasik vision correction, since contacts can slightly affect the shape of your cornea.  It is important to let your eyes rest in order to get the most accurate Lasik vision improvement possible.  Hard contacts should be avoided for a month, soft contacts for at least two weeks.

Stop using any lotions, makeup, or anything else that could possibly get into the eye the day or two before surgery.  It is important to have your eyes as rested as possible before the Lasik operation.  Also, arrange for someone else to drive you home after the Lasik procedure itself.

These are the most common steps to prepare you for an easy and successful Lasik procedure.  Make sure you give the doctor all information needed for your case, and follow his directions closely.  The Lasik eye surgery will give you a new outlook in life!