custom lasik Archives - LASIK at TLC Laser Eye Centers

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Posted on July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Many who are considering LASIK eye surgery often ask one common question: Is LASIK covered by insurance? The short answer is that LASIK is an elective surgery and not typically covered by insurance plans, but there are options available to help cover the cost of LASIK laser eye surgery. Financing options are available for LASIK patients. Ahead, we’ll review some of the most popular options for covering the cost of LASIK surgery.

Understanding the Value of LASIK

Before diving into financing options, it’s important to recognize the long-term value of LASIK eye surgery. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the procedure often proves to be a cost-effective solution when compared to the ongoing expenses of glasses, contact lenses, and related eye care products over a lifetime.

Learn More about Cost of LASIK

Options for Financing Your Laser Eye Surgery

The decision to undergo LASIK surgery is a significant one, and financial considerations often play a pivotal role in the process. Fortunately, a variety of financing options are available to help individuals achieve their goal of improved vision.

Insurance Savings and Partial Coverage through Insurance

While LASIK insurance coverage is rare, it’s important to note that some insurance plans and employers do provide partial coverage for LASIK surgery. TLC Laser Eye Centers work with many major vision insurance providers to offer LASIK savings, and the savings apply on the day of the procedure so that you don’t have to wait for reimbursement. The TLC team will work with you to make sure you’re getting the most savings possible.

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LASIK Financing

TLC Laser Eye Centers offer financing options for laser eye surgery patients. We work with CareCredit, a credit card created specifically for healthcare needs which offers special financing options. If you have specific questions about the financing options available, you can learn more at your local TLC Laser Eye Center.

CareCredit: Healthcare-Specific Credit Card

CareCredit is a specialized credit card designed to cover healthcare expenses, including LASIK surgery. It offers flexible financing options that allow you to pay for your procedure over time, often with promotional financing offers that can make the cost more manageable. We are proud to partner with CareCredit that offers our patients:

Flexible payment plans
Special financing options with potentially lower interest rates
The ability to cover procedures not typically included in standard insurance plans

In-House Financing: Our Commitment to Your Vision

Understanding that each patient’s financial situation is unique, we have developed our own in-house financing program. This option ensures that regardless of your circumstances, you will have access to guaranteed financing. Our in-house plans feature:

Customized payment schedules
Competitive interest rates
No hidden fees or prepayment penalties

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-exempt account that allows individuals with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to save money for medical expenses, including LASIK surgery. Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and funds can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses. At [Our Clinic Name], we support our patients in utilizing their HSA funds to cover LASIK costs, providing a convenient and tax-efficient way to invest in your vision health.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is another tax-advantaged financial tool that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses, including LASIK surgery. FSAs are typically offered through employer-sponsored benefit plans and can be used for a wide range of medical needs. Planning ahead is crucial when using an FSA, as funds must be used within the plan year or forfeited.

Just as with an HSA, using an FSA to cover medical needs may be easier with good planning. You can use TLC’s free FSA savings calculator for an easy way to explore how it all works.

Planning Your LASIK Financing Strategy

Whether you choose to finance LASIK through CareCredit, our in-house options, or utilize tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs, careful planning is key to maximizing your benefits. Understanding the eligibility requirements and financial implications of each option will help you make informed decisions about your vision correction journey.

At TLC Laser Eye Centers, we are committed to making LASIK surgery accessible and affordable for our patients. Through our comprehensive financing options and support for tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs, we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to achieving clearer vision. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you finance your LASIK procedure and take the first step towards a life free from glasses and contact lenses.

If you have any questions about LASIK insurance coverage, financing, or payment options, the TLC team is here to help you learn more. Schedule your free LASIK consultation at your local TLC Laser Eye Center to learn more about financing for laser eye surgery, discuss the benefits of LASIK, and find the options that work for you.

What Is the Real Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

As you research your laser eye surgery options, you may find that there’s a large variance in the cost of LASIK depending on where you look. Advertised prices can be as low as $250 per eye, while the top end of the LASIK price range can reach more than $4,000 per eye. So, what is the real cost of laser eye surgery? The answer depends on a number of key factors, like the surgeon you choose, the technology used for your procedure, what is included in your LASIK eye surgery quote, and the location where you’re having the procedure. Ahead, we’ll take a closer look at the real cost of LASIK, along with some tips to help cover the cost.

Key Factors in the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery:

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

While there are many factors that determine your laser eye surgery cost, the surgeon and procedure that you choose ultimately have the biggest influence on price. A more experienced surgeon may charge more for a procedure, due to the level of experience and expertise they bring to the table. Whether more experience is worth the increased cost is up to the patient, and the most important thing is to do the research required to find a surgeon who you trust for your LASIK procedure.

Laser Technology

Regardless of how long your surgeon has been practicing laser eye surgery, the type of LASIK procedure that you choose will have a major impact on your price. Traditional LASIK, which has been an effective treatment option since the 1990s, may cost less than newer variations of the procedure that rely on the latest laser technology. The cost of Custom Wavefront LASIK, for example, will be higher than the cost of traditional LASIK, due to the technology required for the procedure.

What’s Included?

When you meet with your LASIK surgeon, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about which procedure is the best fit for your vision needs. You’ll also want to make sure that you learn exactly what your LASIK quote includes, so that you can accurately evaluate your options. Understanding what you’re paying for in detail will make it easier to compare your options.

Location

The real cost of LASIK is also influenced by the factors that impact the cost of any service, including geography. If you live in an area with a high cost of living, then the cost of laser eye surgery in your area may be higher, as well.

Covering the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

It’s rare for insurance to cover the full cost of LASIK eye surgery unless your profession requires exceptional vision, but there are plenty of resources available to help cover the cost of LASIK.

Financing

For many, the upfront cost of LASIK can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several financing options available to help manage the expense.

CareCredit

We work with CareCredit to offer patients financing options that help make your LASIK procedure as affordable as possible. CareCredit is a credit card designed exclusively for special financing offers.*

HSA

People who have a high deductible health plan (HDHP) can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for elective services like LASIK.

FSA

The IRS considers laser vision correction an eligible medical expense. This means you can use your pre-tax FSA funds to cover a portion, or even the entirety, of the LASIK procedure, depending on your specific circumstances.

Credit Cards

Certain credit cards may afford you an extended period to liquidate your balance, while others might offer an interest-free grace period. Additionally, some cards permit you to accrue rewards, points, travel miles, or even cash rebates. There are also cards that facilitate balance transfers, granting another span of interest-free payment, thereby providing the opportunity to cover the laser eye surgery costs gradually.

Understanding the real cost of LASIK involves more than just comparing prices. It requires a comprehensive look at the factors influencing these costs and the available financial strategies to manage them. By carefully considering the surgeon’s expertise, the technology used, the inclusiveness of the quoted price, and geographic location, you can make an informed decision that ensures both affordability and quality of care. Schedule a free LASIK consultation today to discover the TLC difference.

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Author Biography

Dr. Louis Probst is one of the most experienced surgeons in the world having performed more than 110,000 LASIK procedures in almost 22 years. For the last ten years, Dr. Probst has performed exclusively refractive surgery and currently specializes in bladeless all-laser LASIK.

How Does Bladeless LASIK Work?

Posted on June 14, 2024June 14, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery and wondering which procedure is right for you? With various types of laser eye surgery available, each using different tools, technology, and techniques, it’s important to choose the one that best meets your needs. Bladeless LASIK, a popular alternative to traditional LASIK, shares many similarities with its traditional counterpart but also has a few key differences. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how bladeless vision correction works and what you can expect from the procedure.

Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery: How Blade Free LASIK Works, and What to Expect

Learning about laser eye surgery options online is a great first step, but it’s important to note that only your laser eye surgeon can recommend the right procedure for your unique needs. So, if you haven’t scheduled your free laser eye surgery consultation yet, now is a great time to do so.

The first step toward learning more about bladeless LASIK is explaining some of the lingo:

Also Known As…

During your research you may find that bladeless LASIK is referred to by a few different names, but each refers to the same procedure. Some of the common names for bladeless LASIK include blade free LASIK, and all-laser LASIK. You may also see a brand name integrated with one of those common terms for bladeless LASIK.

How Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery Works

If you’re learning about laser eye surgery, you may already be familiar with the concept of the LASIK flap, which is created at the start of the procedure and allows your LASIK eye surgeon to address vision problems at the correct level of the eye. During traditional LASIK procedures, the flap is created by an instrument called a microkeratome, which is an oscillating diamond blade.

Instead of using a microkeratome, bladeless laser eye surgery relies on the use of a specialized laser to create the LASIK flap. This is where the terms “bladeless” and “all-laser” LASIK come from, as well as the key difference between bladeless and traditional LASIK.
By using the most advanced LASIK technology, your laser eye surgeon is able to map the eye, based on the unique structure of each individual’s eye, to create a custom LASIK flap.
After the flap is created, the bladeless LASIK procedure works very similarly to traditional LASIK. Most importantly, bladeless surgery significantly reduces intra and post-operative complications making it a safer procedure.

What to Expect from Bladeless LASIK Surgery

While blade-free LASIK has a few key differences from traditional LASIK, the preparation, procedure, and healing process share many similarities. The process begins with a visit to your local TLC Laser Eye Center for a free consultation.

During your free consultation, your laser eye surgery specialist will review your vision correction needs, and discuss your laser eye surgery options.
Before the bladeless vision correction procedure, you’ll have a pre-operative visit, which makes specific measurements of your eye. This is when much of the “customization” is done for the procedure.
On the day of your procedure, your laser eye surgery team will prepare you for surgery, and after the procedure, there will be a brief recovery period. Bladeless LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means that you get to go home the same day.
The recovery process begins with rest on the day of surgery and continues with follow-up visits to check on your progress. As healing progresses and vision stabilizes, there is a longer gap between each follow-up visit.
While every patient is unique, most patients see very well the next day. As with any surgery, it takes time to heal. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within a few days and the eye is completely healed in 3 months. You are seen for scheduled visits along the way. Overall, you may notice many similarities between bladeless and traditional LASIK, along with the differences that set each procedure apart.

Scheduling your free laser eye surgery consultation is the best way to learn more about bladeless vision correction, and the laser eye surgery options available.

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Am I Too Old for LASIK?

Posted on May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Many patients seek to eliminate their reliance on glasses and contact lenses but are unsure if LASIK is a viable option as they age. A common question about LASIK is whether it’s suitable for older individuals. Fortunately, the criteria for LASIK candidacy remain consistent regardless of age: stable vision prescription, healthy eyes, and good overall health are key factors. However, since our eyes and visual needs evolve over time, there are a few additional considerations for laser eye surgery later in life.

Why There’s No Upper Age Limit on LASIK

The only real age limit for a LASIK procedure, per the FDA, is that each surgical candidate should be at least 18 years of age. Our eyes and corresponding prescription requirements may change frequently at that age, and it’s important to wait until that tendency to change stabilizes before having laser eye surgery. There are a few other developmental milestones in life that often motivate people to consider laser eye surgery, beginning in early adulthood.

The most common range for LASIK patients is between 20 and 45 years old. Vision prescriptions often stabilize in the mid-twenties, so this is a natural time for people to consider LASIK eye surgery.
Next up is the 45 to 55-year age range, the time when many people begin to feel the early effects of presbyopia, which is related to the natural aging process and causes difficulty with near vision. While LASIK may be a treatment option for some presbyopia patients, we certainly have more vision correction technologies to offer our presbyopic patients, such as Monovision.
Beyond age 55, cataracts may start to develop even though they may not affect your vision at early stages. When cataract is determined to be the main reason for changes in your vision, cataract extraction surgery becomes the preferred method of treatment to improve your vision instead of LASIK eye surgery.

The basics for LASIK candidacy include a stable vision prescription for at least one year, no eye diseases, and good overall health. If you’ve got those things, then you’re off to an excellent start.

It’s important to note that good overall health doesn’t have to mean perfect health. Not every potential health issue for seniors impacts the eyes, and speaking with a LASIK specialist is the best way to learn how laser eye surgery fits in with various health needs.

Regardless of your age, are you curious whether LASIK eye surgery is the right fit for your vision health needs? The easiest way to find out is to schedule a free consultation with TLC LASIK specialist, where you can determine if you’re a candidate and learn more about what laser eye surgery can do for you.

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LASIK Eye Surgery Boasts an Impressive 96-98% Patient Satisfaction Rate

Posted on February 19, 2024February 19, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) has revolutionized vision correction, providing a minimally invasive alternative to glasses and contact lenses. As of 2018, over 9.5 million Americans have undergone LASIK surgery due to its convenience, good results, and high success rate.

In fact, one study reports that LASIK has an impressive patient success rate between 96-98%! Research indicates LASIK enables:

99% of patients to achieve 20/40 vision or better
90% of patients to achieve ideal 20/20 vision
50% of patients to gain better than 20/20 vision

Driving Factors Behind LASIK’s High Success Rates

Several factors account for why LASIK is so successful, including:

Advanced laser systems
Precision techniques
Experienced surgeons.

Additionally, the vast majority of procedures are performed by specially trained ophthalmologists and optometrists with years of surgical experience. Their expertise contributes greatly to LASIK’s impressive outcomes.

Understanding LASIK’s Low Complication Rates

In addition to excellent success rates, LASIK eye surgery has been determined to have minimal risks or side effects. Current estimates place the complication rate at less than 1%

While the first days may involve mild irritation and light sensitivity, long-term issues like dry eye or halos are uncommon. When they do occur, symptoms often resolve within 3-6 months.

The most serious complications involve the corneal flap created during surgery. However, with precise laser tools and skilled surgeons, flap issues and related optical problems are very rare.

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Affordability May Be the Only Barrier for Some Patients

Given the outstanding safety and success of modern LASIK techniques, affordability remains one of the biggest barriers limiting access for patients. While prices vary, custom options with advanced technology may cost more than standard treatment.

For those concerned about cost, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, insurance and financing options can make LASIK more affordable. The proven results and life-changing conveniences make it well worth the investment for most people. Check out the ongoing expense of glasses and contacts.

Affordable LASIK Options

Like any surgery, LASIK has risks and potential complications that are discussed during a surgical consultation prior to the procedure.

Sources:

Bayba, M. (2024, January 11). LASIK Statistics – Safety and Success Rates in 2024. Vision Center. https://www.visioncenter.org/resources/lasik-statistics/

Refractive Surgery Council. “Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know,” October 13, 2022. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/is-lasik-safe/#:~:text=LASIK%20is%20one%20of%20the,of%20patients%20suffer%20complications%20LASIK.

Refractive Surgery Council. “What Is the LASIK Success Rate?,” August 16, 2022. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/#:~:text=The%20LASIK%20success%20rate%20%E2%80%93%20or,achieve%2020%2F20%20or%20better.

Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Vol. 42, Issue 8, August 2016, Pages 1224-1234

Sugar A, Hood C, Mian S. Patient-reported outcomes following LASIK: quality of Life in the PROWL Studies. JAMA. 2017;317(2):204–205. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.19323

Hays RD, Tarver ME, Spritzer KL, et al. Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (PROWL). JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017;135(1):3–12. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.4597

See Clearly in 2024: Lasik Eye Surgery Market Booms (7.7% CAGR). (n.d.). DataMIntelligence. https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/lasik-eye-surgery-market

Take the LASIK Candidacy Quiz

TAKE THE QUIZ

What can I expect during my LASIK surgery?

LASIK is a quick procedure – just 15 minutes, total – and is performed on an outpatient basis at your LASIK center. You likely have more questions about the LASIK procedure and your LASIK doctor is the perfect person to ask for more information.

What can I expect after my LASIK surgery?

While LASIK is known to deliver consistent results, everyone heals individually. If you want to understand more about what the recovery period is like, how long it takes, and how soon you’ll notice improved vision, ask your LASIK surgeon for details. Online research may provide an outline, but only your surgeon can give an individualized answer based on your prescription and personalized laser eye surgery treatment plan.

These are some of the most common LASIK questions, but there are all sorts of small details that you may want to ask about during your visit. Remember that there is no such thing as a silly question! Before your visit, set aside some time to make a list of your key questions. Your LASIK surgeon will be happy to provide answers, tailored to your individual case.

Are Regular Eye Exams Important After LASIK?

Posted on February 9, 2024February 7, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Eye Exams after LASIK Surgery

Many LASIK eye surgery candidates question if they need to continue seeing an eye doctor after they have their procedure. After all, you could have 20/20 vision or better after surgery, which means there’s no point in getting regular eye exams, right? Wrong. Even after LASIK surgery it is important to get a comprehensive eye exam at least every one to two years. In these exams, eye doctors do more than just check your prescription and prescribe contacts or eyeglasses, so it is necessary to keep up with them even after your LASIK procedure.

Your doctor will also check your overall eye health and for a multitude of potential problems such as: early signs of eye disease, focusing issues, refractive errors associated with age, and eye teaming problems or making sure your eyes work together and are properly aligned.

Since most people take their vision and visual health for granted and usually don’t notice that something is wrong until there is a bigger problem, it is essential to keep up with routine eye exams after LASIK eye surgery. This way, your eye doctor can detect any eye problems early on so that they can be remedied as soon as possible. Some people will also experience dry eyes and discomfort from allergies, and an eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to relieve these symptoms so you can enjoy the benefits of your LASIK surgery to the fullest.

LASIK Eye Surgery: A Lifetime Commitment

By choosing to have LASIK surgery, you’ve already decided to live life with better vision, and annual visits to your eye doctor will help you enjoy those benefits for years to come. At TLC Laser Eye Centers, the TLC Lifetime Commitment® helps patients maintain the best possible vision throughout their lives by offering LASIK enhancements to eligible candidates. One of the main conditions of this program is to complete an annual eye exam with your TLC-affiliated eye doctor, making it even more important to continue with regular eye exams after LASIK eye surgery.

It is always important to consult with your eye doctor for the best exam schedule after LASIK eye surgery based on your personal eye health. Attending these appointments is the best way to make sure you can benefit from a lifetime of better vision.

Have You Considered Laser Eye Surgery for Your Vision Correction?

Posted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

For many people with vision problems, glasses and contact lenses, are simply a part of life. In fact, a recent poll indicates that many people who wear glasses or contacts to deal with vision problems either aren’t aware of LASIK eye surgery, or aren’t familiar with how the laser eye surgery process works. While the right vision care solution for you ultimately comes down to individual factors, now is a great time to consider the benefits of LASIK vision correction.

Dealing with Vision Problems? Why You Should Consider LASIK Eye Surgery

The LASIK vision correction process begins when you schedule your free consultation, and meet with your local laser eye surgery team. Your consultation is the time to learn more about laser eye surgery options available, what the best options are for your individual vision needs, and to get answers to all your questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn the facts about what LASIK eye surgery is like, and how the process works.

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, so you get to go home the same day. The surgery only takes around 15 minutes, for both eyes.
The procedure is so brief in part because much of the prep work is done before-hand, when you meet with your laser eye surgery team.
From pre-op planning to post-op checkups, the whole laser eye surgery process takes place at your local LASIK center.
LASIK vision correction is an option to treat the most common vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
If you’re in good overall health, have had a steady vision prescription for at least one year, and are over 18 years of age, then your laser eye surgery candidacy is already off to a great start.

The Lifestyle Benefits of LASIK Vision Correction

Ask a LASIK patient about the benefits of having laser eye surgery, and you’ll find some common themes, along with the unique, personal ways that each individual enjoys clear vision. Freedom is a very common word when you hear people talk about LASIK results, whether that means the freedom to rekindle an interest in a favorite hobby, or the joy of experiencing the little things in life without always having to worry about vision correction devices.

While nobody can promise that you’ll never have to wear glasses or contacts again, many LASIK patients are able to rely significantly less on vision correction devices after having the procedure.
Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up, look at the alarm clock, and realize you don’t need to scramble for your glasses to start the day? What about attending an event with the family, and always being ready to snap the right photo, at the right moment?
Thinking of traveling to a new place, or simply enjoying the scenery close to home? Enjoy every moment with the benefit of clearer vision, and worry less about what will happen if you forget your glasses or contacts at home.
Perhaps you enjoy playing sports, creating art, or taking part in other hobbies that require a sharp eye for detail. With clearer vision, you will have the freedom to enjoy your favorite hobbies with a new-found freedom.

When you’re ready to learn more about LASIK vision correction and understand if you’re a candidate for LASIK, our team is here to help. Schedule your free consultation at your local TLC Laser Eye Center with a phone call, or by filling out a quick form on our website.

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Understanding Diabetes and LASIK

Posted on January 26, 2024January 24, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Is there a connection between diabetes and LASIK surgery? Let’s address common concerns and considerations for potential laser vision correction candidates.

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the U.S. were living with diabetes[i]. This article explores if there is a relationship between diabetes and LASIK candidacy, provide insights into potential risks, eligibility factors, and post-surgical considerations.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes, a complex metabolic disease affecting blood glucose(sugar) levels, is characterized by insufficient insulin production or inefficient insulin utilization. Insulin helps blood sugar enter the body’s cells so it can be used for energy. Insulin also signals the liver to store blood sugar for later use. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various health issues, including heart problems, kidney diseases, and ocular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Ocular Complications Associated with Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are common eye problems linked to diabetes[iii]. The risks escalate when diabetes is poorly controlled, emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight within target levels.

LASIK Eligibility for Diabetic Patients

While the FDA considers diabetes a relative contraindication for LASIK, recent research supports the safety and efficacy of LASIK in well-controlled diabetic patients[iii], [iv]. LASIK specialists evaluate factors such as diabetes duration, eye health, and blood glucose control to determine eligibility.

Factors Influencing LASIK Eligibility as a Diabetic

LASIK specialists assess diabetes duration, perform comprehensive eye exams, and analyze recent HbA1C test results to gauge eligibility. The stability of glasses or contact lens prescriptions is crucial, ensuring long-term visual benefits post-surgery.

Listen to Dr. Brewer from LasikPlus, our Family of LASIK brands, talk about LASIK and diabetes.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes and LASIK

There is no discernible difference in LASIK outcomes between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients[iii]. Pre-operative considerations apply uniformly to both groups.

Recovery Considerations for Diabetic LASIK Patients

Diabetes is associated with delayed healing, potentially increasing the risk of post-surgical infection. However, advancements in LASIK technology have improved the healing process, making LASIK a favorable option compared to other procedures.

Managing Dry Eye after LASIK for Diabetic Patients

Dry eye is generally a temporary post-surgical event, with advancements minimizing its incidence. Diabetic patients, with potential delayed corneal healing, should discuss this concern with their LASIK specialists and follow post-operative instructions.

Resuming Diabetic Eye Exams after LASIK

Maintaining regular diabetic eye exams is crucial for overall eye health, even after LASIK. An individualized LASIK procedure considers diabetes control and ensures the absence of diabetes-related effects on vision and eye health.

Diabetic patients can undergo LASIK with proper management and consideration of specific factors. Understanding the eligibility criteria, risks, and recovery process empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their eye care journey. Always consult with LASIK specialists and diabetes managing physicians for personalized guidance.

[i] American Diabetes Association. Statistics About Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes.

[ii] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2016). What is diabetes? Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes

[iii] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2015). LASIK in patients with diabetes. Retrieved from https://eyewiki.aao.org/LASIK_in_Patients_With_Diabetes_Mellitus#cite_note-one-1

[iv] Cobo-Soriano R, Beltrán J, Baviera J. LASIK outcomes in patients with underlying systemic contraindications: a preliminary study. Ophthalmology. 2006 Jul;113(7): 1118.e1-8.

[v] Ata A, Lee J, Bestle SL, Desemone J, Stain SC. Postoperative hyperglycemia and surgical site infection in general surgery patients. Arch Surg. 2010 Sep;145(9):858-64.

[vi] Shoja MR, Besharati MR. Dry eye after LASIK for myopia: Incidence and risk factors. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;17(1):1-6.

[vii] Salomão MQ, Ambrósio R Jr, Wilson SE. Dry eye associated with laser in situ keratomileusis: Mechanical microkeratome versus femtosecond laser. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009 Oct;35(10):1756-60.

Benefits of Bladeless Custom LASIK

Posted on January 23, 2024 by TLC Laser Eye Centers

If you’re researching your laser eye surgery options, you may have seen bladeless LASIK also referred to as blade-free LASIK or all-laser LASIK or modern LASIK. Your eye doctor can help you choose the right procedure for you and your vision needs, but in this post, we review several benefits for a bladeless LASIK procedure.

How are flaps created for LASIK?

Traditional LASIK creates a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome. This device uses a blade to cut a thin flap in the cornea. After the flap is created it is lifted, the eye is reshaped using am excimer laser. With blade-free LASIK, a femtosecond laser uses light energy to create a similar flap, therefore no blades are ever used. This laser is very gentile to the human cornea and has precision down to 10 microns. The largest benefit of blade-free LASIK is a significant reduction in intra-operative complications.

What are the benefits of Bladeless LASIK?

There are many clinical benefits of all-laser LASIK. First, there are significantly fewer intra-operative complications. Second, there is a reduction of post-operative complications such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, flap straie, and epithelial ingrowth. Finally, because the flaps are of a more precise thickness, patient’s with greater refractive errors or thin corneas may be treated safely with LASIK. Previously, these patient may not have been good candidates for LASIK.

Is Custom Bladeless LASIK Right for Me?

At TLC Laser Eye Centers, because the benefits of bladeless LASIK are so significant, it is the only way we perform LASIK eye surgery.

custom lasik

Understanding the Value of LASIK

Options for Financing Your Laser Eye Surgery

Insurance Savings and Partial Coverage through Insurance

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

LASIK Financing

CareCredit: Healthcare-Specific Credit Card

In-House Financing: Our Commitment to Your Vision

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Planning Your LASIK Financing Strategy

Key Factors in the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery:

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

Laser Technology

What’s Included?

Location

Covering the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

Financing

CareCredit

HSA

FSA

Credit Cards

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery: How Blade Free LASIK Works, and What to Expect

Also Known As…

How Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery Works

What to Expect from Bladeless LASIK Surgery

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

Why There’s No Upper Age Limit on LASIK

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Driving Factors Behind LASIK’s High Success Rates

Understanding LASIK’s Low Complication Rates

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

Affordability May Be the Only Barrier for Some Patients

How many LASIK surgeries have you performed?

What laser technology do you use?

What determines my LASIK candidacy?

Take the LASIK Candidacy Quiz

What can I expect during my LASIK surgery?

What can I expect after my LASIK surgery?

Eye Exams after LASIK Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery: A Lifetime Commitment

Dealing with Vision Problems? Why You Should Consider LASIK Eye Surgery

The Lifestyle Benefits of LASIK Vision Correction

What Is Diabetes?

Ocular Complications Associated with Diabetes

LASIK Eligibility for Diabetic Patients

Factors Influencing LASIK Eligibility as a Diabetic

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes and LASIK

Recovery Considerations for Diabetic LASIK Patients

Managing Dry Eye after LASIK for Diabetic Patients

Resuming Diabetic Eye Exams after LASIK

How are flaps created for LASIK?

What are the benefits of Bladeless LASIK?

Is Custom Bladeless LASIK Right for Me?

Ready To Get Started?