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The Cost Savings and Convenience of LASIK Eye Surgery

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Considering LASIK eye surgery? When you calculate the long-term cost savings, LASIK often pays for itself in under 5 years. Learn more about the financial and lifestyle benefits of LASIK.

The Ongoing Cost of Glasses and Contacts

If you wear contacts or glasses, you likely spend over $500 per year on supplies and replacements. That cost adds up over time. LASIK offers an alternative with a one-time upfront investment that saves money in the long run.

According to average costs for popular brands:

  • A 90-day supply of daily disposable contacts costs $69.99 per eye, per year
  • Contact solution can be up to $144 annually
  • Replacing glasses every 5 years costs $250 or more
  • The total yearly cost for contacts and glasses is approximately $3,000

Convenience and Lifestyle Benefits

Beyond cost savings, LASIK also alleviates the hassle of glasses and contacts. An independent survey found that people spend over 60 hours per year managing, changing and cleaning eyewear. 

Glasses and contacts also impact lifestyle. Have you ever:

  • Played sports with glasses sliding down your nose?
  • Dealt with irritated eyes from sleeping in contacts while traveling? 
  • Run out of contacts before an important event?
  • Fumbled for your glasses to check on family members at night?
Irritated eyes

By correcting vision with LASIK, you can say goodbye to these annoyances.

The Bottom Line

While conveniences like text messaging and grocery delivery improve lifestyle, they rarely provide financial returns. LASIK is a rare investment that offers both cost savings and enhanced quality of life.

If you’re considering LASIK, calculate your own potential cost savings versus glasses and contacts. Also reflect on the lifestyle benefits of being glasses and contact-free. For many patients, LASIK is an investment that pays off with compound interest.

Sources:
Nichols, Jason J., OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum: Annual Report: Contact Lenses 2010.

Independent online study conducted by Empower MediaMarketing — January, 2012.

Prices from 1800Contacts.

How Safe Is LASIK?

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?

LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure that can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In general, it is a safe procedure with a low complication rate, but it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision.

How Safe Is LASIK?

The safety of LASIK has been studied extensively. The complication rate for LASIK is estimated to be less than 1%. The most common complications are dry eyes and glare, which usually go away on their own within a few weeks or months. Other, more serious complications, such as infection and corneal ectasia, are rare.

LASIK Safety research

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. You may not be a good candidate if you have:
  • Thin corneas
  • Active eye infections or inflammation
  • Dry eyes
  • Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or glaucoma

What Are some of the Benefits of LASIK?

The benefits of LASIK include:
  • Improved vision
  • Reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses
  • Improved quality of life

What Are some of the Risks of LASIK?

The risks of LASIK include:
  • Dry eyes
  • Glare
  • Night vision problems
  • Infection
  • Corneal ectasia (a thinning of the cornea that can lead to vision loss)

Should I Get LASIK Eye Surgery?

The decision of whether or not to get LASIK eye surgery is a personal one. You should weigh the risks and benefits carefully and discuss the procedure with your eye doctor.

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, it is important to do your research and choose a qualified LASIK surgeon. You should also ask about the surgeon’s experience with LASIK and their number of procedures performed.

I hope this article has helped you learn more about the safety of LASIK eye surgery. Like any surgery, LASIK has risks and potential complications that are discussed during a surgical consultation prior to the procedure.  If you have any further questions, please consult with your eye doctor.

Sources:

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.

Chung, AKK, and AK Brahma. “LASIK Eye Surgery: Standard and Safety Issues.” Clinical Risk 12, no. 2 (March 1, 2006): 70–73. https://doi.org/10.1258/135626206776072622.

LASIK: The pros and cons of surgery to sharpen your sight. (2002). Consumer Reports on Health, 14(3), 6.

Shtein, Roni M. “Post-LASIK Dry Eye.” Expert Review of Ophthalmology. Taylor & Francis, October 1, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1586/eop.11.56. 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.

Top 7 Reasons to Choose TLC for Your LASIK Procedure

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

If you’ve made the decision to pursue LASIK eye surgery, you are probably excited to take the next step toward your best vision without full time dependence on glasses and contacts. You may have researched the details on LASIK surgery itself, but what about LASIK providers? It is important to research your providers in order to find one that you feel comfortable with. Read on to learn more about what to look for in a provider, and why TLC Laser Eye Centers is your optimum LASIK provider!

Reason #1: Experienced LASIK Surgeons

The Laser eye center that you choose should only work with expert surgeons who are up-to-date on current trends and technologies in the field of LASIK eye surgery. Often, leading LASIK surgeons will maintain their expertise by seeking additional clinical training and certifications, such as those issued by American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). Knowledgeable LASIK surgeons and their clinical teams will also diligently screen patients for candidacies, and only accept patients who meet all the qualifications required for the procedure.

The LASIK specialists at TLC Laser Eye Centers have performed over 2.3 million LASIK procedures. Not only do the surgeons have plenty of experiences, but also over 7,000 eye doctors have chosen TLC Laser Eye Centers for their own LASIK surgeries, demonstrating that TLC Laser Eye Centers is a trusted provider with experienced, skilled LASIK surgeons.

Reason #2: The Latest Laser Technologies

Medical technologies are always changing and improving, and a well-informed provider carefully monitors these LASIK advancements and is constantly making clinical decisions on adapting new technologies to deliver the best possible patient outcomes.

TLC Laser Eye Centers are passionate about using the latest laser technologies to care for our LASIK patients. Using modern LASIK, or bladeless LASIK, is just one example of how we provide personalized, custom LASIK treatments for each individual who comes to TLC Laser Eye Centers.

In addition to modern LASIK, TLC Laser Eye Centers also offer other vision correction procedures in order to match the best technology to each patient, including Contoura Vision and PRK. Having access to advanced patient testing instruments and multiple vision correction surgical technologies, our surgeons can determine the most suitable vision correction option to enhance our patients’ vision. At TLC Laser Eye Centers, we are committed to quality care and patient safety.

Reason #3: Affordable LASIK

There is a range of costs when you compare potential LASIK providers. Remember that the least expensive provider won’t necessarily be the best. In addition, many providers also offer financing to help achieve your goal of laser vision correction. It’s important to weigh all your considerations when you evaluate different LASIK centers. Your chosen provider should have the right surgeon and the right equipment for you to help make your LASIK dreams a reality.

TLC Laser Eye Centers offers LASIK financing options to help meet your needs. We work with insurance plans and companies to offer LASIK discounts to its members and employees. You may also be able to use funds from a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account toward your LASIK eye surgery.

Reason #4: Referrals

When searching for any type of provider, you can’t underestimate the value of referrals from trusted friends or family. LASIK surgery is very popular; chances are you know one or several people who have had LASIK and are happy with their results. In addition to inquiring with your eye doctors, don’t forget to ask your family or friends about their experiences and which provider they recommend!

LASIK referral

Reason #5: Location

You need a provider that is close by. After all, it may not be most ideal to travel long distances before and after your quick LASIK procedure. With  convenient, nationwide locations, you can find a TLC Laser Eye Center near you!

Reason #6: Commitment

Find a provider who is committed to you and your vision—not just now, but in the future as well. Your visual needs may change with time, if you were to need a retreatment or an enhancement down the road, you want to know that your provider will be available.

With the TLC Lifetime Commitment program, you can be sure that TLC Laser Eye Centers will stand by you. We are dedicated to helping you maintain the best possible vision throughout your lifetime.

Reason #7: A Solid Partner

At TLC Laser Centers, we know that no one is more familiar with your eye health than your own eye doctor. That’s why TLC affiliated Doctors of Optometry will be an important part of your LASIK team. These optometric physicians partner with TLC Laser Centers because of our record of safety and patient satisfaction, as well as our years of experience in the field. By partnering with optometrists across the country, not only can we help you make the best decisions about your LASIK procedure, but we are also in the best position to care for you, both before and after your laser eye surgery.

If you’d like to learn more about the TLC commitment to vision, schedule a free LASIK consultation at a location near you.

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

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8 Criteria for a Good LASIK Candidate

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably experienced some of the frustrations that come from being dependent on eyewear for clearer vision. As you wipe your glasses off for the hundredth time, or feel your contact lens become displaced, you wonder if there is a better way. If you’d like to be free of glasses or contacts, you may consider LASIK eye surgery. But, how can you know if you’re a strong candidate for LASIK?  Here are some of the criteria that make for a good LASIK candidate.

You need healthy eyes

Beyond the obvious desire for clearer vision, your eyes should be generally healthy in order to qualify for laser eye surgery. As an example, if you have an eye infection, severe dry eyes, or conjunctivitis (pink eye), you won’t be able to have the procedure until your eyes have healed.

If you have any chronic dry eye issues, be sure to discuss them with your regular eye doctor and/or LASIK specialist. He or she may be able to help treat your dry eye and get your eyes healthy enough for LASIK.

Your prescription must be within a certain range

While LASIK can be used to correct many vision problems, to achieve the best results, your prescription should not be too high (whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or suffer from astigmatism).

In general, the excimer lasers used during LASIK are FDA-approved to correct prescriptions of up to approximately +6.00 diopters of farsightedness, -12 diopters of nearsightedness, and 6.00 diopters of astigmatism.i  Keep in mind that these qualifying prescription parameters may be differ pending your own unique patient profile, surgical method and the evaluation findings from your eye doctors and LASIK specialist

LASIK diopter

You must be a certain age

To undergo laser eye surgery, you must be a minimum of 18 years old. However, most LASIK patients are not younger than their early 20’s. The younger you are, the more likely that your eyes are continuing to change and evolve. There is also no upper age limit for LASIK, and many adults are happy with their LASIK results in their 40’s and beyond. Keep in mind, though, that an older patient might still need glasses or contacts for certain activities (such as reading).

Your current prescription should be stable

A good LASIK candidate should have a prescription that has remained the same or very similar for at least one year. If you find your distance prescription consistently changes at each annual eye exam, LASIK might not be the best option until your prescription stabilizes. When you have laser eye surgery, your LASIK surgeon is correcting your vision according to your prescription at that time. This means that, even though you’ve had LASIK, if your eyes continue to change year to year, you’re more likely to need a LASIK enhancement down the line. This is another reason why younger candidates, whose eyes are more likely to change, may want to wait on LASIK.

You should be in good general health

It’s not only important for your eyes to be healthy, but your body as well. If you have any illnesses or disorders that would prevent your body from healing, it’s important to discuss laser eye surgery with your doctor, and to let your LASIK specialist know.

If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK:

  • Autoimmune diseases (HIV/AIDS, Lupus, etc.)
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Depression
  • Chronic pain conditions, such as IBS, fibromyalgia, or migrainesii

You should not be pregnant

When pregnant, your body is undergoing a lot of hormonal changes, which may affect your vision by temporarily changing your prescription.  For this reason, you should not be evaluated for a LASIK procedure until you are no longer pregnant. Nursing patients can consult with a LASIK specialist to assess their individual circumstances and determine whether the procedure is a suitable option. If your LASIK evaluation occurs right after pregnancy, pending the evaluation findings, your eye doctor or LASIK specialist may recommend giving your eyes a few months to return to their normal baseline.

Your corneas must have the appropriate thickness

You may be surprised to learn that the level of thickness in your corneas is another factor in your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery. The LASIK procedure works to improve vision by reshaping the cornea. If your cornea is too thin, it may not be possible to get the results you want.  The good news is that, in recent years, the advancement in lasers used for LASIK allow for patients with thinner corneas to undergo LASIK surgery. For most patients, the average cornea tissue is 540 to 550 microns thickiii.

You’ve researched and prepared

What’s the final step to be considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery? Doing your research and being prepared! If you research LASIK, talk to your eye doctor, and see a LASIK specialist with a list of questions, you will be well on your way to finding out if LASIK is a fit for you.

If you’d like to discuss your options and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, schedule a free consultation at a location near you.

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation Today

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[i] FDA. (2016). Summary of safety and effectiveness data. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf2/P020050S023B.pdf

[ii] FDA. (2006). Summary of safety and effectiveness data. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf3/P030008S004B.pdf

iii Mayo Clinic. (2019). Lasik surgery: Is it right for you? Mayoclinic.org. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751

LASIK vs. Ortho-K: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

When considering vision correction methods, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) emerge as distinct options, each with unique approaches and target conditions. Dive into this detailed LASIK vs. Ortho-K comparison for an insightful overview:

What is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)?

Procedure:

  • Flap Creation: A thin corneal flap is crafted using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
  • Corneal Reshaping: The flap is lifted, and the underlying cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser.

Recovery Time:

  • Quick Visual Recovery: Patients often experience rapid improvement within a day or two.
  • Stabilization: Full vision stabilization may take a few weeks.

Postoperative Discomfort:

  • Mild Discomfort: Minimal discomfort during the initial hours, with reduced sensitivity to light.

Suitability:

Advantages and disadvantages of LASIK:

Advantages:

  • Rapid Visual Improvement: Immediate enhancement in vision.
  • Minimal Discomfort: Usually, minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Disadvantages:

  • Flap-Related Complications: Rare, but potential complications include flap-related issues.
  • Dry Eyes: Some experience temporary dry eyes.

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

Procedure:

  • Contact Lens Wear: Specially designed gas-permeable lenses worn overnight.

Corneal Reshaping:

  • Recovery Time: Gradual improvement with full stabilization over a few weeks.

Postoperative Discomfort:

  • Mild Discomfort: Some may experience mild discomfort during adaptation.

Suitability:

  • Common Refractive Errors: Primarily for myopia control and mild to moderate myopia.
  • Presbyopia: Used for presbyopia, often combined with monovision.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Orthokeratology:

Advantages:

  • Non-Surgical: Reshapes the cornea without surgery.
  • Daytime Freedom: Clear vision during the day without glasses.

Disadvantages:

  • Temporary Effects: Requires consistent lens wear for sustained results.
  • Risk of Infection: Proper hygiene crucial to prevent infections.
  • Vision Instability: Changes through the day based on usage frequency.
  • Comfort: May be challenging to sleep with rigid lenses.

Choosing Between LASIK and Ortho-K:

  • Surgical Preference: Non-surgical preference may lead to Ortho-K.
  • Reversibility: Ortho-K is reversible; LASIK is permanent.
  • Corneal Thickness: If corneal thickness is a concern, Ortho-K may be safer.

Both LASIK and Ortho-K are effective, and the choice depends on individual factors, preferences, and refractive error. Consult with an experienced eye care professional to determine the most suitable method for your unique needs and circumstances.

LASIK OD

LASIK vs SMILE: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Lisa Scheibenzuber

LASIK and SMILE are both laser vision correction procedures that can correct refractive errors. They are both safe and effective procedures, but there are some key differences between them.

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, the clear front of the eye. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea underneath the flap. The flap is then replaced, and the eye heals.

What is SMILE?

SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction. In SMILE, a small lenticule is removed from the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The lenticule is a disc of tissue that is removed from the cornea to reshape it.

Which is right for you?

The best way to decide which procedure is right for you is to talk to your eye doctor. They can assess your individual needs and help you choose the best option for you.

At TLC Vision, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. That’s why we take a conservative approach to new technology. We want to make sure that any new laser technology we offer is safe and effective, and that it provides our patients with the best possible outcomes.

We understand that new technology can be exciting, but we also know that it’s important to be cautious. That’s why we often wait to adopt new technology until more is known about its safety and effectiveness over the long run.

One example of this is SMILE. SMILE is a newer laser vision correction procedure that is less invasive than LASIK. However, it is still a relatively new procedure, and there is not yet a lot of long-term data on its safety and effectiveness. We have not yet adopted SMILE at TLC Vision. We want to make sure that we can offer our patients the best possible care, and that means waiting until we have more information about this new procedure.  We do not mean to imply that SMILE is not safe or effective – simply, in our view, based upon the relative volume of experience in the medical community with LASIK over a greater number of years as compared to SMILE, we are more confident in offering LASIK than SMILE.

If you are interested in learning more about SMILE, we encourage you to talk to your eye doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of this new procedure and determine if it is right for you.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology. “SMILE vs. LASIK: Which Offers Better Early Visual Recovery?,” October 17, 2018. https://www.aao.org/education/editors-choice/smile-vs-lasik-which-offers-better-early-visual-re.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Changes in Corneal Sensitivity and Dry Eye Symptoms After SMILE vs. LASIK Surgery,” October 5, 2022. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/academy-live/detail/corneal-sensitivity-dry-eye-symptoms-smile-lasik.

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.

20-20-20 Rule: Eye Care in Today’s Technology

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Digital screens are everywhere. We work with screens, play with screens, and look at screens while we’re waiting in line. All of that screen-time comes with potential downsides, and may take a toll on our eyes over time. To try to minimize the negative effects and digital eye strain of extensive time looking at screens, many eye doctors suggest using the 20-20-20 rule as part of your eye health care. The catchy name makes it easy to remember, and ahead we’ll dive into the details of exactly how the 20-20-20 rule works.

Eye Care and Digital Eye Strain

What is the 20-20-20 rule?

Whether you’re using a phone, computer, tablet or watching TV, the idea behind the 20-20-20 rule is actually very simple: every 20 minutes that you’re looking at a screen, take a break and stare at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. That’s it. You don’t have to worry about walking off the distance, or pulling out a tape measure to make sure that the object is exactly 20 feet away. The idea is to pick an object that is close to 20 feet away.

The trick is making sure that you remember to do it every 20 minutes when you’re using a digital screen, and making sure that you look at the object for at least 20 seconds. This is a rule that you can follow almost anywhere, whether using a screen for productivity or enjoyment.

What about activities that don’t require a screen?

Screen time isn’t the only activity that can cause eye strain, and the 20-20-20 rule may apply in other situations, as well. If you’re reading a paper book, writing, or doing work that requires you to focus your vision consistently on very small details, then it may also be a good idea to give your eyes a rest using the 20-20-20 rule. No matter what activity you’re doing, the basics behind the 20-20-20 rule remain the same when considering your eye health care. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Do I really have to do it every 20 minutes?

When you’re working, reading, or watching a video, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re doing. But yes, it’s a good idea to stay on schedule with the 20-20-20 rule whenever possible. The good news is that most of the devices you’ll be using will also have built in timers you can use to set reminders. Setting 20-20-20 reminders on your computer and phone is a great way to stay on track, and eventually taking those breaks simply becomes a habit.

Why follow the 20-20-20 rule?

Humans normally blink about 15 times per minute, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. However, when using a computer or other digital screens, we may only blink about one-third as often, which can lead to eye strain.

Digital eye strain caused by extensive screen use may be connected to certain vision problems, and can cause unpleasant symptoms like dry eyes, headache, light sensitivity, and eye fatigue. So in addition to potentially helping with long-term eye health issues, the 20-20-20 rule can also be an easy way to help limit some of the most common symptoms that come with extensive digital screen time.

If you have any questions about the 20-20-20 rule, how it works, or how it applies to you, speak with your eye health care provider to learn more. If you don’t have an eye doctor, use our doctor search to find a TLC Affiliate Eye Doctor near you. It’s a small step to take, and it may make a big difference.

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