Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK in Atlanta Available at Thomas Eye Group (Click to take our Self-Test)

No matter if you have worn glasses for a great deal of time or if you have just started wearing them there is now a vision correction option that might be able to help you. Let the LASIK doctors at Thomas Eye Group start you on a path to better vision. Millions of people have undergone very successful LASIK eye surgeries all over the world. LASIK has brought amazing vision and lifestyle changes that no other eye surgery has ever been able to do. Can you imagine being able to wake up in the morning and being able to see the alarm clock or how about playing basketball without the hassles of contact lenses and glasses?  LASIK eye surgery can be a wonderful life-changing event, but you must be sure that you will qualify for this type of surgery. The LASIK doctors at Thomas Eye Group are dedicated to providing a pre-operative eye health examination that will determine your potential LASIK candidacy. It is during this examination that our eye doctors will take precise measurements that will help determine your candidacy.

What happens during the LASIK Procedure?

Our Atlanta LASIK eye surgeons first apply anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. The cornea of the eye is then marked with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap. Next a suction ring is applied that is designed to hold the eye steady and also confirms the pressure of the eye. The surgeon then creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 60 seconds, high-energy pulses from the excimer laser actually reshape the internal cornea. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. This corneal flap serves a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Your doctor will then watch the eye for five minutes to ensure proper healing. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively.  As a patient at the Thomas Eye Group you will never be rushed during your LASIK surgery. Our staff will make every step to make sure you are as comfortable as possible and that all your questions are answered.

After LASIK eye surgery

The protective layer of the cornea will remain intact after the LASIK surgery but patients will be required to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for about a week. Additional eye drops will be suggested to minimize any dryness and increase comfort during the healing process.  Our LASIK locations will also instruct patients to wear protective eye shields at night to prevent unconscious rubbing or bumping of your eyes.

Atlanta LASIK costs…How can I afford LASIK eye surgery?

Thomas Eye Group offers a wide range of payment options for affording LASIK surgery but financing is often a popular option. You can visit our LASIK website to find more information on the financing options available.

It’s been estimated that over the next 10 years the average user of contacts or glasses will spend over $8,000 while the one-time cost of LASIK works out to be over a quarter of that cost per eye. A Wall Street Journal survey showed that over 15% of patients who received ‘discount’ LASIK were unhappy with their results. Fifteen percent may not seem like much, until you realize that less than 3% of applicants even qualified for the discount price. Some of these patients, dissatisfied after surgery elsewhere, have come to Thomas Eye Group seeking improvement.

LASIK at Thomas Eye Group is $2,150 per eye and includes:
•    Initial Consultation
•    Pre-Operative Exam
•    Laser Vision Correction Procedure
•    Post-Operative Care for 12 Months
•    Enhancements at a Reduced Rate of $350, if Needed, for 18 Months

One of the most important aspects of choosing your LASIK practice and shopping for LASIK eye surgery is to understand what you are getting included in the surgery. Many centers will have additional costs that you will want to understand. The cost of LASIK may also vary depending on the type of LASIK surgery. Please feel free to discuss the differences between custom LASIK and conventional LASIK eye surgery.  Custom LASIK or wavefront LASIK may offer a 98% chance of having 20/20 or better vision.

Choosing an Atlanta LASIK surgeon

LASIK is not for everyone and on average our doctors reject 15% of applicants for LASIK, recommending and providing alternate vision care for all of those patients. This is one of the major benefits provided by Thomas Eye Group as compared to LASIK centers that only perform LASIK. You know when you choose Thomas Eye Group that you will get the correct treatment for your unique pair of eyes.

Questions to ASK your LASIK surgeon

• What is your experience level with LASIK eye surgery?
• Do you perform PRK and LASIK eye surgery?
• Do you prefer LASIK over PRK and why?
• Who is the best Atlanta LASIK surgeon?
• Who are some famous Atlanta people that have had LASIK surgery?
• Can you describe the pre-operative evaluation?
• Why do some people get rejected as LASIK candidates?
• Is LASIK painful?
• What is your LASIK technology?
• What can I do about affording LASIK in Atlanta?
• Is LASIK better for me than contact lenses?
• What is the difference between conventional LASIK and custom LASIK?

LASIK options and alternatives

The Thomas Eye Group serves patients throughout the Atlanta area. Our Atlanta LASIK surgeons have performed thousands of successful vision correction procedures and are very proud to offer our LASIK services. Since LASIK eye surgery is not a one-size fits all type of surgery it is important to know that Thomas Eye Group has other vision correction options available. If you are a not a LASIK candidate our eye doctors might suggest an alternative vision correction procedure.