Facts on New Techniques in Laser Vision Correction

Several exciting developments in laser vision correction are helping to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, corneal scarring and astigmatism.  All procedures are provided by our medical director, William E. Shaw Jr., MD, using the latest technology.

What procedures are available?

Several procedures are available to correct nearsightrdness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  They are:

• Laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK), in which an excimer laser precisely removes fine layers of tissue from the surface of cornea. 
• Epi-LASIK can be used to reshape the cornea without the use of surgical blades.
• Treatment using wavefront-optimized LASIK or epi-LASIK maintains the cornea's prolate shape.  Wavefront optimization allows for the potential to experience better vision than is normally possible with glasses and contacts.

Another eye procedure available is astigmatic keratotomy, where incisions are made in the cornea, in this case to correct astigmatism.

For patients with corneal scarring, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is available to smooth out the surface of the cornea, allowing the patient to see through the scars.

Who should consider laser vision correction?

An individual is most likely a laser vision correction candidate if he or she is free from significant eye disease and is not too far- or near-sighted.

What is involved in the treatment?

All patients undergoing refractive surgery require a pre-operative evaluation.  This involves a number of specialized tests which will take approximately one hour.  The information learned from these tests will be used to make sure you are a good candidate. 

Dr. Shaw uses the latest generation, wavefront-optimized Allegretto Wave excimer laser. The system treats not only nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism,  but can also reduce the increase in higher order abberations unique to each individual's visual system. The Allegretto Wave  can create enlarged treatment zones, and tract the movement of the eye during treatment.  A climate-controlled suite is used when performing laser vision correction procedures because the accuracy of the excimer laser is dependent on temperature and humidity. 

If you elect to proceed with the treatment, you should allow to have someone drive you to the office on the day of the procedure.  During the procedure, eye drops are used to numb the eye, and there is usually little or no discomfort.  Patients usually can plan on taking one or two days off from work for recovery after LASIK, and six to seven days after epi-LASIK.

Will my health insurance plan cover these procedures?

Laser vision correction is not usually covered by health insurance plans. Some vision plans such as Piedmont Community Health Plan, VSP and Davis Vision provide a discount for laser vision correction. The costs for these procedures is typically a one-time charge that includes all related post-operative visits.

Our LASIK fee ranges from $1450 - $1950 per eye, depending on the degree of an individual's nearsightedness or farsightedness.  Our epi-LASIK fee ranges from $1600 -  $2200 per eye.