What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. After LASIK, patients typically experience dramatically improved vision within 12-24 hours of the procedure. They can resume most normal activities within 1-2 days. 

LASIK is an alternative option to wearing glasses or contacts. It can help if you have a treatable refractive error, such as myopia (nearsighted), hyperopia (farsighted), astigmatism, or presbyopia. Milan’s LASIK Eye Center serves the entire North Atlanta metro area. We have 8 locations in Alpharetta, Buford, Canton, Cumming, Dawsonville, Johns Creek, Marietta, and Snellville.

 

What is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery helps improve your vision and provides freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Most vision correction procedures reshape your cornea, the clear, round dome at the front of your eye, while others replace the natural lens in your eye.

Since nearly three-quarters of the U.S. population requires some form of vision correction, refractive surgery can be an excellent option in helping achieve clear sight.

Bladeless Surgery: Advanced Technology with Unparalleled Precision

During bladeless LASIK surgery, a laser creates a thin, precise flap in the cornea. This method has significantly increased accuracy and reduced the risk of complications from microkeratome blades used in the past.

How does LASIK surgery work?

LASIK surgery works by changing the shape of the cornea to allow your eyes to bend, or refract, light directly at the retina at the back of the eye. When the light does not precisely match up with the retina, vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism occur. This is the process that a patient can expect during bladeless LASIK surgery:

  1. Anesthetic, numbing eye drops are applied to reduce any discomfort
  2. Eyes are cleaned to keep them sterile for the procedure
  3. An eyelid speculum helps keep the eye open
  4. A femtosecond laser creates a smooth, precise, and thin flap of the cornea (bladeless)
  5. The flap gently lifts to reshape the underlying cornea with the excimer laser beam (your surgeon will ask you to look at a target light during this part of the procedure)
  6. Finally, the surgeon carefully repositions the flap to its original location

 

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Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

With recent advances in technology, more and more people are prime candidates for laser eye surgery. Here are the characteristics of LASIK patients we take on:

  • 18 years to 55 years old. Are you over 55? See other options below
  • Stable vision for at least one year (same prescription)
  • Healthy cornea based on pre-operative screening
  • Lack of eye diseases that may affect healing after surgery
  • Understanding of risks and benefits of LASIK or other refractive surgery

Still unsure? Take our self-test below!

 

What If I Do Not Qualify For LASIK?

There are several reasons as to why someone may not be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, including age and pre-existing health conditions. While we are still growing, our eye prescription may keep changing. Therefore, we would not recommend LASIK until your vision has stabilized. LASIK is also not recommended for adults over the age of 55. Because LASIK eye surgery uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea, if a candidate’s cornea is too thin, we would recommend an alternative procedure.  Talk to our physicians about other alternatives such as PRK, RLE, or an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

 

Affordability

LASIK is more affordable than continuing to spend money on glasses and contact lenses every year. The average national cost of LASIK in 2020 was approximately $2246 per eye. This cost usually includes the initial consultation, the procedure, and post-operative follow-up care. 

Find out how much you could save with our LASIK calculator.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) and Health savings accounts (HSA’s) are employer-sponsored programs allowing pre-tax dollars to be set aside for medical costs. You may be able to get LASIK virtually tax-free.

Learn More about Interest-Free Financing and Tax-Free Savings for LASIK

Why Choose Milan LASIK Eye Center?

As a patient at Milan Eye Center, our knowledgeable surgeons and coordinators will walk you through every step. The procedure usually takes 5-8 minutes per eye, with an average of 10-15 minutes total.

Our eight locations across Atlanta, Georgia ensure that the finest eye services and surgeons are just around the corner. Meet our team of award-winning surgeons to discover what sets us apart. Our ophthalmologists and optometrists will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the surgery. 

What Should I Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery?

Recovery:

  • You’ll be ready to leave 10 minutes after the procedure
  • Notice dramatically better vision in 12-24 hours
  • Get back to normal activities in 1-2 days
  • Apply eye drops for 1 week to speed recovery
  • There are no stitches to worry about – your eyes will heal on their own

Outcome:

After LASIK, you won’t need your glasses or contacts to see clearly anymore. Your specific results depend on your desired vision outcome. Our experienced physicians will help you determine the best option for you:

  • Monovision: corrects your dominant eye for distance and your other eye for near.
  • Blended vision: corrects both of your eyes for distance and intermediate vision.

The Safest Elective Surgery in the World

LASIK is the safest, most successful, and most widely studied elective procedure globally, with the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective procedure (95% to be exact). A good LASIK candidate has a low risk of complication, especially when screened and treated with the correct equipment by an experienced surgeon.

Still unsure? Watch several LASIK patient testimonials on our YouTube channel! 

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It’s the right time for clearer vision

Make an appointment today to discuss which procedures best meet your refractive goals. Come to one of our eight convenient Atlanta-area locations.

Schedule an Appointment Online

Or call 678-381-2020