lasiksurgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. A small flap of corneal tissue is created with a femtosecond laser and the cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser.
At Utah Valley Eye Center, we use the following advanced technology by Abbott Medical Optics to provide an all-laser blade-less custom iLASIK experience:
AMO WaveScan WaveFront System: captures a unique fingerprint of the eye that is 25 times more precise than was possible by previous methods. The information generated by the Wavescan can be used to develop treatment options customized for each patient.
AMO iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser: 5th generation iFS IntraLase laser creates tiny bubbles at a specific depth in the cornea which coalesce to form a flap. There is no metal blade utilized as there had been in the past.
AMO STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser: employs state of the art optics, precision eye tracking, iris registration, and sophisticated variable beam delivery to allow the most precise treatment available. Utilizing the Wavescan system, this information is used to provide a Wavefront-guided treatment to give the best outcomes possible.
For more information regarding iLASIK and frequently asked questions please visit:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser procedure similar to LASIK that utilizes the same technology (WaveScan and STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser) to provide a custom refractive surgery experience. The main difference being that there is no corneal flap created. A mild alcohol solution is used to remove the corneal surface cells and the cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser.
Visual outcomes are virtually identical compared with LASIK, however the recovery process is much slower. The corneal surface cells take 4-5 days to regrow and during this time you may experience ocular discomfort and blurry vision. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to speed up the healing process and help with discomfort.
PRK may be a better option for individuals with certain eye conditions, a very high glasses prescription, or thin corneas.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an alternative method of vision correction for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK. Individuals with thin corneas, dry eye, or extremely high nearsightedness, previously told they were not a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, may qualify for ICL surgery. The ICL is an extremely thin contact lens inserted in the eye in front of the natural lens and behind the iris.
AM I A CANDIDATE?
In order to qualify for ICL surgery, you must meet the following requirements:
- Between the ages of 21 and 45
- Have moderate to severe nearsightedness (-3.00 to -15.00)
- Minimal amount of astigmatism
For more information regarding ICL surgery and frequently asked questions please visit:
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) is essentially cataract surgery done for the purpose of eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. As with cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed, and replaced with an artificial lens specific for your eye. An ideal candidate is over 45 who is nearsighted, farsighted, or has significant astigmatism. Once the natural lens of the eye is removed, you will never have to worry about developing a cataract in that eye. Specialized intraocular lenses such as toric or multifocal lenses can be utilized to further decrease your dependence on glasses.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?
While the LASIK procedure has provided millions of people with hassle free vision, it is important to understand that not everyone is a fully qualified candidate.
In order to be qualified for LASIK it is important that you meet the following requirements:
- Stable vision for 1 year
- Over the age of 18
- Nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
- No current eye problems
- No health issues that may affect the eyes.
Payment Options for LASIK Eye Surgery
Utah Valley Eye Center offers easy payment options to make your laser or implant vision correction experience as smooth and affordable as possible.
Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery to be an elective procedure, so it is often not covered under basic health or vision plans. Because your vision is important, we have the following payment options available to assist you in making LASIK corrective surgery as affordable as possible.
Payment in Full:
This payment can be made using cash, check or credit card
Flex Spending Plans:
Flexible spending plans can be used to cover the costs of vision correction. Talk to your employer about setting aside money for you to put toward the costs of your surgery. It is a good idea to find out if you are a candidate before making such an election. We offer a Free Screening to make sure you are candidate and get a better idea of how much to set aside.
Financing Plans:
Utah Valley Eye Center offers a 12 month no-interest financing plan with a 50% down payment at the time of service. We also offer a 24 month 8% financing plan with a 50% down payment.
Tax Deductions:
The IRS has declared laser eye surgery to be a valid medical expense, thus making it tax deductible.
Vision Insurance:
Some vision plans will cover some or all aspects of your laser eye surgery. Contact your insurance plan to see if any coverage is available. Please feel free to call our surgery scheduling team at (801)852-9116 or (801)357-7373 with any questions or concerns regarding the payment options.