Is LASIK Right for You?
Learn About LASIK Costs
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of laser eye surgery that is used to correct vision for patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and even astigmatism. This laser vision correction surgery is the most frequently performed elective surgery in North America and is extremely safe.
Our expert LASIK surgeons have been performing successful LASIK procedures in Arizona for decades and have continued to be renowned for their excellent care.
The LASIK procedure uses a laser, known as an excimer laser, to alter the shape of the patient’s cornea. With the laser, we can reshape your cornea to the precise measurement needed to correct your vision. This surgery has shown incredible results in reducing, and often eliminating, the need for glasses and contact lenses.
What to Expect on your LASIK Surgery Day
Most people are surprised by how quick and easy LASIK eye surgery is. The LASIK procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Not only is it fast, but it is also safe and virtually painless.
Before the procedure, topical anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes to help prevent any discomfort. In some cases, medication may also be approved to help you relax.
After the drops are placed, a lid speculum is used to keep the eyes from blinking and a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap over the cornea.
During the surgery, corneal tissue is removed using a specialized excimer laser. The LASIK process helps light focus on the retina, which improves vision. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is replaced over the tissue that was removed. The cornea will then heal naturally.
Advanced LASIK Technology
During your LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon will use highly specialized lasers called excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
Femtosecond Lasers create the initial flap. These lasers are the pinnacle of laser technology development. This laser makes the flap to exact dimensions, helping it conform to your eye’s unique anatomy and ensuring the flap fits back in place securely.
Wavefront-guided lasers are used during the LASIK procedure to allow surgeons to map defects in the eye’s optical system. These devices show how light travels through the eye and help produce a custom LASIK treatment plan for each patient.
A German Engineered Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser fixes visual imperfections in the eye. It is highly specialized and capable of preserving the natural curvature of the cornea, preventing unwanted side effects, including poor night vision or halos.
LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery
After the surgery, your eyes may feel a bit irritated or watery for a couple of hours. You cannot drive immediately after your procedure. Please plan to have a ride home after your LASIK eye surgery.
It is normal to have blurry vision following the surgery, which typically improves within a day or two. The majority of patients feel comfortable after taking a short nap. You will also be given protective eye shields to prevent you from rubbing your eyes, particularly while you sleep.
Most patients will notice their vision improving significantly within a few days of having a LASIK procedure, some even noticing same-day results.
We encourage all of our patients to get plenty of rest and follow our doctor’s instructions about any medications prescribed. You should refrain from rubbing your eyes or participating in vigorous physical activity for at least a week.
Some doctors recommend taking a day or two off from work but many people are able to return to work the next day.
The Cost of LASIK
The cost of LASIK can be affordable. While it is considered elective surgery, it can be a great investment in comparison to the years of costs related to contacts and glasses. Learn more about the cost of LASIK and the financing available for your procedure.
LASIK Savings Calculator
LASIK could save you
$0.00*
on glasses & contacts
over your lifetime
over your lifetime
*Calculation includes $50 for contact lens solution, glasses case, and other miscellaneous items per year; $130 (per year) for a pair of prescription readers for anyone 45 years or older. Annual exams are not included in the calculation. We have factored in the average US lifespan of 79 years. Your numbers may vary.
LASIK FINANCING OPTIONS
Our patients have many options to help make the cost of LASIK more affordable. You can ask one of our patient counselors about custom payment options to pay for the cost of LASIK in installments. One option we offer is CareCredit. Learn more about CareCredit and how you can finance your LASIK procedure at your own pace.
INSURANCE AND PAYING OUT OF POCKET
LASIK eye surgery is almost always considered an elective or cosmetic surgery, which means many insurance companies do not cover the cost of LASIK. Most patients end up paying for the majority (if not all) of the procedure out of pocket. It’s still very much worth asking your insurance company about your options and if your policy includes a benefit for advanced vision correction. Each person’s needs and circumstances are different.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (TAX FREE DOLLARS)
Your employer may offer flexible spending accounts to help offset medical expenses. These accounts may allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for certain medical costs, including money to cover the cost of LASIK. You can ask your employer if this is an option under your benefits. Many professions also find that LASIK is a worthwhile investment for being able to best fulfill their occupation.
Do You Want Cheap LASIK?
You’ve probably seen or heard ads offering LASIK for extremely low prices. Many LASIK centers in Arizona may attempt to sell you “cheap LASIK.” Unfortunately, the truth is that in most of these cases, the cost of LASIK they advertise is not realistic to what ends up costing you, or you may find that the price applies to very few people with limited prescriptions. At BDP LASIK, the cost of your procedure will never go up based on your unique vision needs.
Why choose Barnet Dulaney Perkins for LASIK?
Our experienced surgeons in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Scottsdale are known to provide safe, consistent results for our patients.
Our team specializes in vision correction procedures, so you can rest assured that you will never feel pressured to have LASIK. Our talented medical staff will help you find the procedure that best fits your eyes’ needs and lifestyle.
Since LASIK may not be the best option for everyone, we offer Free LASIK Consultations to see if LASIK eye surgery is right for you.
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center has also been voted the #1 Eye Care Center by Ranking Arizona for eight years.
Our real LASIK patient journeys.
Get first-hand accounts from our real LASIK patients as they talk about LASIK and their experience with us at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center.
Cameo Cross
Nathan Johnson
Michael Maske
