Answers To Your Top LASIK Questions

LASIK is something that provides an almost immediate lifestyle change that frees you from the hassles of wearing glasses or contacts, yet many people jump right into it without asking questions.

But like with any other life-changing decision, we at King LASIK feel it’s important to be well informed. There’s no doubt that laser eye surgery is an amazing technology that has revolutionized eye care and provided glasses-free living for millions of people, but there are still things every person considering LASIK should know.

Answers to Patients’ Questions about LASIK

Question #1 – Is LASIK safe?

Yes. LASIK is one of the safest medical procedures in the world. The screening process for patients is extensive and LASIK technology is state-of-the-art.Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, however, and we never proceed unless a patient is 100 percent suitable. If you’re not an appropriate candidate, we’ll happily work with you to find a different option that does suit you and your vision goals, whatever they may be.

Question #2 – Does LASIK hurt?

Doctors will apply anesthetic eye drops prior to the procedure to ensure complete comfort, and all you will feel is light pressure. Following the procedure some people have reported a sensation similar to having an eyelash  in their eye for a period of time, but most people experience very little discomfort.

Question #3 – How soon after LASIK will I be able to see?

Very soon, although it varies with each person; some people report clear vision in less than 24 hours, while for others (particularly PRK patients) it takes up to 5 or 6 days.We recommend taking the day of the procedure off work but if you’re hoping for a “holiday” to recover, you’re out of luck. You should be back two days after your procedure.

Question #4 – How common are complications?

Not common at all. In fact, vision–threatening complications from contact lens use happen far more often — 1 in 2000 people — while LASIK only reports a complication once every 10,000 surgeries.Of the rare complications that do occur, the most common are hazy vision, over or under correction, and surgical flap healing problems. Most complications are treatable and/or temporary.

Question #5 – Will I have 20/20 vision following LASIK?

Likely yes, but every person is different. The U.S. Navy is so confident in LASIK that they recommend it to their Marines, 92 percent of whom achieve 20/20 vision following the surgery.It is incredibly likely that you will not need corrective lenses after LASIK.

Question #6 – How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost at King LASIK?

It is surprising to many people that the price of LASIK laser vision correction surgery is often less than a pair of eyeglasses. Many eyeglass frames can cost hundreds of dollars at retail. Adding bifocal or high index lenses, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings, and lens cleaning cloths and cases, can increase the cost of one pair of glasses to more than $1,000.

The annual cost for disposable or reusable contact lenses may be similar when one considers the cost of lenses, cleaning and wetting solutions and cases. Considering that many people have several pairs of glasses, and others lose their glasses easily, the financial benefits of LASIK are clear.

For nearly everyone, LASIK is surprisingly affordable and immeasurably convenient compared to glasses or contact lenses. Traditional LASIK may cost less than $1,500 per eye, while wavefront-guided all-laser IntraLase LASIK costs just over $2,000 per eye. One should never pay more than $3,000 per eye under any circumstances, regardless of technology or geography, as this price is greater than nearly all LASIK providers in North America.

King LASIK is one of the most affordable (and experienced) LASIK providers in the Northwest. Our lengthy experience and volume allow us to negotiate excellent prices from suppliers and we pass the savings on to our patients. IntraLase LASIK is always more expensive than conventional LASIK as there are significant software royalties that must be paid on a per-eye basis to use the IntraLase technology. A separate surgical lens is used for each IntraLase procedure.

Similarly, Wavefront-guided technology requires the payment of software royalties each time an eye is treated. The lasers alone may cost up to $500,000 to purchase and royalties must be paid each time the laser is used. The operational costs of the lasers may comprise a substantial portion of the cost of the laser procedure. LASIK is an affordable procedure for nearly everyone. King LASIK offers zero percent interest financing and some of the most affordable LASIK prices in Seattle, Portland and the entire Northwest.

If you would like to learn more about the cost of LASIK at King LASIK, please contact our offices today by calling 855-503-0281 or sending us an email. Our entire staff has a lot of experience helping patients make financing arrangements. Our team can also answer questions about LASIK in Portland, the Tri-Cities and Victoria, BC, with the King LASIK surgeons.

Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

There is no shortage of eye surgeons out there. Knowing what to ask can help you pick the right one.

Question #1 – How many surgeries have you done?

Experience counts when it comes to LASIK. Look for surgeons who have had the time to perfect their skills. A well–recommended surgeon with a solid practice is always a good choice.

Question #2 – Are you prepared to provide follow-up treatments in the rare case of complications?

Experienced surgeons have a deep understanding of eye care and health, and are readily able to treat all complications. Follow–up care in these rare cases should be free.

Question #3 – Do you own your practice?

Surgeons who own their practices have vested interests in keeping you happy. A surgeon who works here or there at different businesses is less likely to be concerned about follow-up care or building a professional relationship with patients.

Question #4 – Do you do more than LASIK?

LASIK is the most recommended choice for vision correction, but isn’t the only one. In some cases PRK or Kamra Corneal Inlay is the better choice. Surgeons who have been practicing a long time have seen technologies come and go and are experienced in all of them. When it comes to LASIK it’s important that you feel fully informed. Knowledge is key and if we can help answer any of your questions, please let us know.