LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction or refractive surgery procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This life changing procedure reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. The laser is used to cut a flap in the cornea, then pulses from the laser penetrate and evaporate a portion of the stroma and the flap is put back into place leaving the patient’s refractive error corrected. Patients may notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery and most patients return to their typical routine only one day after LASIK, with little disruption to daily life. More than 90 percent of people who have LASIK achieve somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses.

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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser procedure where the excimer laser is used precisely to reshape the cornea without creating a corneal flap. PRK may be safer for some people including those with thin or irregular corneal tissue or those who are high risk for eye injury. The technique involves gently removing the outermost layer of the cornea, which will require 5-7 days of healing. The excimer treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea and a bandage contact lens is placed to facilitate the regrowth of corneal epithelium. Because there is no flap, the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained. This form of correction is required for some military professionals and some departments of law enforcement.

At Select Eye Care, Dr. Scott LaBorwit and our staff will thoroughly assess and determine what is best for you and your unique vision needs.

Our Technology

The LASIK Experience at Select Eye Care is comprised of special testing during your pre-operative appointment to integrate a fully customized procedure. During your procedure, we utilize the WaveLight®FS200 Femtosecond Laser which offers a large variety of personalized treatment options and is known for providing a consistent, stable energy delivery for a highly reproducible, precise performance.

We look forward to restoring your vision and helping you live your best life possible!

At Select Eye Care, we want our patients to achieve the best vision possible. Laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and PRK are considered elective procedures and are not covered by insurance; however, it may be tax deductible depending on your filing status. In addition, many patients choose to pay for their procedure using their tax refund. We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your LASIK surgery. Many employers and banks offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Select Eye Care is pleased to offer affordable interest-free and extended payment plans, through approved credit with CareCredit.
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Our staff will be happy to review the best financing options for you. Please contact us today at 410-872-1600 with any questions.

How long does each procedure take?

The actual procedures are very quick! With LASIK, the laser time for each eye is only about 15 seconds, and your time in the laser suite will generally be under 15-30 minutes. The PRK procedure takes about 5-10 minutes per eye. Our providers and staff spend the most time upfront analyzing your vision testing results and planning the best treatment for your customized laser vision correction procedure. 

Do laser vision correction procedures hurt?

Prior to your procedure, we will administer anesthetic drops to numb the eye. Most patients say there is no pain during the procedure, but some report feeling mild pressure or vibration. You may feel a slight irritation for a few hours after. We recommend that you take a short nap and rest your eyes. For LASIK, the majority of patients are back to their normal activities the following day. PRK patients typically require 5-7 days of recovery time. 

What are the age requirements for these procedures?

A good candidate for LASIK or PRK is at least 21 years old with a stable prescription for at least one year.

How long does laser vision correction surgery last?

A recent survey of patients who had LASIK beginning in 1995 showed that the majority believed that LASIK improved their overall quality of life and would recommend the procedure to others. The overall results of your procedure can last a lifetime! Your chances of needing an enhancement are greatly reduced when you choose a skilled surgeon with extensive experience like Dr. LaBorwit. There is no charge for any enhancements needed during your first year.

What is Monovision?

Monovision is helpful for patients who wish to maintain their ability to read without glasses after experiencing presbyopia (the need for reading glasses as you age). In order to achieve Monovision, your doctor may decide to leave one eye slightly nearsighted while fully treating your other eye for distance vision. Monovision engages both eyes to work together as the brain naturally selects the clearer vision option. Monovision allows for the change in range of focus without the worry of contacts or glasses. There is often an adjustment period for patients who select Monovision while others adjust almost immediately. Your doctor may have you practice prior to surgery by using contact lenses to simulate monovision in order to see how you adjust. Because Monovision is a LASIK compromise, a patient may have to sacrifice some sharpness in distance vision and it is important to remember that while Monovision is beneficial for most near vision tasks, it is not always suitable for up close and fine print reading for long periods of time, and is unsuitable for people who play sports or who drive frequently at night.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule your FREE LASIK evaluation. Click the button below or call us today at 410-872-1600 to schedule. We look forward to restoring your vision and helping you live your best life possible!