LASIK Cost

One of the most common questions potential LASIK patients ask is that of cost. Patients are often befuddled by the wide variability in prices charged for a LASIK procedure. Consumers often make the mistake when inquiring about price that they are comparing apples to apples. But over the years the LASIK procedure has evolved and changed so that there are many different techniques and technologies available to correct vision with variable success and safety profiles. In addition there are variable amounts of service associated with the fees charged.

As a general rule, the lower the fee, the less surgeon-patient interaction there is. The reason is that lower fees mean that more patients need to be treated in order to generate the same level of income as fewer patients at a higher fee.

There are other factors that can account for differences in fees even if you meet the surgeon at every visit before and after surgery. The more experience of the surgeon, typically the higher the fee. In other words, the greater the expertise, the higher the fee. As with any profession, some surgeons are more skilled than others which includes not only surgical expertise, but also diagnostic expertise as well since LASIK is not always the best procedure for everyone. Some patients may be better suited for other procedures and some patients should not have surgery at all.

The equipment and physical plant is another cost factor. There are several studies that confirm that an environmentally controlled room is essential to good LASIK outcomes. The surgical suite should have a separate heating and cooling unit from the rest of the clinic. Humidity must be strictly controlled. An air filtration system may have some impact on outcomes. There are several different manufacturers of flap making devices and lasers to perform the procedure all with varied prices and associated costs just as there are different makes and models of automobiles. Which would you want: a Ferrari or a Hyundai? In general, an all-laser or blade-free LASIK procedure is safer and more precise than a standard LASIK but costs more. A wave-front guided procedure costs more than a wavefront-optimized procedure which costs more than a conventional LASIK. The more expensive techniques tend to give better results and fewer side-effects such as night-time driving difficulties.

There will always remain those patients who seek only the lowest price but the educated LASIK consumer should seek to investigate further before settling on their vision correction provider.

iLASIK using the Intralase Method™ Revolutionizes LASIK:

• There are two steps in the LASIK procedure. Recent advancements in LASIK laser technology reveal that the first step – creating a corneal flap – plays a significant role in the overall success of the procedure, including safety and visual outcomes.

• The IntraLase® FS laser is the first technology for a truly all-laser, blade-free LASIK procedure, replacing the hand-held microkeratome blade historically used in the first step of the procedure with a computer-guided ultra-fast femtosecond (fem-to-second) laser.

• This revolutionary advancement, called LASIK with the IntraLase Method, dramatically improves the safety of corneal flap creation by virtually eliminating almost all of the most serious, sight-threatening microkeratome-related complications. It also has a superior safety profile to the other all-laser LASIK procedure: Z-LASIK.

o While LASIK is a successful and safe procedure, the use of the microkeratome blade accounts for the majority of severe complications.

• Clinical data reveal the IntraLase FS laser does more than create a safer, planar corneal flap. It also prepares an optimal corneal surface below the flap, providing for superior visual outcomes, especially among Custom/Wavefront patients.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

USA Board of Ophthalmological Freedom

USA Board of Ophthalmological Freedom

What I Learned in Japan

I went to Japan to lecture on LASIK but I'm the one who got an education. Today I ventured out to the Osaka Aquarium. I decided to take the subway, but of course, my first task was to find the station. I was surprised and delighted by the willingness of those around me who went out of their way to help without me asking. One lady riding a bike stopped to ask if she could help when she saw me studying my map. She got off her bike and walked with it several blocks so she could direct me to the station. She then left her bike at the entrance of the subway and walked me inside to make sure I got to the correct line. Another student made sure I got on the correct train. I had a great time at the Aquarium and was able to order my meal by pointing at pictures. All along the way I was greeted by a polite bow and a smile. I reflect back on my day with fond memories and am thankful that the only Japanese phrase I bothered to learn besides “kamichiwa” before leaving the hotel was “domo arigato” or thank-you.

Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Speak in Japan

Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Speak in Japan

Dr Dean Dornic MD, Lasik Surgeon @ Laser Eye Center

Here is a video featuring my good friend, Dr. Uwe Canting.
http://www.celebratelakepepin.org/cost-lasik-eye-surgery/dr-dean-dornic-md-lasik-surgeon-laser-eye-center