Laser Vision Correction
Overview and Fees
Thanks for your interest. We're very pleased to offer you the finest, most individualized laser vision correction available today. It starts with a careful evaluation and consideration of your ocular health, vision, and goals. And we're committed to taking care of you after your procedure to ensure a great long-term result!
Treatments are customized using VISX optical wavefront mapping technology. We obtain a highly individualized "visual fingerprint" to program specific laser treatment to produce consistent and superior vision results. For LASIK procedures, we create the corneal flap using the state of the art Intralase femtosecond laser rather than a mechanical device. This ensures the greatest possible precision and safety in creating the best corneal flap for your treatment.
Our fee for customized Laser Vision Correction, including your procedure and all after care is only $2,250 per eye. You may wonder why we don't offer a wide range of fees like some laser centers. That's easy. We only do Laser Vision Correction one way, the way we would want it done for our own family members. We plan and perform your procedure using the best technology available, and we take care of you afterwards until we're certain you've achieved your personal best vision.
It's important to do your homework before having LASIK. You should learn as much as you can about available technologies and about your surgeon in whom you place your trust to take care of your precious sight. I invite you to call us at 615-591-7054 or email us at LASIK@franklineycenter.com for a consultation about your vision and goals.
How It's Done and What to Expect
What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction is a way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism by using carefully programmed laser energy to reshape the clear corneal surface of the eye.
There are two main variations of laser vision correction, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis). In a PRK procedure, the surface epithelial cells are removed, and the surface connective tissue is reshaped using the excimer laser. Excellent vision results after the surface has healed in 3-7 days. In a LASIK procedure, a thin, hinged flap is created and then reflected to expose the underlying connective tissue. The deeper layers of the cornea are reshaped with the laser and then the flap is repositioned. This allows us to preserve the surface of the cornea. Excellent vision invariably results by the next day.
In most cases at the Franklin Eye Center, we perform LASIK, but PRK is recommended when it is judged to be safer or more reliable. The choice of surgical approach is one of the important reasons to have a detailed preoperative consultation.
Laser Vision Consultation
This visit starts with video educational materials about LASIK and ends with a thorough discussion with Dr. Wohl about your vision goals and how they can be realized. In between, we will assess factors related to correction of your vision. It is possible that LASIK will not be a good procedure for you. Dr. Wohl will only recommend treatment that has a very high probability of meeting your expectations!
Laser Vision Planning
You must discontinue contact lens wear for a period of time before meaningful procedure planning measurements can be performed; at least one week for soft lenses and three weeks for gas permeable lenses. Once you have been out of your lenses for an adequate period, your eyes will be measured and analyzed to plan your procedure. You will be guided through the consent process and have ample opportunity to discuss all aspects of your procedure with Dr. Wohl.
LASIK Procedure
Your procedure is performed under topical (or surface) anesthesia using eye drops to completely numb your eye. To start, you will sit in a surgical chair that will fully recline to position you under the microscope and Intralase apparatus. Dr. Wohl will position a soft ring over your right eye. The ring will hold your eyelids open and provide a platform for the Intralase to precisely create the corneal flap required for LASIK. You will feel mild pressure over your eye and brow during this part of the procedure. Next, the procedure to create the corneal flap will be repeated for your left eye.
Once the corneal flaps have been created, but not lifted, the reshaping procedure for each eye will follow. Your right eye will be draped to create a sterile field, and an eyelid retainer will be placed to prevent blinking. You will not feel a need to blink however because of the effective anesthetic. You will notice a flashing orange target light that you will look at during parts of the procedure.
Dr. Wohl performing LASIK surgery
Dr. Wohl will position your eye and mark the cornea for later flap repositioning. Next, he will lift the corneal flap to expose the underlying cornea, and perform the laser treatment. During this part you will need to look at the target light in order to put your eye in the ideal position. If you inadvertently look away, either Dr. Wohl or the laser's automatic tracking system, which constantly tracks small eye movements, can stop the treatment, which will be resumed after repositioning. Stopping and restarting the treatment will not affect your result.
Finally, Dr. Wohl will reposition the corneal flap to its original position. The flap will quickly adhere to the corneal bed. Medications will be placed on your eye and the entire procedure will be repeated for your left eye.
After Your Procedure
Your vision will be somewhat hazy for a few hours due to mild swelling of the corneal flap. It will seem as though you are looking through water. We recommend that you rest your eyes for at least two hours immediately after your procedure. Your vision will rapidly improve throughout the day and overnight. You may also experience temporary irritation and tearing. You will be asked to wear protective goggles until the next morning, both to protect and humidify your eyes. You will have three different eye drops to use and will see Dr. Wohl the day after your procedure. We anticipate you will be able to drive yourself to your first day follow up appointment!
We also offer a number of non-surgical eye treatments to help you see clearly and correct eye related problems. Contact us by calling 615-591-7054 or visit our office to learn more about LASIK and other corrective eye treatments.