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LASIK (or “Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis”) is one of the
safest and most effective vision correction procedures. The first cases
were performed in the US in 1989 and now an average of 700,000 cases are
performed annually. It is an outpatient refractive procedure that is
used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and in
certain cases presbyopia.
San Diego
ophthalmologist Michael Tracy, MD is an expert when it comes to
performing LASIK procedures. He’s successfully treated thousands of
patients, with either LASIK or PRK surgeries.
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LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea using a
laser. The entire process is fast and painless, and is appropriate for
many patients.
Before the procedure begins, Dr. Tracy will apply
numbing drops to prevent any pain or discomfort. Next, a thin, circular
flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea so that the stroma, or
underlying cornea, can be exposed. This can be completed in two
different ways. Some doctors utilize a mechanical surgical blade, called
a microkeratome, that cuts the thin flap. While good results are
possible with this technique, Dr. Tracy prefers to use a laser, called a
femtosecond laser, to cut the flap because it reduces the risk of
certain possible complications. |
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How LASIK Reshapes Your Eye
Once the stroma is exposed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the
underlying cornea. This is a highly specialized laser with an
ultraviolet light beam that’s used to remove microscopic layers of
tissue to reshape the cornea. Individuals who are nearsighted will have
their corneas flattened, while individuals who are farsighted will have
their corneas made to be steeper. Individuals with astigmatism can also
be treated. Unlike eyes that are nearsighted or farsighted, astigmatic
eyes are irregularly shaped. The excimer laser can smooth out the
irregular portions of the cornea to create a more normal, spherical
shape.
After the cornea has been reshaped, the outer corneal flap
is laid back in place. The eye is allowed to heal naturally with the
help of antibiotic and steroid drops. One of the best features of the
LASIK procedure is that down time is reduced to only a few days.
Patients can begin to see improvement after LASIK in their eyesight in
as little as 24 hours.
While LASIK remains very popular, another
procedure, called PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is gaining
increasing popularity. PRK is actually an older procedure, and many
experienced surgeons are now going back to performing this procedure and
choosing this option for their patients for a variety of reasons. Learn
more about PRK surgery.
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How Much Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost?
LASIK eye surgery cost can vary based on the technology and
equipment used, surgeon experience, and geographic area. It can
typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye. Be careful of some of
the lower fees advertised, as they may be bait-and-switch techniques,
involving unreasonable conditions and restrictions, or the laser center
may be using older, outdated technologies such as the
microkeratome blade.
San Diego Ophthalmologist Dr. Tracy utilizes
the most advanced technologies and equipment, performing blade-free,
all-laser surgery. We charge one flat fee for your procedure, which
includes all pre-operative evaluations, surgery, and post-operative
care. At Carlsbad Eye Care, Dr. Tracy performs all pre- and post-op care
himself, including the initial evaluation. We offer no-interest Credit
Care financing and payment plans to help make the cost of your procedure
affordable. This will allow you to make small monthly payments over a
period of time in accordance with your budget. |
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Call
Carlsbad Eye Care Today!
To schedule your free
consultation with a LASIK expert in Carlsbad, please call us at (760)
603-9910.
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