LASIK FAQs: Vision Correction Cost and Other Topics – Maumee and Toledo, Ohio Area

Questions about the LASIK procedure and the cost of vision correction are regularly addressed at our Toledo, Ohio-area practice. Although millions of people around the world have undergone LASIK successfully, we know that you may have some qualms about having surgery performed on your eyes. We've provided the following list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help allay any concerns. In addition, Dr. Clark Weidaw, Dr. Kristopher Kelly, and Dr. Jeffrey Lauf are always available to help you learn more about LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures such as conductive keratoplasty (CK), as well as treatments for conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Does the LASIK procedure hurt?

The LASIK procedure for vision correction is quick and painless at our Ohio clinic. Anesthetic drops are used first to numb the eye(s), and you stay awake for the procedure. The procedure takes just a few minutes per eye. After the correction, your eye may feel a little itchy, but very few of our patients ask for any pain medication following the procedure. LASIK patients are often able to return to work or other activities the day after the procedure.

If you feel really uncomfortable about LASIK surgery, Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly could give you a mild sedative. The vast majority of our patients walk out of our clinic on their own after the procedure is completed.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

Yes, it's common to have both eyes receive LASIK vision correction in a single procedure. The patients at our Ohio practice usually ask that both eyes be done at the same time if Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly find that both eyes will benefit from this refractive surgery.

Will I need to take time off of work after LASIK?

You may need to take some time off from your work following a LASIK procedure, depending on what kind of work you do. Most patients can start back to work in two or three days. The reason for taking a couple days off is because it is best to rest the eyes after the surgery. If you look at a computer a lot as part of your job, doing so immediately after your surgery may bother your eyes. Talk to Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly about when you can start back to work.

How much does LASIK cost?

LASIK cost is a concern for many of our Toledo-area patients. It's easy to find many cut-rate LASIK offers in newspapers and magazines. However, it's unfortunate that some people would trust their vision to a " LASIK mill" when they would never consider using a discounted offer for other types of medical surgery. Dr. Weidaw and Dr. Kelly are board-certified ophthalmologists with years of experience as eye surgeons, and they use only the most up-to-date technology to perform LASIK surgery. The final LASIK cost determination depends in part on the unique needs of each patient, and thus we cannot advertise a single LASIK cost figure that would apply to all of our Toledo and Maumee-area patients.

We're happy to offer several LASIK financing options at our clinic, including CareCredit®, the leading patient payment plan in the United States. With CareCredit®, convenient, low monthly payments may be arranged. Ask our staff for more details about how you can bring your LASIK surgery cost down.

Please feel free to ask Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly at your first consultation what your LASIK cost would be. Each of our Maumee and Toledo-area patients is treated like a respected individual, not just another pair of eyes to profit from.

Are there any restrictions following LASIK surgery?

A protective shield over your eyes must be worn while you sleep for the first week. You should avoid swimming for the first week after the procedure, although bathing/showering is fine. Eye makeup must be avoided for seven days. Other activities (including exercise and many sports) can be resumed on the day following your LASIK procedure.

Are the effects of LASIK permanent?

Long-term LASIK studies have shown the vision correction results to last five years and longer. It must be kept in mind that LASIK does not eliminate the possibility that you'll need reading glasses as you grow older; the development of presbyopia is not prevented by LASIK surgery. The laser vision correction patients who’ve come to our Ohio practice have been very pleased with the duration of their improved vision.

What are my chances of not wearing glasses after the procedure?

This will depend on a number of factors, including your refractive error, your visual needs, and even your lifestyle and work. Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly will explain your visual prognosis to you in detail. Before your LASIK procedure, be sure to tell your doctor all the details of your past vision care, medical history, and hopes and expectations regarding LASIK.

Will LASIK eliminate all future need for corrective lenses?

The short answer to this is "maybe." Many people who undergo LASIK may still eventually need to wear some form of glasses or contacts. This is a normal outcome for LASIK surgery and should be kept in mind.

What is the LASIK pre-op examination like?

The LASIK pre-op examination at Maumee Eye Clinic is comprised of a very thorough eye examination and specialized computer measurements of your cornea by Dr. Weidaw or Dr. Kelly. Your doctor will review this information in light of your visual needs, and he'll describe your options and his recommendations for your LASIK surgery. In order for your cornea to return to its unaided, natural shape by the time of this vision examination, soft contact lens wearers should not wear their contacts for two weeks prior to the consultation, and hard contact lenses should not be worn for a minimum of four weeks prior.

Is LASIK safe?

The FDA carefully studied the LASIK procedure and found it both safe and effective. The FDA approval for LASIK was granted in the early 1990s. LASIK studies suggest that there is a 3 to 5 percent chance of post-LASIK surgery problems with nighttime glare and dryness, and a less than 1 percent chance of serious complications.

Are there any possible complications or side effects following LASIK?

Yes. As with any medical or surgical procedure, there are potential side effects after a LASIK procedure. The vast majority of patients who undergo LASIK do not have problems, but some people do. Much of the time, however, a side effect of the LASIK procedure goes away over time.

The most commonly reported side effect of LASIK eye surgery is reduced low-light vision, resulting in a "glowing" appearance or halos around lighted objects at night. Some long-term LASIK complications have been reported, although they are rare. It is possible to experience worse eyesight after LASIK eye surgery than before. The FDA has listed the following risks associated with LASIK eye surgery:

Reduced vision
Glare, halos, and/or double vision that can affect nighttime vision
Loss of vision in situations of low contrast, such as in fog or at night
Under-correction or over-correction of your vision
Dry eye syndrome

Your vision will probably fluctuate during the first few days following the LASIK. This is normal. However, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Weidaw and Dr. Kelly if you feel that you are experiencing anything unusual or if you are uncomfortable. We're happy to guide you through your post-LASIK period.

Learn More about LASIK Vision Correction

We feel that a well-informed patient is bound to be a satisfied patient. Contact Maumee Eye Clinic online today if you have any questions about LASIK or its cost that weren't answered here. Our vision correction patients from the Maumee and Toledo, Ohio-area are our top priority, and we want you to be comfortable with the treatment you receive from us.

Bring your LASIK vision correction and LASIK cost questions to Maumee Eye Clinic, near Toledo, Ohio.

Maumee Eye Clinic

5655 Monclova Rd
Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: 419-740-5044
Fax: 419-893-2312

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