LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser refractive vision correction procedure that corrects refractive errors. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing directly on the retina. When light cannot refract as it should, this causes vision to be blurry.
LASIK uses two lasers, an excimer laser, and a femtosecond laser, to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. The femtosecond laser first creates a small flap in the cornea.
After making the flap, your surgeon will lift and expose the cornea tissue to correct it. Next, an excimer laser will be guided by a computer to remove a precise and predetermined amount of tissue from the cornea.
The flap is then laid down, where it acts as a natural bandage during recovery.
Although there is no denying that LASIK is a life-changing procedure, not everyone qualifies as a good candidate. Various factors go into your LASIK candidacy, like:
Take our LASIK quiz today to find out if you're a good candidate for LASIK.
Although they are effective, you may wonder if there’s something better available.
For those that qualify, a refractive procedure like LASIK can provide you with the life-changing results you’ve been looking for and, most importantly, visual freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
At St. Luke’s, our talented and experienced LASIK surgeons are here to help you achieve the vision you’ve always dreamed of having.
Because LASIK is an elective medical procedure, we do not accept medical insurance. However, the cost of LASIK is easy to offset using financing plans.
At St. Luke’s, we offer financing with CareCredit, which allows you to pay for LASIK immediately and then pay for your procedure with affordable monthly payments for up to 12 months. This option ensures patients can fit LASIK into their budget and achieve their vision correction dreams. We also accept FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts) towards procedures.
There’s no reason why cost should stand in the way of better vision!
learn more about financing optionsBefore your LASIK procedure begins at St. Luke’s, you’ll receive numbing eye drops to avoid discomfort. Once these have the opportunity to spread over the surface of your eye, the procedure can start.
Using a femtosecond laser, your LASIK surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. After the flap is created, an excimer laser will reshape the corneal tissue underneath.
Depending on your refractive errors, this may require flattening or reducing the steepness of the cornea. How much tissue your LASIK surgeon removes is predetermined, ensuring that only the exact amount is reshaped for precise vision correction.
The flap is then placed back down and repositioned, creating a self-sealing bond and acting as a natural bandage on the eye. There are no stitches or sutures necessary.
After being cleared by Dr. Howard, you’ll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home, as your vision will be unstable after LASIK due to inflammation in the flap formation. You may notice immediate improvements to your vision, but others may find it takes a few days to start seeing a difference. Each patient is different, and each recovery timeline is unique.
After having LASIK, go home and rest. As the numbing drops wear off, you may start experiencing discomfort such as a burning sensation, irritation, or grittiness.
These feelings should gradually improve on their own in the coming days after LASIK. Follow all instructions from your LASIK surgeon, including no eye makeup, keeping your eyes closed while showering or bathing, and no swimming for at least 2 weeks.
Your vision will improve in the days after LASIK, with most patients finding they can return to work the day after their procedure. Use all eye drops exactly as directed for the best results.
You’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments, including one for the day after your procedure, to check how your eyes are healing. Make sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments as necessary.
As your eyes heal in the weeks and months following LASIK, your vision will continue improving. Things will look sharper, clearer, and more detailed than ever before. You’ll be able to wake up and see without the need for corrective lenses.
Other vision correction procedures may be worth considering if you’re not a good LASIK candidate. Your ophthalmologist may recommend one of the following instead:
Not sure which procedure is the best fit for you? Schedule a consultation to find out!
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“I used to wear contact lenses and besides being a bit of a pain to wear, they sometimes caused me to have eye irritation & infections. I drive by St. Luke’s every day on my way to work so I decided to see if LASIK was an option for me. It was and I’m very pleased with my outcome. I had my procedure done in the morning and by dinner time, I already noticed a bit of an improvement. Later that evening, I watched a movie and that was when I really began to notice the clarity and sharpness of my vision. The procedure was even quicker than I’d imagined as was the recovery time.
Thanks to Dr. Howard and his team. I recommend him to anyone considering LASIK.”
Mike Smyth
New Port Richey, FL
Thanks to Dr. Howard and his team. I recommend him to anyone considering LASIK.
Are you ready to find out if you could be a good LASIK or PRK candidate? Schedule your LASIK consultation at St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute today!
We proudly serve patients at our eye clinics in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Spring Hill, and in The Villages at Lake Sumter Landing, Brownwood and Wesley Chapel. Our philosophy is to treat those we serve as though they are a member of our own families. From the first phone call or email to the follow-up visit and beyond, we’re here to serve you. Our goal is to help preserve and optimize your vision.
