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Is LASIK Eye Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Many who are considering LASIK eye surgery often ask one common question: Is LASIK covered by insurance? The short answer is that LASIK is an elective surgery and not typically covered by insurance plans, but there are options available to help cover the cost of LASIK laser eye surgery. Financing options are available for LASIK patients. Ahead, we’ll review some of the most popular options for covering the cost of LASIK surgery.

Options for Financing Your Laser Eye Surgery

Insurance Savings and Partial Coverage through Insurance

While LASIK insurance coverage is rare, it’s important to note that some insurance plans and employers do provide partial coverage for LASIK surgery. TLC Laser Eye Centers work with many major vision insurance providers to offer LASIK savings, and the savings apply on the day of the procedure so that you don’t have to wait for reimbursement. The TLC team will work with you to make sure you’re getting the most savings possible.

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LASIK Financing in the US

TLC Laser Eye Centers offer financing options for laser eye surgery patients. We work with CareCredit, a credit card created specifically for healthcare needs which offers special financing options. If you have specific questions about the financing options available, you can learn more at your local TLC Laser Eye Center.

Health Savings Accounts

A Health Savings Account (HSA)is a tax-exempt trust or custodial account, where you can save funds to cover qualifying medical procedures. Enrolling in an HSA requires you to meet requirements set forth by the IRS, and having a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is a key step in qualifying.

If you’re interested in using an HSA to save for medical needs, it really helps to do your research and plan ahead.

Flexible Spending Accounts

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA)requires sponsorship from your employer, and allows the account holder to pay for certain medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. FSAs can be used to cover eligible elective procedures including laser eye surgery, along with a number of other common medical needs.

Just as with an HSA, using an FSA to cover medical needs may be easier with good planning. You can use TLC’s free FSA savings calculator for an easy way to explore how it all works.

If you have any questions about LASIK insurance coverage, financing, or payment options, the TLC team is here to help you learn more. Schedule your free LASIK consultation at your local TLC Laser Eye Center to learn more about financing for laser eye surgery, discuss the benefits of LASIK, and find the options that work for you.

LASIK covered by insurance

8 Criteria for a Good LASIK Candidate

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably experienced some of the frustrations that come from being dependent on eyewear for clearer vision. As you wipe your glasses off for the hundredth time, or feel your contact lens become displaced, you wonder if there is a better way. If you’d like to be free of glasses or contacts, you may consider LASIK eye surgery. But, how can you know if you’re a strong candidate for LASIK?  Here are some of the criteria that make for a good LASIK candidate.

You need healthy eyes

Beyond the obvious desire for clearer vision, your eyes should be generally healthy in order to qualify for laser eye surgery. As an example, if you have an eye infection, severe dry eyes, or conjunctivitis (pink eye), you won’t be able to have the procedure until your eyes have healed.

If you have any chronic dry eye issues, be sure to discuss them with your regular eye doctor and/or LASIK specialist. He or she may be able to help treat your dry eye and get your eyes healthy enough for LASIK.

Your prescription must be within a certain range

While LASIK can be used to correct many vision problems, to achieve the best results, your prescription should not be too high (whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or suffer from astigmatism).

In general, the excimer lasers used during LASIK are FDA-approved to correct prescriptions of up to approximately +6.00 diopters of farsightedness, -12 diopters of nearsightedness, and 6.00 diopters of astigmatism.i  Keep in mind that these qualifying prescription parameters may be differ pending your own unique patient profile, surgical method and the evaluation findings from your eye doctors and LASIK specialist

LASIK diopter

You must be a certain age

To undergo laser eye surgery, you must be a minimum of 18 years old. However, most LASIK patients are not younger than their early 20’s. The younger you are, the more likely that your eyes are continuing to change and evolve. There is also no upper age limit for LASIK, and many adults are happy with their LASIK results in their 40’s and beyond. Keep in mind, though, that an older patient might still need glasses or contacts for certain activities (such as reading).

Your current prescription should be stable

A good LASIK candidate should have a prescription that has remained the same or very similar for at least one year. If you find your distance prescription consistently changes at each annual eye exam, LASIK might not be the best option until your prescription stabilizes. When you have laser eye surgery, your LASIK surgeon is correcting your vision according to your prescription at that time. This means that, even though you’ve had LASIK, if your eyes continue to change year to year, you’re more likely to need a LASIK enhancement down the line. This is another reason why younger candidates, whose eyes are more likely to change, may want to wait on LASIK.

You should be in good general health

It’s not only important for your eyes to be healthy, but your body as well. If you have any illnesses or disorders that would prevent your body from healing, it’s important to discuss laser eye surgery with your doctor, and to let your LASIK specialist know.

If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK:

  • Autoimmune diseases (HIV/AIDS, Lupus, etc.)
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Depression
  • Chronic pain conditions, such as IBS, fibromyalgia, or migrainesii

You should not be pregnant

When pregnant, your body is undergoing a lot of hormonal changes, which may affect your vision by temporarily changing your prescription.  For this reason, you should not be evaluated for a LASIK procedure until you are no longer pregnant/nursing. If your LASIK evaluation occurs right after pregnancy, pending the evaluation findings, your eye doctor or LASIK specialist may recommend giving your eyes a few months to return to their normal baseline.

Your corneas must have the appropriate thickness

You may be surprised to learn that the level of thickness in your corneas is another factor in your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery. The LASIK procedure works to improve vision by reshaping the cornea. If your cornea is too thin, it may not be possible to get the results you want.  The good news is that, in recent years, the advancement in lasers used for LASIK allow for patients with thinner corneas to undergo LASIK surgery. For most patients, the average cornea tissue is 540 to 550 microns thickiii.

You’ve researched and prepared

What’s the final step to be considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery? Doing your research and being prepared! If you research LASIK, talk to your eye doctor, and see a LASIK specialist with a list of questions, you will be well on your way to finding out if LASIK is a fit for you.

If you’d like to discuss your options and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, schedule a free consultation at a location near you.

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[i] FDA. (2016). Summary of safety and effectiveness data. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf2/P020050S023B.pdf

[ii] FDA. (2006). Summary of safety and effectiveness data. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf3/P030008S004B.pdf

iii Mayo Clinic. (2019). Lasik surgery: Is it right for you? Mayoclinic.org. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751

LASIK vs. Ortho-K: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

When considering vision correction methods, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) emerge as distinct options, each with unique approaches and target conditions. Dive into this detailed LASIK vs. Ortho-K comparison for an insightful overview:

What is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)?

Procedure:

  • Flap Creation: A thin corneal flap is crafted using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
  • Corneal Reshaping: The flap is lifted, and the underlying cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser.

Recovery Time:

  • Quick Visual Recovery: Patients often experience rapid improvement within a day or two.
  • Stabilization: Full vision stabilization may take a few weeks.

Postoperative Discomfort:

  • Mild Discomfort: Minimal discomfort during the initial hours, with reduced sensitivity to light.

Suitability:

Advantages and disadvantages of LASIK:

Advantages:

  • Rapid Visual Improvement: Immediate enhancement in vision.
  • Minimal Discomfort: Usually, minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Disadvantages:

  • Flap-Related Complications: Rare, but potential complications include flap-related issues.
  • Dry Eyes: Some experience temporary dry eyes.

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

Procedure:

  • Contact Lens Wear: Specially designed gas-permeable lenses worn overnight.

Corneal Reshaping:

  • Recovery Time: Gradual improvement with full stabilization over a few weeks.

Postoperative Discomfort:

  • Mild Discomfort: Some may experience mild discomfort during adaptation.

Suitability:

  • Common Refractive Errors: Primarily for myopia control and mild to moderate myopia.
  • Presbyopia: Used for presbyopia, often combined with monovision.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Orthokeratology:

Advantages:

  • Non-Surgical: Reshapes the cornea without surgery.
  • Daytime Freedom: Clear vision during the day without glasses.

Disadvantages:

  • Temporary Effects: Requires consistent lens wear for sustained results.
  • Risk of Infection: Proper hygiene crucial to prevent infections.
  • Vision Instability: Changes through the day based on usage frequency.
  • Comfort: May be challenging to sleep with rigid lenses.

Choosing Between LASIK and Ortho-K:

  • Surgical Preference: Non-surgical preference may lead to Ortho-K.
  • Reversibility: Ortho-K is reversible; LASIK is permanent.
  • Corneal Thickness: If corneal thickness is a concern, Ortho-K may be safer.

Both LASIK and Ortho-K are effective, and the choice depends on individual factors, preferences, and refractive error. Consult with an experienced eye care professional to determine the most suitable method for your unique needs and circumstances.

LASIK OD

LASIK vs SMILE: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Lisa Scheibenzuber

LASIK and SMILE are both laser vision correction procedures that can correct refractive errors. They are both safe and effective procedures, but there are some key differences between them.

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, the clear front of the eye. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea underneath the flap. The flap is then replaced, and the eye heals.

What is SMILE?

SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction. In SMILE, a small lenticule is removed from the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The lenticule is a disc of tissue that is removed from the cornea to reshape it.

Which is right for you?

The best way to decide which procedure is right for you is to talk to your eye doctor. They can assess your individual needs and help you choose the best option for you.

At TLC Vision, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. That’s why we take a conservative approach to new technology. We want to make sure that any new laser technology we offer is safe and effective, and that it provides our patients with the best possible outcomes.

We understand that new technology can be exciting, but we also know that it’s important to be cautious. That’s why we often wait to adopt new technology until more is known about its safety and effectiveness over the long run.

One example of this is SMILE. SMILE is a newer laser vision correction procedure that is less invasive than LASIK. However, it is still a relatively new procedure, and there is not yet a lot of long-term data on its safety and effectiveness. We have not yet adopted SMILE at TLC Vision. We want to make sure that we can offer our patients the best possible care, and that means waiting until we have more information about this new procedure.  We do not mean to imply that SMILE is not safe or effective – simply, in our view, based upon the relative volume of experience in the medical community with LASIK over a greater number of years as compared to SMILE, we are more confident in offering LASIK than SMILE.

If you are interested in learning more about SMILE, we encourage you to talk to your eye doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of this new procedure and determine if it is right for you.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology. “SMILE vs. LASIK: Which Offers Better Early Visual Recovery?,” October 17, 2018. https://www.aao.org/education/editors-choice/smile-vs-lasik-which-offers-better-early-visual-re.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Changes in Corneal Sensitivity and Dry Eye Symptoms After SMILE vs. LASIK Surgery,” October 5, 2022. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/academy-live/detail/corneal-sensitivity-dry-eye-symptoms-smile-lasik.

Refractive Surgery Council. “What Is the LASIK Success Rate?,” August 16, 2022. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/#:~:text=The%20LASIK%20success%20rate%20%E2%80%93%20or,achieve%2020%2F20%20or%20better.

How Does Bladeless LASIK Work?

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Are you considering the benefits of LASIK eye surgery, and wondering what type of procedure is right for you? There are many types of laser eye surgery available, with different tools, technology, and techniques to meet the unique needs of LASIK patients. Bladeless LASIK eye surgery is a common alternative to traditional LASIK, with many similarities and a few key differences. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at how bladeless vision correction works, and what LASIK patients can expect from the procedure.

Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery: How Blade Free LASIK Works, and What to Expect

Learning about laser eye surgery options online is a great first step, but it’s important to note that only your laser eye surgeon can recommend the right procedure for your unique needs. So, if you haven’t scheduled your free laser eye surgery consultation yet, now is a great time to do so.

The first step toward learning more about bladeless LASIK is explaining some of the lingo:

 Also Known As…

During your research you may find that bladeless LASIK is referred to by a few different names, but each refers to the same procedure. Some of the common names for bladeless LASIK include blade free LASIK, and all-laser LASIK. You may also see a brand name integrated with one of those common terms for bladeless LASIK.

How Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery Works

If you’re learning about laser eye surgery, you may already be familiar with the concept of the LASIK flap, which is created at the start of the procedure and allows your LASIK eye surgeon to address vision problems at the correct level of the eye. During traditional LASIK procedures, the flap is created by an instrument called a microkeratome, which is an oscillating diamond blade.

  • Instead of using a microkeratome, bladeless laser eye surgery relies on the use of a specialized laser to create the LASIK flap. This is where the terms “bladeless” and “all-laser” LASIK come from, as well as the key difference between bladeless and traditional LASIK.
  • By using the most advanced LASIK technology, your laser eye surgeon is able to map the eye, based on the unique structure of each individual’s eye, to create a custom LASIK flap.
  • After the flap is created, the bladeless LASIK procedure works very similarly to traditional LASIK. Most importantly, bladeless surgery significantly reduces intra and post-operative complications making it a safer procedure.

What to Expect from Bladeless LASIK Surgery

While blade free LASIK has a few key differences from traditional LASIK, the preparation, procedure, and healing process share many similarities. The process begins with a visit to your local TLC Laser Eye Center for a free consultation.

  • During your free consultation, your laser eye surgery specialist will review your vision correction needs, and discuss your laser eye surgery options.
  • Before the bladeless vision correction procedure, you’ll have a pre-operative visit, which makes specific measurements of your individual eye. This is when much of the “customization” is done for the procedure.
  • On the day of your procedure, your laser eye surgery team will prepare you for surgery, and after the procedure there will be a brief recovery period. Bladeless LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means that you get to go home the same day.
  • The recovery process begins with rest on the day of surgery, and continues with follow-up visits to check on your progress. As healing progresses and vision stabilizes, there is a longer gap between each follow-up visit.
  • While every patient is unique, most patients see very well the next day. As with any surgery it takes a time to heal. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within a few days and the eye is completely healed in 3 months. You are seen for scheduled visits along the way. Overall, you may notice many similarities between bladeless and traditional LASIK, along with the differences that set each procedure apart.

Scheduling your free laser eye surgery consultation is the best way to learn more about bladeless vision correction, and the laser eye surgery options available. You can schedule your consultation by calling your local TLC Laser Eye Center, or filling out a quick form online.

20-20-20 Rule: Eye Care in Today’s Technology

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

Digital screens are everywhere. We work with screens, play with screens, and look at screens while we’re waiting in line. All of that screen-time comes with potential downsides, and may take a toll on our eyes over time. To try to minimize the negative effects and digital eye strain of extensive time looking at screens, many eye doctors suggest using the 20-20-20 rule as part of your eye health care. The catchy name makes it easy to remember, and ahead we’ll dive into the details of exactly how the 20-20-20 rule works.

Eye Care and Digital Eye Strain

What is the 20-20-20 rule?

Whether you’re using a phone, computer, tablet or watching TV, the idea behind the 20-20-20 rule is actually very simple: every 20 minutes that you’re looking at a screen, take a break and stare at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. That’s it. You don’t have to worry about walking off the distance, or pulling out a tape measure to make sure that the object is exactly 20 feet away. The idea is to pick an object that is close to 20 feet away.

The trick is making sure that you remember to do it every 20 minutes when you’re using a digital screen, and making sure that you look at the object for at least 20 seconds. This is a rule that you can follow almost anywhere, whether using a screen for productivity or enjoyment.

What about activities that don’t require a screen?

Screen time isn’t the only activity that can cause eye strain, and the 20-20-20 rule may apply in other situations, as well. If you’re reading a paper book, writing, or doing work that requires you to focus your vision consistently on very small details, then it may also be a good idea to give your eyes a rest using the 20-20-20 rule. No matter what activity you’re doing, the basics behind the 20-20-20 rule remain the same when considering your eye health care. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Do I really have to do it every 20 minutes?

When you’re working, reading, or watching a video, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re doing. But yes, it’s a good idea to stay on schedule with the 20-20-20 rule whenever possible. The good news is that most of the devices you’ll be using will also have built in timers you can use to set reminders. Setting 20-20-20 reminders on your computer and phone is a great way to stay on track, and eventually taking those breaks simply becomes a habit.

Why follow the 20-20-20 rule?

Humans normally blink about 15 times per minute, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. However, when using a computer or other digital screens, we may only blink about one-third as often, which can lead to eye strain.

Digital eye strain caused by extensive screen use may be connected to certain vision problems, and can cause unpleasant symptoms like dry eyes, headache, light sensitivity, and eye fatigue. So in addition to potentially helping with long-term eye health issues, the 20-20-20 rule can also be an easy way to help limit some of the most common symptoms that come with extensive digital screen time.

If you have any questions about the 20-20-20 rule, how it works, or how it applies to you, speak with your eye health care provider to learn more. If you don’t have an eye doctor, use our doctor search to find a TLC Affiliate Eye Doctor near you. It’s a small step to take, and it may make a big difference.

Am I Too Old for LASIK?

Posted on by TLC Laser Eye Centers

One of the most common questions about LASIK eye surgery is whether the procedure can be considered for older people, and the good news is that the key points of LASIK candidacy are the same for seniors as they are for anyone else. If you have a stable vision prescription, healthy eyes, and are in good overall health, then you may be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. However, it is true that our eyes and visual needs change quite a bit throughout our lives, so there are a few special considerations to deliberate when thinking about laser eye surgery later in life.

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Why There’s No Upper Age Limit on LASIK

The only real age limit for a LASIK procedure, per the FDA, is that each surgical candidate should be at least 18 years of age. Our eyes and corresponding prescription requirements may change frequently at that age, and it’s important to wait until that tendency to change stabilizes before having laser eye surgery. There are a few other developmental milestones in life that often motivate people to consider laser eye surgery, beginning in early adulthood.

  • The most common range for LASIK patients is between 20 and 45 years old. Vision prescriptions often stabilize in the mid-twenties, so this is a natural time for people to consider LASIK eye surgery.
  • Next up is the 45 to 55-year age range, the time when many people begin to feel the early effects of presbyopia, which is related to the natural aging process and causes difficulty with near vision. While LASIK may be a treatment option for some presbyopia patients, we certainly have more vision correction technologies to offer our presbyopic patients, such as Monovision.
  • Beyond age 55, cataracts may start to develop even though they may not affect your vision at early stages. When cataract is determined to be the main reason for changes in your vision, cataract extraction surgery becomes the preferred method of treatment to improve your vision instead of LASIK eye surgery.

The basics for LASIK candidacy include a stable vision prescription for at least one year, no eye diseases, and good overall health. If you’ve got those things, then you’re off to an excellent start.

It’s important to note that good overall health doesn’t have to mean perfect health. Not every potential health issue for seniors impacts the eyes, and speaking with a LASIK specialist is the best way to learn how laser eye surgery fits in with various health needs.

Regardless of your age, are you curious whether LASIK eye surgery is the right fit for your vision health needs? The easiest way to find out is to schedule a free consultation with TLC LASIK specialist, where you can determine if you’re a candidate and learn more about what laser eye surgery can do for you.

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