LASIK Eye Surgery St.Louis, MO

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a revolutionary vision correction procedure that has helped millions of people achieve clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.

How LASIK Works

LASIK is a non-invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. This reshaping corrects refractive errors like:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

The procedure involves:

1. Numbing the eye: Anesthetic eye drops are used to ensure comfort.
2. Creating a corneal flap: A thin flap is created on the cornea using a laser.
3. Reshaping the cornea: A laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
4. Replacing the flap: The flap is gently repositioned, healing naturally.

Types of LASIK

• Bladeless LASIK: Uses a laser to create the corneal flap, eliminating the need for a blade.
• Custom LASIK: Tailors the procedure to your individual eye shape and vision needs using Wavefront Technology.
• Topography-Guided LASIK: Uses advanced technology to create a more precise correction.

Benefits of LASIK

• Improved vision: Can significantly reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.
• Convenience: No more fumbling with glasses or contact lenses.
• Enhanced quality of life: Enjoy greater freedom and clarity in daily activities.

Thanks to advancements in technology and techniques, LASIK is designed to be a highly comfortable procedure. Here’s a breakdown:

• Anesthesia: Numbing eye drops are administered to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
• Corneal Flap Creation: While you might feel a slight pressure during this step, it’s typically not painful.
• Laser Reshaping: The laser itself is cool and precise, causing no discomfort.
• Flap Replacement: This step is also generally painless.

Post-Operative Discomfort

While the procedure itself is typically painless, you might experience some mild discomfort afterward, similar to having a small object in your eye. This is often temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter eye drops or ointments.

Minimizing Discomfort

To minimize any discomfort, follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, which may include:

• Pre-operative medications: Taking prescribed anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety medications.
• Proper eye care: Using prescribed eye drops and ointments.
• Resting and avoiding stress: Allowing your eyes to heal and avoiding strenuous activities.

Consulting with a LASIK Professional

At TLC Laser Eye Centers, our experienced LASIK surgeons are dedicated to providing a comfortable and effective procedure. We’ll discuss any concerns you have and ensure you’re well-prepared for the process.

Individual Experiences May Vary

While most patients experience minimal discomfort, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. Factors like pain tolerance and adherence to post-operative care can influence your comfort level.

Does Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?

When considering vision correction, many wonder if insurance covers LASIK eye surgery. While some vision insurance plans offer limited benefits, coverage varies widely depending on the policy.

At TLC Laser Eye Centers, we help patients understand their insurance coverage for LASIK and other laser eye procedures like PRK.

Does Vision Insurance Cover LASIK?

Whether vision insurance covers LASIK depends entirely on your specific plan. Most classify laser eye surgery as an elective, non-medically necessary procedure. So coverage is rare from general health insurance.

Vision insurance is more likely to offer some coverage. Some plans provide discounts or stipends that can significantly offset out-of-pocket costs. But specifics depend on the insurance provider and policy details.

Does Insurance Pay for LASIK Astigmatism Correction?

It’s uncommon for health insurance companies to cover LASIK procedures solely for astigmatism. Most still categorize it as elective surgery, even when aiming to correct irregular corneas. They prefer patients first exhaust alternative vision correction options like eyeglasses or contacts.

That said, vision insurance plans frequently include astigmatism treatment under stipends or discounts for LASIK procedures. The key is verifying details of your specific vision benefits.

Additional Ways to Pay for LASIK Without Insurance

For those with no or minimal insurance coverage, other options to pay for LASIK exist, including:

• Payment plans and financing offered by laser eye centers
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs)
• Monetary gifts, bonuses, tax refunds
• Employer-specific discounts and reimbursements

TLC Laser Eye Centers helps patients fully understand their LASIK surgery costs and insurance coverage. We also provide information about financing options to help you afford laser vision correction. Contact us to learn more and schedule a free consultation.

LASIK is a highly effective vision correction procedure, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Here are some general criteria for LASIK candidacy in St. Louis:

• Stable Vision: To be considered for LASIK, your vision prescription should have remained stable for at least one year. Fluctuating vision can affect the accuracy of the procedure’s results.
• Age Requirement: Most LASIK surgeons in St. Louis recommend that candidates be at least 18 years old. This is because the eyes typically stabilize in their development by this age.
• Good Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from any conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye syndrome. Additionally, certain corneal conditions or diseases may impact candidacy, which can be evaluated during a comprehensive eye examination.
• Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of LASIK. While the procedure can significantly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it may not guarantee perfect vision or eliminate the need for reading glasses as you age.

It’s important to note that determining candidacy for LASIK requires a thorough evaluation by an experienced LASIK surgeon in St. Louis. They will assess your individual eye health and vision needs to determine if LASIK is the right option for you.

Astigmatism causes blurred vision at any distance due to an irregularly shaped front surface of the eye called the cornea.   Astigmatism is different than other refractive errors in that two or more focal points are created as light travels through the cornea.

Individuals with astigmatism often have a cornea resembling an egg or a football more than a perfectly round ball. Despite this difference, LASIK provides a viable solution for correcting astigmatism.

LASIK utilizes lasers to modify the eye’s curvature, effectively addressing refractive errors. Whether you have nearsightedness and astigmatism or farsightedness and astigmatism, LASIK can simultaneously correct both conditions by reshaping the cornea. While LASIK can treat high amounts of astigmatism (up to about 6 diopters) some people  may be better candidates for alternate vision correction procedures.

If you struggle with glasses and contacts due to blended nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, consulting with an experienced eye care professional at TLC Laser Eye Centers will help determine the most appropriate vision correction method based on your specific needs and prescription.

LASIK offers a relatively quick recovery time compared to other surgical procedures. While individual experiences may vary, here is a general timeline of what to expect during LASIK recovery in St. Louis:

• Immediate Post-Operative Period: After the LASIK procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, such as a gritty sensation or slight burning. Your eyes may be sensitive to light, and your vision may be temporarily blurry or hazy immediately after the surgery. These effects are normal and should subside within a few hours.
• First 24 to 48 Hours: In the first day or two following LASIK, you will likely notice improvements in your vision. However, it’s common to experience some fluctuation and mild visual disturbances during this time. It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your St. Louis LASIK surgeon, which may include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding activities that can strain your eyes.
• Initial Weeks: Over the course of the first few weeks, your vision will continue to stabilize. You may have scheduled follow-up visits with your LASIK surgeon in St. Louis to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. During this period, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to protect them from irritants such as dust or chemicals.
• Long-Term Recovery: While you will likely experience significant visual improvement within the first few weeks, it’s important to note that your eyes will continue to heal and adjust over several months. Most patients in St. Louis achieve their final visual acuity within three to six months after LASIK.

During the recovery period, it’s crucial to attend all post-operative appointments with your St. Louis LASIK surgeon and follow their instructions diligently. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

At TLC Laser Eye Surgery Center in St. Louis, MO, we believe in fostering a collaborative relationship with your trusted local eye doctor. Here’s how our partnership benefits you:

Coordinated Care: We work closely with your St. Louis, MO eye doctor to ensure a seamless LASIK experience. From initial consultations to post-operative care, our collaborative approach ensures continuity and optimal results.

Shared Medical Records: Through our partnership, we facilitate the sharing of important medical records and diagnostic information between our LASIK surgeons and your eye doctor. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of your eye health history, enabling informed decision-making and personalized care.

Ongoing Relationship: After your LASIK procedure, your St. Louis, MO eye doctor will continue to be your primary eye care provider. They will monitor your eye health, conduct regular check-ups, and address any concerns or questions you may have. This ongoing relationship ensures consistent and comprehensive care.

Enhanced Communication: Our partnership fosters effective communication channels between our LASIK center and your eye doctor. We believe that collaborative communication leads to better patient outcomes. By working together, we can optimize your LASIK results and provide a seamless experience.

By choosing TLC Laser Eye Surgery Center in St. Louis, MO, you benefit from our collaborative approach with your trusted eye doctor. This partnership ensures that you receive the highest standard of care before, during, and after your LASIK procedure.

Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation and discover how our partnership with your eye doctor can provide you with exceptional LASIK care and help you achieve clear, glasses-free vision.