LASIK Eye Surgery
Relying on glasses and contacts to see can be frustrating, limit your activity level, and diminish your quality of life.
The board-certified ophthalmologists at Deen-Gross Eye Centers can improve your vision with LASIK, an incredibly safe refractive surgery.
Why should you consider undergoing LASIK with our doctors in Hobart and Merrillville, IN?
LASIK Surgery Provides Immense Benefits
Nearly Instant Improvement
LASIK can be performed in a matter of minutes and patients usually note an immediate improvement in their quality of vision. However, it can take up to six months for your vision to fully stabilize.Crystal Clear Vision
After treatment, you should see such an improvement in your vision quality that you can enjoy a significantly reduced or completely eliminated dependence on glasses and contact lenses.Better Quality of Life
The freedom achieved after LASIK surgery allows patients to enjoy certain activities more easily – without having to worry about corrective eyewear. This can drastically enhance your overall quality of life.What happens to the eye during LASIK surgery?
Does it have a high success rate?
Most Patients Are Satisfied with Their Results
What types of issues can LASIK address?
LASIK Can Correct:
Nearsightedness
Objects nearby are clear but those farther away are blurry. Myopia is caused by a longer eyeball than normal or a cornea that is too curved.Farsightedness
Far away objects appear more clear than close objects. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not sufficiently curved.Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is more steeply curved in one direction than the other, causing blurred vision.Are you a candidate for the LASIK procedure?
Treatment Requirements:
Over 21
Patients under 21 are not permitted to undergo LASIK surgery.Sufficient Corneal Thickness
If you do not have sufficient corneal tissue, PRK surgery or LASEK are usually recommended.Good Ocular Health
Typically, LASIK is not recommended for patients who suffer from glaucoma, cataracts, or dry eye, as well as corneal, retinal, or optic nerve diseases.Generally Healthy
Certain conditions such as autoimmune diseases, HIV, and poorly controlled diabetes may disqualify you as a candidate for LASIK.Stable Vision
If you have needed a change in your glasses or contact lens prescription in the last year, LASIK is typically not recommended.Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Since vision fluctuations can occur during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding, you should wait about three to six months to undergo LASIK.Normal-Sized Pupils
Overly large pupils can increase your risk of complications such as halos, glare, and issues with night vision.Laser eye surgery seems intimidating...
You Do Not Need to Be Afraid
It is understandable that many patients are apprehensive about undergoing LASIK eye surgery due to fear. However, numbing eye drops and a sedative are provided to minimize discomfort and allow you to relax in one of our comfortable operative chairs. Additionally, LASIK is considered to be very safe, especially when performed by an experienced and
board-certified ophthalmologist.
board-certified ophthalmologist.
Before Undergoing Treatment
Once our team in Merrillville and Hobart has established that you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK, there are certain steps that you should take to prepare for surgery. You should stop wearing contacts in the weeks leading up to your LASIK procedure; these corrective lenses change the shape of your cornea, which can interfere with your results. Our doctors need to be able to properly measure the thickness of your cornea and shape of your optical sphere in order to establish an effective plan for the procedure. Evaluating your eye in its natural, disfigured form will allow out team to properly measure the corneal tissue which lowers your risk for complications during surgery.
Before having LASIK laser eye surgery, you should arrange to have someone drive you to and from the medical facility near our office. Our doctors recommend that patients refrain from using lotions, makeup, and perfumes the day before their surgery.
How does the LASIK procedure work?
What kind of technology is used during the surgery?
Exceptionally Precise Treatment
An excimer laser will be used to reshape your cornea. Throughout the procedure, this laser will closely monitor the position of your eye, analyzing it over 200 times each second. These highly accurate lasers allow our surgeons to provide exceptionally precise treatment and optimal vision correction.
What steps does the LASIK procedure entail?
What to Expect During Your Visit
Prepare the Eye
We will begin the procedure by sterilizing the surface of the eye and applying drops that completely numb the area.Create Flap
The surgeon will create a thin hinged flap in the surface of your cornea. This flap is then folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue.Reshape Tissue
An excimer laser is used to remove and reshape the corneal tissue as needed to correct your unique refractive error.Replace Flap
Once our doctors have finished reshaping the cornea, the flap is put back into place, where it heals without the need for sutures.It is important to follow your doctor's instructions...
After LASIK Surgery
After surgery, you may experience:
- Discomfort
- Haziness
- Itching
- Watering
A mild pain reliever may be taken to help ease irritation and we usually prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes as this may damage your corneal flap.
Your eyesight should dramatically improve within 24 hours of treatment and most patients are able to resume activities with minimal restrictions the next day. Typically, you will attend a follow-up appointment within two days of your procedure so that our team can evaluate your progress. Over the next few months, your vision will continue to improve as your eyes heal.
The improvement to your vision may eliminate the need for corrective eyewear...
Is LASIK safe?
One of the Safest Elective Procedures
"Based upon the research into and clinical experience with LASIK, the rate of complications from LASIK eye surgery is estimated to be less than 1 percent, which makes it one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today." American Refractive Surgery Council
Understanding LASIK Cost
At Deen-Gross Eye Centers our goal is to offer superior vision care at an affordable price. We offer free LASIK screenings to all patients who are interested in undergoing the procedure. If our doctors do not believe that you are a suitable candidate for LASIK, then you will not be charged for the exam. LASIK laser eye surgery costs about $1,800 per eye.
Certain treatment aspects can impact your cost...
LASIK Cost Factors to Consider:
Qualification for Discount
To show our appreciation for your service, our Merrillville practice is proud to offer a 10 percent discount to members of the police force and fire departments as well as to active members of the military.Pre- & Post-Operative Fees
Many practices charge fees for every aspect of treatment separately. However, our price includes all pre- and post-operative care for one year as well as any necessary enhancement procedures.Your Surgeon's Experience
Often, the skill and experience of the doctor will reflect in the price. Our ophthalmologists are board-certified and highly skilled, which allows them to provide you with the precise, safe LASIK treatment.Are there any financing options available?
Affordable Treatment with Financing
We want to make LASIK an option for as many of our patients as possible. To help make the procedure more affordable, we accept financing at our offices in Merrillville and Hobart. CareCredit® financing allows you to make payments over several months, reducing your up-front costs. During your consultation, you can discuss financing in more detail.
Is LASIK a worthwhile investment?
The Benefits of LASIK Justify the Cost
Improve Self-Confidence
Glasses can hide your eyes and face and make you feel self-conscious. After LASIK surgery, many patients experience improved self-esteem.Save Money over Time
A lifetime of relying on glasses and contacts can add up. If you are able to significantly decrease or even eliminate your use of corrective eyewear, you can end up saving money.Increased Freedom
LASIK at our Merrillville practice provides patients with new levels of freedom and convenience that can be limited by corrective eyewear.If LASIK is not an option for you, there are other solutions that can improve your eyesight...
LASIK FAQs:
LASIK has an exceptionally low complication rate of less than one percent. However, like any surgical procedure, LASIK does have risks, many of which are temporary, including dry eye and glares or halos. In some cases, flap complications or vision loss may occur.
In rare circumstances, some patients may require re-treatment in cases of over- or under-correction, or if you experience vision changes. However, our board-certified ophthalmologists are dedicated to providing highly precise treatment at our Hobart and Merrillville practice.
For many, LASIK results can last a lifetime. However, it is normal to experience minor refractive changes. Typically, this can be accommodated by wearing glasses or contacts for certain activities. For age-related vision changes, you may consider LASIK enhancement.
A Positive Experience
“Dr. Gross was absolutely amazing during my entire LASIK procedure. I am highly satisfied with the entire process. The entire staff is very helpful, patient and caring. I highly recommend this Eye Center. As far as the LASIK procedure, it was quick and painless.. I was back to work the next day!” Olivia N.
