LASIK Eye Surgery & PRK Frequently Asked Questions
Considering getting Lasik eye surgery or PRK? Our world-class team of cornea surgeons specialize in everything related to your corneas. Here are a few common questions we get from patients considering this life-changing procedure!
Is Lasik/PRK painful?
No, neither procedure is painful.
We thoroughly numb your eyes before the procedure. We also offer a mild sedative to help you relax.
The total time of your procedure averages a short 30 minutes. Our goal is to provide you with an excellent experience that is tailored to your needs and comfort.
We encourage patients to communicate their concerns to us prior to and even during the procedure.
Can you correct both my near and distance vision?
It is possible to correct both using a monovision technique to adjust one eye for distance vision and one eye for near vision. Please discuss this with your physician if this is something you are interested in.
How long does recovery take?
With both Lasik and PRK you’ll notice a significant improvement in your vision immediately following the procedure.
LASIK: Your eyes will begin to heal immediately after your procedure. You can expect to have an office visit the day following your surgery where we will check your visual acuity.
Most LASIK patients are safe to drive without contacts or glasses the day following their procedure.
If within the first year you and the doctor are not satisfied with your visual acuity an enhancement will be offered at no additional charge. An enhancement is very rarely needed.
PRK: PRK patients can expect to have a little longer of a healing period than LASIK patients. While your vision immediately after the procedure will be significantly improved it will take a few more days of recovery than what our LASIK patients experience.
We recommend that patients take 3-4 days off of work to rest their eyes and allow for healing. You can expect to have an office visit the day following your procedure where we will check your visual acuity.
Most PRK patients are safe to drive without contacts or glasses within 3-4 days of their procedure.
If within the first year you and your doctor are not satisfied with your visual acuity an enhancement will be offered at no additional charge. An enhancement is very rarely needed.
How much does it cost, and does insurance cover it?
As vision correction is attainable through contacts or glasses, insurance companies consider Lasik eye surgery to be an elective procedure and thus do not cover it.
Our prices range between $1900 – $2500 an eye. We have discounts for first responders and Legacy employees.
Why should I choose to have my Lasik/PRK at NW Cornea Institute?
At NW Cornea Institute , your surgery is performed by cornea fellowship-trained ophthalmologists, Michael Straiko, M.D. and Mark Terry, M.D. All pre- and post-operative screenings are done by a trained corneal specialist and included in the cost of the procedure.
Having a doctor who is thoroughly trained and specializes in cornea issues can decrease potential complications. We also have the technology to help determine if you are a good candidate for a LASIK/PRK procedure.
In addition to these benefits, our physicians often see patient’s who have had their procedure at another facility and have concerns regarding their eye health.
Ready to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK? Request a consultation today!