Life without contacts or glasses would be a whole new life. But when you begin to think about LASIK surgery, there are so many questions. And all providers are definitely not alike. That’s why understanding how to get the best possible results, in the safest possible way is so important.

WHAT IS LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is presently the most common type of laser vision correction procedure. It is an extremely effective outpatient procedure that is suitable for low, moderate and higher prescriptions. LASIK is currently one of the most frequently performed healthcare procedures in America.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR LASIK?
LASIK can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness in people who are at least 18 years old, in good general health and have no eye diseases. Only an in-depth examination of your eyes, your individual case, your expectations and your lifestyle by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist will determine whether the procedure is right for you. Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery. That’s why we are prudent when determining if you are a candidate. The connection between the quality of your initial consultation and your final results should never be underestimated.

TWENTY LIFE-CHANGING MINUTES
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about 10 minutes to perform on each eye. But in that short time, your surgeon must make hundreds of decisions, all while working in a space 1/100 the width of a human hair. That’s why your surgeon’s experience and skill become such a crucial consideration.

1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
2. A protective hinged flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.
3. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.
4. The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.
5. Some patients feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

WATCH AN ACTUAL LASIK PROCEDURE ONLINE AT WWW.TLCVISION.COM

YOU’RE FOCUSED ON SAFETY AND RESULTS, SO ARE WE
Use your concern about safety and results to give yourself every possible advantage. Look for real, proven experience. Beware of quick assessments and overblown promises. Ask if there’s a long-term commitment covering future re-treatments. Insist on receiving the careful, unhurried, individual attention it takes to assure the best possible outcome. Find a provider who is as demanding about safety and results as you are.

At Eye Care Oklahoma, we are committed to quality care. During your LASIK evaluation, we perform several tests to determine if you are a good candidate and to measure accurate readings used during your refractive surgery. After your evaluation in our office, we schedule you for a consultation at The Laser Eye Centers (TLC). They will perform more tests with their advanced technology and advise you on which procedures will maximize your results. They also discuss financing and whether you qualify for the lifetime commitment program. All LASIK patients have a one year guarantee for free enhancements if necessary. Some patients have a lifetime commitment for reduced fee enhancements if years later your vision changes. All your follow up visits during the first year will be performed in our office. We ensure you are happy with your vision and monitor your healing process.

If you are interested in finding out the cost of LASIK or financing, contact our office at 799-7510 or TLC at 1-800-CALL.TLC.

You can find more information on TLC’s website www.tlcvision.com Information for this newsletter was used courtesy of TLC.