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Why is LASIK the Primary Surgery Option at Whiting Clinic?

LASIK eye surgery has been a mainstream method of vision correction for more than 20 years, with millions of successful procedures having been conducted world-wide. Here at Whiting Clinic Minneapolis, we stand by our decision to utilize LASIK based on its impressive effectiveness and proven results. Our network of experienced LASIK surgeons are committed to and passionate about the safe and effective correction of refractive errors. Given the life-changing results they are achieving for patients through LASIK eye surgery, and the novelty of certain new procedures, our network of experienced LASIK surgeons have not chosen to adopt these newer procedures which have yet to have been around long enough to have documented longevity of safety or efficacy. Additionally, our surgeons prefer LASIK for its non-invasive technique over lens implant procedures like EVO ICL, which require incisions to be made on the eye and therefore carry a higher risk of infection.

What Should I Expect On My LASIK Surgery Day?

Within minutes, those who struggle with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism could be glasses-free and live a life of visual freedom. The average LASIK procedure takes only a matter of minutes and you will notice an improvement in your vision immediately.

When you arrive to our center, we will go over some final paperwork and post-operative instructions with you. You will then be prepped for your LASIK procedure, which starts with numbing drops being placed in your eyes to ensure a pain-free experience during your procedure. Once the drops have taken effect, there are three simple and quick steps to the actual LASIK surgery.

Flap

I thin epithelial flap is created using a cool-beam laser. This flap exposes the cornea for reshaping and is left hinged for easy repositioning after the procedure.

Laser

A cool-beam laser is used to reshape your cornea to your specific visual correction needs. The laser removes a microscopic amount of corneal tissue in a precise pattern. The laser is computer-guided, so if your eye should shift, the laser immediately stops and can pick back-up right where it left off. This step usually takes less than 60-seconds.

After

Once the corneal reshaping is complete, the epithelial flap is repositioned. The flap adheres to the eye through natural suction, so there is absolutely no need for stitches and the flap heals naturally.

What Does LASIK Correct?

Myopia image
Nearsightedness / Myopia

Nearsightedness or Myopia is a comment refractive error that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina. As a result, distant object appear blurry. LASIK for nearsightedness works by reshaping the steeper curvature of the cornea, making it flatter, to ensure light focuses directly on the retina.

Astigmatism image
Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, often referred to as a football shaped cornea causing light entering the eye to focus on multiple points with in the eye. People with an astigmatism have distorted and blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism often accompanies nearsighted or farsightedness. LASIK for astigmatism works by reshaping the points of irregularity on the cornea, transforming it into a more symmetrical shape allowing light to focus evenly on the retina.

Farsighted image
Farsightedness / Hyperopia

Farsightedness or Hyperopia is another common refractive error where close-up objects appeared blurred as a result of the light entering the eye focusing on a hypothetical point beyond the retina. LASIK for farsightedness works by removing tissue from the other edges of the cornea, thus inducing curvature and allowing light to focus directly on the retina

Does LASIK Correct Reading Vision?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition and noticed as a gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus up-close, especially when reading fine print or in dimly lit situations. Presbyopia is the result of the hardening or or loss of flexibility of the lens within the eye and most people become aware of presbyopia in their early to mid-40s and it typically worsens until around the age of 65. Since presbyopia is a lens and not a corneal condition, it alone is not correctable by LASIK; however, if presbyopia is present with a refractive error, monovision LASIK may be a good option to consider.

What is Monovision LASIK?

Monovision LASIK is a vision correction procedure which can address both near and far vision problems and may be a good solution for people who find themselves switching between their regular glasses for normal tasks and reading glasses for up-close work like reading. Unlike standard LASIK, which treats both eyes for distance vision, the strategic approach of monovision LASIK is tailored to provide clear distance vision in one eye and near vision in the other. Many people achieve monovision correction through the use of contact lenses prior to LASIK. For most patients, the brain is quickly able to seamlessly integrate the visual information from each eye, resulting in clear vision both close-up and at a distance. The benefit of monovision LASIK is that it eliminates or reduces a patients need for reading glasses. Additionally, through Whiting Clinic’s customized approach, Monovision LASIK is highly customizable for each patient, with your surgeon tailoring the correction to suit your unique vision needs and activities. Of course, LASIK can still be performed on patients with presbyopia to correct the refractive error in both eyes equally and the patient can use over-the-counter reading glasses when they notice the need for up-close work like reading.

What Other Procedures Does Whiting Clinic Perform?

LASIK isn’t always the best treatment recommendation for all patients. At Whiting Clinic, we strive to get to know you as an individual, which includes your lifestyle, type of work, and hobbies as these, in addition to your vision prescription and optical testing results, could impact the treatment recommendation we provide to you.

Free LASIK Consultation to help you make an informed decision

At Whiting Clinic Minneapolis, we offer multiple ways for you to find out if LASIK is right for you – free of charge.

At Whiting Clinic, we offer options for those interested in LASIK to learn more about laser eye surgeries including LASIK and PRK, and find out if a laser vision correction procedure is right for them.

Our TeleHealth Appointments (Virtual Consultations) are a great place to start your journey. These appointments take 20-30 minutes and are conducted virtually so you can participate from where ever you are. During your TeleHealth appointment, we can answer your questions about the procedure and the process, provide you with a price quote, and take you through payment options, including guaranteed financing‡. We can also get you scheduled for your pre-treatment visual testing which can even be arranged on your treatment day if you are eager to move forward and start your life after LASIK!

We also offer in-center appointments for those who are more comfortable starting their journey in person. These appointments take about 90 minutes and include everything done during the TeleHealth appointment, plus the pre-treatment testing. After your appointment, we can also get you scheduled for your treatment.

Financing Options Guaranteed with Premier Pay in-house financing: Down payment amount varies from $0 to $1,000 per eye based on FICO score. The interest rate is based on program length and varies from 0% to 19.99% APR. A $25 set-up fee and a $3 monthly processing fee may apply. No minimum purchase amount is required.

LASIK Recovery

The day of your LASIK procedure, you’ll be accompanied by a driver and spend approximately 90 minutes at Whiting Clinic.

The procedure itself is relatively painless, and only a few minutes per eye. After the procedure, you’ll be sent home to rest for 2-6 hours and resume most normal activities the very next morning. Your vision will already be dramatically improved, and many of our patients feel comfortable driving and returning to work the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, we’ve heard many myths about LASIK. After all, we’ve been in the field of laser vision correction longer than most. Please contact us with any questions.

LASIK will not interfere with having cataract surgery later in life.

True. You can have cataract surgery after correcting your vision with LASIK. Routine eye exams are the only way to identify eye conditions that may need treatment.


Routine eye exams are important after LASIK.

True. Even though your vision has been corrected, it is still essential to take care of your eyes by having a yearly routine eye exam.


LASIK is not recommended for everyone.

True. It is important to have your evaluation to determine if LASIK is right for you. While LASIK isn’t right for some people, we are happy to say that the majority of our patients can have LASIK.


LASIK can correct my astigmatism.

True. LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, AND astigmatism. Your individual candidacy recommendation is based on meticulous diagnostic testing and your unique lifestyle.


LASIK is risky and untested.

False. LASIK technology has been evolving for over twenty years and has dramatically improved since 1996. Studies on patients who had earlier laser vision correction show their vision is still clear with no significant health effects. It is the most performed elective procedure in the world.


Will I see immediate results after LASIK?

True. You will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision immediately after your procedure, and most patients feel comfortable driving the very next day!


LASIK is painless.

True. Many of our patients describe the procedure as virtually painless. Some patients feel a stinging sensation for a short time afterward. Over-the-counter pain medication is enough to alleviate any discomfort.


LASIK is permanent.

True. The change made to your vision is permanent. Whiting Clinic offers a Lifetime Commitment for any future necessary laser vision enhancements.


Schedule Your Free LASIK Consultation.

We hope to speak with you soon and assist you on your journey toward better vision.

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