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LASIK Eye Surgery

Using the latest in vision correction technology, our LASIK specialists at Quantum Vision Centers help patients in Metro East St. Louis achieve crisp, clear sight with vision correction surgery.

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of people who undergo LASIK eye surgery achieve vision that is 20/20 or better. The LASIK eye surgical specialists at Quantum Vision Centers have the experience and expertise to deliver only the most top-quality LASIK services using state-of-the-art laser eye surgery equipment.

When it comes to your vision, only the best will do. For such an important part of our lives, you’ll want to make sure you get top-quality care. That’s why the LASIK specialists at Quantum Vision Centers train to use the most leading-edge laser eye surgery equipment so you get the latest in laser vision treatments.

Meet Your Metro East St. Louis LASIK Surgeons

Our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest in laser surgery technology to ensure you get the best care possible. Meet your Metro East St. Louis LASIK surgeons:

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LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, helps focus light on the retina at the back of the eye for sharp vision. LASIK improves vision by correcting the shape of the cornea in eyes that do not have light correctly focused on the retina.

Since it was invented more than 30 years ago, and FDA approved more than 20 years ago, LASIK has been studied extensively for safety and efficacy. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, LASIK has an excellent safety track record, with a complication rate below 1%. In fact, studies show that wearing contact lenses introduces a higher risk of certain complications, such as microbial keratitis, when compared to LASIK. Many eye doctors choose to have LASIK themselves and recommend LASIK for their family members.

At Quantum Vision Centers, we prioritize patient safety above all else. Not only are our doctors highly trained, but they’re professionals who can customize LASIK surgery to your unique eyes to ensure the procedure is both effective and safe. No two pairs of eyes are the same. Neither are any two of our LASIK surgical plans. Our doctors will answer any questions or concerns you have about LASIK eye surgery during your appointment.

The benefits of clear vision are endless. More than 96% of LASIK patients report happiness with their improved vision. While each patient has a unique experience with LASIK, benefits include:

  • Immediate results
  • Long-term vision correction
  • Greater ease working out and playing sports
  • Freedom from the hassle of glasses, contact lenses, and accessories
  • Convenience of waking up with great vision
  • Increased self-confidence for people who don’t like the way they look in glasses
  • Enhanced career opportunities for people interested in certain careers such as military, outdoor, and active work

LASIK is a great option for many patients, and you may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a prescription that has not changed much in the past year
  • Are in good overall health, with no history of eye disease

Take our quick candidacy quiz to learn if LASIK may be right for you!

If you learn at your consultation appointment that LASIK is not the best option for you, there may be alternative vision correction procedures that are suitable for you. Your eye doctor can tell you more about which procedures may best meet your needs. Our laser eye specialists provide EVO ICL and Photorefractive Keratectomy procedures, as well as reflexive lens exchanges.

  • ReLEx SMILE
  • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
  • Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)

ReLEx® SMILE from ZEISS is the first and only small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) laser vision correction solution currently available. SMILE is a minimally-invasive procedure that can treat low to high amounts of myopia (-1 to -10). The procedure removes a small piece of the cornea to reshape the eye in minutes, with the laser only taking 30 seconds of the time. This next generation technology only requires one laser, which makes it very precise and comfortable.

SMILE and LASIK are roughly the same cost, have similar healing times, have similar side effects, and correct refractive errors within about the same range, typically to 20/25 or better. While LASIK works for many people, it is not a perfect solution for some. As a result, more forms of laser vision correction have been developed, like the SMILE procedure. If you are looking for laser eye surgery to correct your refractive error, it is important to know the differences between these options so you can discuss them with your ophthalmologist.

Refractive Lens Exchange allows patients to restore their near, intermediate, and far vision with an implantable, multi-focal lens that replaces the eye’s crystalline lens. This procedure is especially suited for patients over 45 who haven’t yet developed cataracts, but are far-sighted and dependent on bi-focals or tri-focals. Since the eye’s natural lens is replaced, Refractive Lens Exchange patients will never develop cataracts.

The Refractive Lens Exchange procedure takes about 15 minutes and is performed one eye at a time on separate visits. Surgery in the second eye can usually be performed as soon as one to two weeks later. The eye’s natural lens is removed using gentle ultrasound energy, and is replaced with an artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). Most patients see improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, and experience continued improvement for the next three to six months. Following the procedure, discomfort is typically mild with no need for pain medication.

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a safer option for patients who have thin corneas or high prescriptions, making it a great procedure for those who are not candidates for LASIK. ASA can be a good choice for those who play contact sports, those with careers or career aspirations in aviation, or military personnel. The ASA procedure is similar to LASIK, but only takes one step. The doctor uses the state-of-the-art ALLEGRETTO WAVE® Eye-Q to reshape the cornea. ASA patients may experience slightly more discomfort than LASIK patients and the results are not as immediate. You may have blurred vision for about five days following the procedure, but optimal vision is usually reached within one to three months.

Most patients find LASIK to be a painless procedure, with immediate results. The team at Quantum Vision Centers will ensure you feel comfortable and prepared each step of the way.

Before LASIK

Getting ready for LASIK is simple. During your appointment at Quantum Vision Centers, our experienced LASIK surgeon will learn more about you and check your eyes to ensure that LASIK is right for you. We’ll also determine if you may better benefit from other vision correction procedures like EVO ICL or PRK and answer any questions you have. Once your LASIK procedure is scheduled, our team will give you detailed preoperative instructions.

During LASIK

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, and the actual surgery takes as little as 15 minutes per eye. This is what you can expect at Quantum Vision Centers:

  • Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
  • A painless device will be used to keep your eyes open during surgery.
  • Your surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap on the outermost layer of the cornea.
  • Your surgeon will use a very precise laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
  • The corneal flap will then be repositioned and begin to heal immediately.

Recovery After LASIK

LASIK recovery is typically quick and easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You will need to have a friend or family member drive you home.
  • Many patients return to work, driving, and many day-to-day activities one day after surgery. 
  • It is normal to experience minor discomfort and blurred vision in the hours after LASIK surgery, but these side effects are temporary and will subside. 
  • You will need to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise and swimming, for one to two weeks.  
  • Complete recovery can take up to six months after the procedure for your eyes to fully heal. Still, you’ll notice clear, crisp vision long before that.

Our team will give you detailed postoperative instructions and schedule you for a follow-up appointment.

At Quantum Vision Centers, we know how important affordable vision care is to our patients. We also understand that each patient has unique needs and goals.

The cost of LASIK can vary based on your personalized treatment plan. We will give you transparent pricing information, as well as financing options, at your appointment.

Schedule an appointment with your Metro East St. Louis LASIK eye doctors to better understand what your LASIK procedure will cost at Quantum Vision Centers.

Did you know that LASIK can save you money over the long term when compared to the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses?

Who Should Not Have LASIK?

During your eye exam, your doctor will check for any sign of eye conditions that may disqualify you for LASIK, such as thin corneas, keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye disease. If it turns out that LASIK isn’t right for you, your eye doctor may be able to recommend another vision correction procedure.

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

LASIK is generally considered a quick and comfortable procedure. Most patients find that the anesthetic eye drops applied before the surgery ensure no pain during the procedure. You might feel a sensation of pressure or experience dimming of your vision at various points in the procedure.

Will My Insurance Cover LASIK?

Most medical and vision insurance plans consider LASIK to be elective and therefore do not cover it. However, you can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for LASIK, or you can take advantage of our financing options.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Quantum Vision Centers

At Quantum Vision Centers, we believe you deserve the best vision care possible. We are here to answer any questions and help you achieve better vision. Call us at (618) 277-1130 or book an appointment online for your LASIK consultation with one of our Metro East St. Louis LASIK eye surgeons.

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