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Annual Eye Exams are Important – Even After LASIK
Many LASIK patients ask if they will ever need to see their optometrist again after their LASIK procedure. After all, most LASIK patients will no longer require glasses or contact lenses. However, while your vision may be 20/20 or better following your LASIK procedure, it is still important to visit your eye doctor once a year for a routine annual checkup to maintain the health of your eyes.
In addition to assessing eyesight and prescribing eye glasses and/or contacts, optometrists are trained to look for eye diseases and conditions that can threaten vision and overall health, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma, often have no symptoms at all until permanent vision loss occurs. A yearly visit to your eye doctor is your best defense against possible future debilitating eye diseases.
Our LASIK surgeons, Dr. Mark L. Mayo and Dr. Edward C. Wade have incredible confidence in the results achieved by their patients and stand behind their work. Every patient who chooses Eye Center of Texas for their LASIK surgery is covered under our “Limited Lifetime Warranty”.
ECT warranty includes:
If a LASIK patient’s vision worsens anytime within the first year and if treatment is deemed medically appropriate by the surgeon ECT will cover the cost of an enhancement. If a patients vision worsens after the first year and if treatment is deemed medically appropriate by the surgeon, ECT will offer an enhancement for a reduced fee*. Warranty eligibility is easy for you to maintain by simply having an annual eye exam with an optometrist within our referral network.
*please refer to your paperwork for reduced fee amount.
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How The Cost Of LASIK Surgery Is Determined
Many people who learn about LASIK eye surgery realize it will benefit them. Their next question is usually about the costs involved with having such a procedure. People need to understand this is an elective surgical procedure. The cost for LASIK can vary from one provider to another. There are a number of factors involved with determining the cost for LASIK. Things such as the technology used by the surgeon, the amount of vision correction needed as well as the difficulty of an individual procedure, experience of the surgeon doing the procedure and more. Depending on the type of LASIK procedure, the cost of LASIK surgery will vary; however, in most cases the procedure starts around $2000.
Items Included In Cost
When a person makes this much of an investment in their eyes, they’ll want to know what they’re getting. When a person is quoted a price for a LASIK procedure, they should know if care before the surgery and after it is over are covered. A person will want to know if the price includes all of the tests that will be performed on them during their initial LASIK consultation. People will want to know if the price includes any enhancements if their vision regresses after the procedure is done. Some surgeons provide their patients enhancement procedures for a lifetime at no charge. Others provide their patients with a fee schedule.
Surgeon Experience
The amount of experience a surgeon has will influence the cost of a LASIK procedure. A surgeon who has been practicing for a long period of time, and has done the procedure for years, will charge more than a surgeon who is new. The most experienced surgeons have been performing LASIK surgery since the 1990s when it became popular.
Technology Price
Many surgeons will quote a single price. This will usually mean using the latest technology such as customized wave front or laser-created flaps. Using them will not result in a separate price or paying for an extra. Other surgeons will provide different pricing based on the technology a person is willing to pay to be used.
Insurance Plans
Since LASIK is an elective surgery, it is not often covered by a person’s insurance plan. There are some large insurance companies, as well as membership-based businesses, that have negotiated discounts for their members when it comes to LASIK procedures. This discount can be as much as 10 percent of the total cost.
Health Accounts
There are some employers who offer their employees health insurance using a health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a flexible spending account (FSA). The cost of LASIK may be eligible to be paid using one of these types of accounts. It may even be possible to deduct the cost of the procedure as a major medical expense. Anyone considering doing this should speak with a tax professional first.
Creative Financing
Some surgeons will permit their patients to pay for their LASIK procedure with a monthly payment. Others have chosen to borrow money from a financial institution. Some have been able to pay for their procedure using a rewards-bearing credit card. These payment methods need to be discussed with a surgeon before using them.
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Are You A Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is the most commonly performed surgery to correct corneal abnormalities that cause myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK has helped millions of people worldwide reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Who Is the Ideal LASIK Candidate?
The ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. A candidate must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.
Realistic Expectations
It is important that you have realistic expectations. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, (aging of the eye) which normally occurs around age 40.
In the Blink of an Eye
It only takes seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure. Call Eye Center of Texas at 713-395-1515.
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What Is Astigmatism and Can LASIK Correct It?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the eye is not completely round. While the cause of astigmatism is unknown, there are several treatment options to help remedy astigmatism’s resulting blurred vision. Treatment options include, eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
The first step in understanding astigmatism is knowing the different parts of the eye and how they function.
- Cornea: the clear front portion that covers the eye helps to refract (bend) light to focus on the retina
- Retina: the light-sensitive area in the back of the eye
- Eye Lens: the transparent structure that helps the cornea to refract light
When light enters the rounded cornea of the eye or the eye lens, the eye refracts (bends) the light causing clear vision. When the cornea or lens are not round, but shaped more like the back of a spoon or football, the light is refracted unevenly. When uneven refraction occurs, only part of an object can be focused on at one time causing vision to appear blurry.
Symptoms
This condition causes one’s vision to be blurred or distorted in varying degrees and at all distances. If the vision is not corrected, eye strain, fatigue, or headaches may occur.
Diagnosis
Sometimes this condition occurs with other vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). Your eye doctor can give you a diagnosis after a comprehensive eye exam.
Treatment
Practically every type and intensity of blurred vision can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If the thought of wearing glasses or contact lenses does not appeal to you, refractive surgery could be the best solution to remedy your vision. The best candidates for this procedure have healthy eyes and do not have diseases, scarring, or retinal problems.
Several different types of refractive surgery include:
- LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis): LASIK surgery corrects vision by reshaping corneal tissue so that it correctly focuses light into the eye and onto the retina. A flap made in the outer corneal layer allows access to the tissue underneath.
- PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): During this procedure, the eye surgeon reshapes the cornea using a laser on the outer surface of the cornea (unlike the LASIK procedure that accesses underlying tissue).
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and complications associated with refractive surgery. A frequently reported complication is persistent dry eyes. To lower your risks, consult a LASIK surgeon who can advise you what procedure is best for you.
Benefits of Lasik Surgery
- Improved vision. Research reveals that approximately 95% of the people who chose this form of laser eye surgery now see with 20/40 (10%) or 20/20 (85%) acuity.
- Speedy results and recovery. Some patients experience clear vision immediately after the procedure. Others have clear sight within the day and can return to their normal schedule the day after the surgery.
- Lasting results. After about three months, the eyes have adjusted and the patient’s improved eyesight will be permanent. No follow-up is needed unless there are complications.
- No more contact lenses expenses. No more money and time spent on replacement lenses, cases and cleaning solutions. You pay for contact lenses for as long as you use them. You pay for your surgery only once.
- Goodbye, eyeglasses. Glasses tend to limit peripheral vision. Laser eye surgery improves your complete vision.
Houston Astigmatism Solutions
The Eye Center of Texas’ Dr. Wade and Dr. Mayo have performed over 60,000 successful LASIK procedures. If you are interested in learning more about how you can correct your astigmatism through LASIK surgery, fill out this form for a FREE LASIK consultation.
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What Does LASIK Surgery Do? Is it Right for You?
LASIK surgery is used to correct errors in the lens of the eye. It is a type of refractive eye surgery that remedies the way that light enters the eye which allows a person to focus on an object. People who benefit from this type of surgery include those who are nearsighted, farsighted and/or have astigmatism.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is a relatively quick procedure that usually takes place on an outpatient basis. It will usually only take about 15 minutes for both eyes and the results can typically can be noticed within 24 hours. Most patients report the surgery being pain free and when there is any discomfort, it is often simply dryness and minor burning sensations.
Before your surgery, you will meet with an eye doctor or coordinator to be acquainted with the procedure. The surgeon will also want to examine your eyes, check the thickness of your cornea, and corneal mapping as well as pupil dilation. To get ready for your surgery, your doctor will advise you to stop wearing rigid contact lenses for three weeks before being evaluated for surgery. Soft contacts can be worn longer but should be removed for three days prior to the surgery.
During the surgery the surgeon will use a laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The access to the cornea allows the surgeon to reshape it so it can reflect light properly and the flap is put back to cover the lens. Numbing drops keep the eye from experiencing any pain, and the entire procedure is quick and efficient.
The Risks to LASIK
LASIK surgery is a common, 15 minute procedure with minimal to no pain. However, as with all surgeries there are some risks involved that all Lasik patients should be aware of.
Some of the possible risks to LASIK include:
- Halo glow around objects
- Night driving problems
- Eye dryness and itching
- Glare
- Vision fluctuations
Recovering from LASIK Surgery
One of the attractive things about LASIK surgery is that there are no bandages or stitches and recovery time is quick with minimal pain, allowing many patients to return to work the day after surgery. Numbing drops are used during the surgery and are given to the patient post-surgery to alleviate any minor irritation that might occur. 24 to 48 hours after surgery you will need a follow-up appointment to check on your progress. The best way for a quick recovery is to get plenty of rest following the procedure, take prescribed medications (eye drops) as directed.
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Thinking About LASIK – Ask Your Eye Doc
If you’re thinking about LASIK Vision Correction, you’re probably asking yourself, what LASIK surgeon should I go to? Answer: Your regular eye doctor.
Your regular eye doctor is most familiar with your eye conditions and vision history. While not all eye doctors will initiate a conversation about LASIK, don’t let this prevent you from asking him/her about it. Your eye doctor can recommend a trusted eye surgeon to perform the LASIK eye surgery. You may feel more comfortable with your eye doctor’s referral than with a LASIK eye surgeon you heard about on the radio or saw on the internet.
Eye Center of Texas works with 275+ Houston area optometrist. These eye doctors are excellent doctors and can co-manage your case (meaning…your eye doctor won’t perform the surgery but can determine whether or not LASIK is right for you and can see your for your pre and post operative eye care visits).
If your eye doctor finds that you’re a good candidate for LASIK (or PRK/Visian ICL) they can help schedule your LASIK surgery time and date. The day after your surgery, you will return to your regular eye doctor for your post operative care.
So if you’r thinking about LASIK surgery, don’t trust a radio advertisement, call your eye doctor…and there’s a very good chance they will recommend Dr. Mayo or Dr. Wade at Eye Center of Texas.
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Flex Account – Loose It Or Lose It!
It’s that time of year again! Time to Flex your way to savings.
A Flexible Spending Account (often called an FSA, flex plan, flex account, flexible spending arrangement, or cafeteria plan) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows participants to pay for qualified medical or health care-related expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Benefits of a flexible spending account include reduced income taxes and the opportunity to use the benefits to save hundreds or thousand of dollars a year on approved expenses.
We know that the specifics of using your FSA account can get confusing. Give us a shout and we will gladly show you how to use your account for LASIK.
Schedule your free LASIK evaluation today, 713-395-1515
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Blade-free LASIK Surgery Houston
Blade-free LASIK Surgery Houston
Better visions can be a critical factor for doing work tasks, driving, engaging in hobbies and simple enjoyment of everyday life. LASIK is an eye surgery procedure that has allowed millions of people to achieve better vision without glasses or contact lenses to accomplish these goals.
The new technique known as “blade-free” LASIK surgery uses a high-energy laser to make the incision on the eye to allow the correction process. This type of surgery offers a number of benefits for patients.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK vision correction is done in two steps. First, a flap is created on the cornea of the eye. This is generally a painless procedure that only takes a short time. Second, the cornea is shaped to provide better vision for the patient. The procedure is generally easy and painless, with few complications.
The Improved “Bladeless” Technique
New technology now allows surgeons to use high-energy lasers to make the initial flap incision that allows vision correction of the eye. Previously, eye surgeons used a small blade called a “microkeratome” to create the flap on the eye. A blade-free laser technique was approved in 2007 to produce the same result with improved results.
Although the blade technique is still used for certain patients, physicians find that blade-free laser surgery offers superior results with greater comfort for the patient. For blade-free LASIK surgery, Houston residents can rely on the experienced physicians and skilled staff at the Eye Center of Texas for accurate and easy vision correction.
Benefits of Blade-Free LASIK Surgery
Blade-free LASIK surgery is preferred by many surgeons because of the additional benefits to patients:
- A more uniform thickness of the flap that is created, leading to fewer complications
- Faster recovery times
- Better vision acuity
Recovering From Bladeless LASIK Surgery
Most patients find that they are able to see normally after 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Before that time, you will be asked to use eye drops to prevent infection and to keep your eyes moist. The drops may cause a slight burning in the eye, and your vision may blur slightly after using them.
After the initial recovery period, your eyes may be sensitive to light for a few days after the surgery. Use sunglasses to help alleviate this problem. Within a few days, patients generally see an improvement in vision and can resume their normal activities.
Experienced Surgeons For Superior Results
The physicians at Eye Center of Texas have performed thousands of blade-free LASIK procedures that have resulted in improved vision, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. The skilled and knowledgeable staff at the center will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure and will provide full instructions for aftercare.
For more information on blade-free LASIK surgery, Houston patients can contact the Eye Center of Texas for further information on this procedure.
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How Much Should You Pay for LASIK?
The cost of LASIK vision correction varies among practices, based on the surgeon’s experience and what the center includes in the fee. You may hear radio ads that claim “LASIK starting as low as $499 an eye”, but in most cases this is a bait and switch center and be aware that you will probably pay a lot more than the advertised $499. and often the total cost of the procedure will be similar to costs for quality surgeons who don’t advertise too-good-to-be-true fees.
We are not the least expensive LASIK practice in Houston because we never sacrifice safety to save you money and our price includes a “limited lifetime warranty” (at no additional cost). We have invested heavily in advanced laser technology and our diagnostic technology is second to none. This investment is extremely important to our patient’s results. Dr. Mark L. Mayo and Dr. Edward C. Wade excellent LASIK surgeons and combined have performed over 60,000 successful LASIK procedures. If you’re thinking about LASIK…give us a call. 713-797-1010
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Wearing Sunglasses After LASIK
After LASIK surgery, most patients find that their eyes are more sensitive to light than before. If you experience any light sensitivity after your LASIK surgery buy a good pair of dark sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
Corneal haze (a hazy or foggy view) is a possible side effect of LASIK and it is believed that exposure to UV light is the main reason, so if you’re debating whether you should wear sunglasses after LASIK, debate no more; and it doesn’t make a difference whether it’s summer or winter either, light can affect your eyes regardless of the season.
Bottom line….after LASIK surgery plan on investing in some good quality sunglasses and enjoy your new view of the world!
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15400 S.W. Freeway, Suite 301Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620
