San Francisco LASIK Surgery

How LASIK Works

Traditional LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe and effective procedure performed in San Francisco and around the world LASIK surgery is suitable not only for treating higher prescriptions but also for patients with moderate to low amounts of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK has a remarkable success rate, with 94% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better, according to the American Society of Cataracts and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)

Save 40% - 50% off the national average price for laser vision correction (LASIK). Call 1-877-298-2010 for the San Francisco LASIK surgery and doctor information, and to schedule your free initial consultation. Find out today if you qualify for our LASIK surgery program in San Francisco.

Here's how LASIK works:

Normally, your eye "sees" by the cornea (front part of the eye) focusing light onto the retina (back part of the eye) to create an image. If the cornea is imperfectly shaped, or the eyeball is longer or shorter than normal, a distorted image is projected onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision. For many years, the only solution to this problem was corrective eyewear. Since the FDA's approval in 1995, LASIK has been the solution for over four million people.

LASIK uses an excimer laser (a cool beam of light) to reshape the cornea in order to decrease or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, so that you can see your best AND look your best!

What the LASIK procedure does is remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea, changing its shape - and, by so doing, changing the angle at which light enters through it and is projected onto the retina. This involves a two-step process: first, the surgeon exposes the cornea to the laser. This is done by creating a tiny "flap" in the surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium). Once this is done, the laser gently reshapes the exposed cornea. Each pulse of the laser removes 39-millionths of an inch of tissue, enabling surgeons to achieve remarkable accuracy while maintaining excellent control throughout the procedure. The flap is then replaced, adhering naturally and securely to the eye, and you are on your way to better vision.

Because the surface layer of the cornea is preserved, discomfort following LASIK is minimal and recovery time is quick. Most people are able to resume their normal schedule and even drive home from the eye laser center THE VERY NEXT DAY after the procedure.

Custom LASIK - Wavefront

Custom LASIK, sometimes referred to as Wavefront LASIK, makes use of the latest laser vision technology available for San Francisco LASIK surgery. This allows for individualized vision correction outcomes that may not be possible with Traditional LASIK, or glasses and contacts lenses. By mapping up to 2,000 data points on the eye, Custom LASIK can address additional vision irregularities (called higher abberations) that may affect sight. The same laser is used in both Traditional and Custom LASIK, however it is the measurement data that is programmed into the laser that makes a procedure Custom LASIK.

Custom LASIK can only treat a certain prescription range, so not everyone will qualify for, or need, Custom LASIK. Custom LASIK is most beneficial for people with hard-to-correct or unusual vision problems. Other benefits of Custom LASIK may include clearer night vision, decreased risk of glare and halos, and a greater chance of achieving 20/20 vision.

It is important to discuss your options with a health care provider to determine which type of LASIK procedure you qualify for and, therefore, receive the best results from the eye laser center.

PRK, LASEK & LASIK

LASEK and PRK are primarily used for patients who have thin corneas, are at risk of occupational damage to the eye, or are reluctant to have a LASIK flap. PRK and LASEK differ from LASIK due to the way in which the surface of the cornea is treated.

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure much like LASIK and can be used to correct most vision disorders such as hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism. PRK also uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea, allowing light to focus more clearly in the eye and bring vision closer to normal. Unlike LASIK, with PRK, a flap is not created on the surface layer of the cornea. Instead, the surgeon wipes off a very thin layer of the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium). A laser is then used to reshape the curve of the cornea, the same laser that is used for LASIK.

After the procedure a transparent "bandage", similar to a contact lens, is placed over the cornea to promote healing.

The procedure is painless and visual recovery occurs over several days and can often be accompanied by mild discomfort.

LASEK Eye Surgery

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a variation on the techniques for both LASIK and PRK. Like LASIK, a flap is made in the cornea, but LASEK differs because a much thinner flap is cut affecting only about as much of the surface layer of the cornea as in PRK. The surgeon would then apply the laser to reshape the cornea. Again, the laser is used in the same way to correct vision as is in LASIK and PRK.

After the procedure a surgeon would replace the thin flap and cover the cornea with a transparent "bandage" contact lens to promote healing, much like PRK. Recovery time for LASEK is quicker than PRK, but longer than LASIK.

It is important to discuss your options with a health care provider to determine which type of LASIK surgery you qualify for and, therefore, receive the best results from any of credentialed San Francisco LASIK surgeons in your area.

For more information go to Consumer Guide

LASIK Facts –
Why Our San Francisco LASIK Surgery Program is Different

What about those ads I see for $499 LASIK?

Them: It is vital that when doing comparison shopping that you also compare what’s included in the price and who is qualified to receive San Francisco LASIK surgery at that price. An advertisement for LASIK at $499 per eye often treats only very low prescriptions with little or no astigmatism. Prices increase dramatically as the prescription increases. Additionally, a patient may only have access to a specific laser – each laser can only treat specific prescription ranges and pupil sizes. If your prescription or pupil size is out of that range, the LASIK surgeons will automatically disqualify you for LASIK at that price.

Us: LASIK Benefits USA has the same set, contracted prices on LASIK for all prescription levels and all lasers, for your San Francisco LASIK surgery.

Them: Some LASIK surgeons also have additional fees for the initial LASIK consultation and follow up care. In most cases, the initial exam, post-operative visits, and retreatment warranties are not included in that price. Also, be aware that those additional charges may be required.

Us: Your cost for our San Francisco LASIK surgery program is all inclusive. Our plan includes the free comprehensive eye exam, the LASIK procedure itself, all your post-operative appointments, as well as a one-year retreatment warranty.

Them: Many discount LASIK surgeons require deposits that are non-refundable to undergo the LASIK procedure, unless a person is not medically qualified– and when the deposits are refunded due to medical reasons, the deposit may not be fully refunded. LASIK surgeons will keep a portion of the deposit to cover its cost for the eye exam.

Us: You can trust LASIK Benefits USA that ALL deposits are refundable, even if you yourself decide not to go forward with LASIK surgery due to financial reasons, poor timing, whatever!! Our deposits are always 100% refundable.

Them: It is also important to check on the qualifications of the LASIK surgeon who will be performing LASIK surgery on your eyes. Make sure that the doctor has been credentialed by an impartial third party service. Ours have!

Us: In addition to credentialing our LASIK surgeons, we also make sure that they are using FDA approved lasers. We check on all our LASIK surgeons before they are included in our network. Our priority is to ensure you get the quality patient care you deserve.

Find out how you can save 40% - 50% off the average national price for LASIK.

My current vision plan says I can get 15% off LASIK.

Many vision plans offer a specific percentage off the doctor’s usual rates for LASIK. However, many plans do not monitor the amount their members are being charged, so the questions becomes, “Fifteen-percent off what?” It is possible that a LASIK surgeon could inflate the usual rate to compensate for the discounted price – leaving you wondering if you really received a price-break after all.

An important feature of our plan is that our set, contracted pricing means we can monitor and manage what our members pay for LASIK, leaving no room for a LASIK surgeon to inflate the normal price, giving you the illusion of savings. Our savings are real and will never leave you questioning what benefits you really received.

LASIK Facts: Understanding Common Myths

Myth: LASIK can make you go blind.

Fact: No cases of blindness as a result of LASIK have ever been reported in the United States. The risk of going blind from LASIK is actually comparable to the risk of blindness from glasses or contacts!

Myth: The more procedures a LASIK surgeon has done, the better chance of good outcomes.

Fact: While the experience of the LASIK surgeon is important, there is a learning curve. Once the LASIK surgeon has passed that learning curve, typically 200-300 procedures, the quality of the LASIK surgeons becomes more impressive and important than the quantity of eyes done. Personalized, quality care and a track record of good outcomes is what you should look for in a LASIK surgeon you feel comfortable with.

Myth: All laser LASIK (Intralase) is the safest procedure.

Fact: All LASIK procedures involve creating a flap in the surface of the cornea. Intralase procedures utilize a laser to create that flap instead of the microkeratome blade used in regular LASIK. Intralase is proven to have a very good safety record and good outcomes; however, Intralase carries its own risks, such as light sensitivity, that, though infrequent, does not make Intralase safer or better. Your LASIK surgeon and you will assess your needs and determine the best LASIK procedure during the initial consultation San Francisco.

Find the best local LASIK surgeons at the best fixed rates. Schedule your free consultation and save 40% - 50% off the national average price for San Francisco LASIK surgery by calling 1-877-298-2010 or fill out the CONTACT USform.

LASIK FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does LASIK eye surgery cost? What does custom LASIK eye surgery cost? What does that cost include?
Utilizing our network of LASIK Surgeons, you can save 40% - 50% off the national average LASIK eye surgery cost. While prices for LASIK procedures can vary widely by practice and region, the average cost is between $1,600 to $2,000 per eye for Traditional LASIK. Custom LASIK procedures typically add anywhere between $500-1000 per eye extra onto that. Our price is all-inclusive: it covers everything you will need – from your initial pre-operative screening, to the LASIK procedure itself, as well as all post-operative visits and a one-year retreatment warranty. There are no hidden costs or undisclosed fees.

2. How do I find a LASIK surgeon in my area?
There is no need to do any more searching; we can do the looking for you. To find a LASIK surgeon near you, call our toll free number at 1-877-298-2010 and one of our LASIK Counselors will find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area so you can save 40% - 50% off LASIK eye surgery cost.

3. Are there any other refractive procedures covered?
Currently we offer Traditional and Custom LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. However, we do plan to cover other procedures in the future, so be sure to check back for updates!

4. Is Traditional or Custom LASIK best for me?
You will need to be tested, and depending on your prescription, one LASIK procedure may be recommended over another. By completing an initial appointment, you and your surgeon will be able to discuss the right treatment option for you.

5. Will I still need glasses after LASIK?
If you are at least 40 years of age, have presbyopia and/or wear reading glasses, or have bifocals, you may still need to wear reading glasses after LASIK surgery. If you decide to have a monovision treatment you may be able to avoid reading glasses some or all of the time.

Monovision refers to the surgical technique of correcting one eye to see at distance and the other eye corrected for reading up close.

6. What about those ads I see for a $499 LASIK eye surgery cost?
It is vital that when doing comparison shopping for LASIK eye surgery cost that you also compare what is included in the price. Some centers may have additional fees based on levels of prescription and laser types, as well as charges for the consultation itself and all other follow up care.

LASIK Benefits USA offers set, contracted rates for LASIK and our rates are all inclusive. Your price includes the free comprehensive eye exam, the LASIK procedure itself, all of your follow up appointments, as well as a one-year retreatment warranty.

Please read the LASIK Myths section of our website for more details on $499 LASIK and the benefits of our services.

7. What if I need an enhancement, or retreatment?
Less than 10% of patients will require enhancements after their initial LASIK surgery. Typically, you will know if you need an enhancement/retreatment within the first three months after surgery.

Included in your LASIK eye surgery cost is a one-year retreatment warranty. Should you need a retreatment within the first year of your surgery, you will only be responsible for paying the nominal royalty fee the laser manufacturer charges the surgeon.

You also have the option to renew the retreatment warrenty each year by completing an annual eye exam with your LASIK doctor. Simply call us to schedule your annual exam, and the LASIK retreatment warranty will automatically be renewed for another 12 months.

8. How do I schedule an appointment?
It’s easy. First, call LASIK Benefits USA at 1-877-298-2010. A LASIK Counselor will register you for the benefit, as well as conduct a free preliminary phone screening to ensure you are a good LASIK candidate. You may then select a provider in your area from our extensive nationwide network. Your LASIK Counselor and you will then make a three-way call directly to the practice and you will schedule your pre-operative appointment right then and there, giving you the exact LASIK eye surgery cost.

9. Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Would you like to wake up in the morning and see the clock without your glasses? How about going on vacation without having to worry about losing your glasses or contacts? Would not having to wear glasses increase your confidence, improve on-the-job performance, or help you have better participation in sports or fitness activities?

There are many reasons LASIK may be the answer for you. Though most people are good candidates, there are some conditions which would preclude one from being helped by LASIK. For instance, if you have a pre-existing eye disease that affects vision – such as cataracts, advanced glaucoma, corneal diseases, or corneal thinning disorders – you would not be a good candidate. There are also temporary conditions – such as pregnancy or vision instability – which can make a person ineligible for LASIK. However, the best way to be sure whether you are a good candidate or not is to have a pre-operative LASIK screening with a qualified medical professional.

10. What will the initial appointment be like?
During the initial appointment you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam, meet with the medical staff where they will describe the LASIK procedure and have a chance to ask any questions you may have. The initial appointment can include having your eyes dilated and may last up to two hours.

11. What will the recovery process be?
Most doctors tell their patients that they will be able to see well enough to drive to the follow up appointment the next day. After the LASIK procedure, it is recommended that the patient rest, but no special care is required.

12. How long does that actual LASIK procedure last?
Typically, you will be at the doctor’s office for a half hour to an hour. Up to four or five minutes may be spent on each eye, with the actual time of laser use being less than one minute. You must have someone there to drive you home after your LASIK procedure, and you will need to keep a protective cover over your eyes for the rest of the day, but you should be able to resume your normal routine and even be able to drive the very next day!

13. How much does San Francisco LASIK Eye Surgery cost?
The national average price for LASIK surgery as of the second quarter of 2005 was $1,965 per eye (as reported by Marketscope, August 2005).

Get more information concerning our San Francisco LASIK surgery program or call 1-877-298-2010 to speak with a representative immediately.

Save 40% - 50% off the national average price for laser vision correction (LASIK). Call 1-877-298-2010 for the nearest location and doctor information, and to schedule your free initial consultation. Find out if you qualify for a LASIK procedure today.

LASIK Vision Correction History

With National LASIK Statistics

Number of LASIK vision correction procedures performed world wide through 2004: 17.8 million
Number of LASIK vision correction procedures in the US through 2004: 8.1 million
Number of US surgeons in 2004 who performed refractive surgery: 3,985
Number of excimer lasers world wide October 2004: 4,700
Number of excimer lasers US October 2004: 1,400
Number of procedures referred by an optometrist 2004: approximately 176,000

(Source: October 2004 Annual Report, Market Scope)

LASIK Vision Correction History

Researchers have been exploring surgical techniques to treat refractive errors for more than a century. LASIK vision correction is the culmination of that work.

1975:	First excimer laser is produced. It is known for its precision and was used by IBM to etch circuits into computer chips.
1983:	Scientists explore use of excimer laser on corneal tissue. It was discovered that the excimer laser could remove corneal tissue without affecting the area outside of the target zone.
1985:	German ophthalmologist uses excimer laser for first time on human eyes.
1988:	U.S. surgeon uses excimer laser to correct refractive error on a normal sighted eye during FDA clinical trials.
1990:	An Italian ophthalmologist combines the microkeratome and the excimer laser to create LASIK vision correction. He used a microkeratome to create a flap of corneal tissue and the laser to reshape the tissue of an inner layer of the cornea.
1991:	First LASIK vision correction performed on a sighted eye for FDA clinical trials.
1995:	FDA approves first excimer laser for PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).
1999:	FDA approves first excimer laser for LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis) vision correction.
1999:	One million LASIK vision correction procedures completed in the United States. FDA approved first “flying spot” laser.
2001:	LASIK vision correction is the most common elective surgical procedure in the United States.
2002:	FDA approves first customized wavefront-guided LASIK vision correction application.
2003:	CustomLASIK becomes widely available in the United States.

(Sources: Alcon, Inc.; VISX, Inc.; and “Laser Vision Breakthrough” by S.Brint,D.Kennedy, & C.Kuypers-Denlinger)

Our homepage has more information about our LASIK vision correction program or call us at 1-877-298-2010.

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A Medical Perspective of LASIK

LASIK Report

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A Medical Perspective of LASIK

by Dr. Robert A. Levine

Since its approval for use in the United States in 1996, laser vision correction (LASIK) has become the preferred technique for successfully and safely treating and correcting vision on patients with most forms of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

And now with the addition of Custom/Wavefront LASIK numerous recent studies have shown that 90-94 percent of patients treated have achieved uncorrected vision of 20/20 or better. The continued success of the procedure is supported by data from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence which found that, since its inception, over 8.1 million people have enjoyed the benefits of LASIK in the United States.

Traditional and Custom LASIK have many advantages over other previous vision correction procedures (such as RK and PRK), including a relative painless recovery and good vision usually achieved shortly after the procedure. Most patients are even able to comfortably drive to their first follow up visit with the doctor the very next day.

The new benefit with Custom or wavefront technology is that it uses the latest vision technology to create a 3-D map of the eye allowing the laser to measure and treat individual irregularities of a cornea and customizing the procedure to allow for the possibility of even higher level of quality vision. Another advantage of this technology is that the individual mapping of the eye helps reduces risk of potential side effects such as glare, night vision difficulties and halos that sometimes occur after LASIK.

With LASIK, a change in vision correction is achieved by shaping the cornea to compensate for the patient’s natural eye shape and prescription. In patients who are nearsighted the goal is to use the laser to reshape the eye by flatten a cornea that is too steep; with farsighted patients a steeper cornea is desired; and astigmatism is corrected by smoothing an oval or irregular cornea into a more spherical shape.

The total time of the procedure takes about 30 minutes. The laser itself is used for less than one minute. Most patients will experience rapid vision recovery and are able to return to work or their normal routine the next day.

Though vision is clear enough to comfortably drive the next day, as part of the healing process it is common for the vision to fluctuate for the next month before becoming stable.

In most cases, clear and functional vision occurs with the first treatment. Occasionally a second treatment or an enhancement is needed if there is any residual prescription not corrected from the initial procedure.

As with any procedure there are certain criteria a patient must meet in order to be considered a good candidate for LASIK including:

A patient must be at least 18 years old
The patient must have stable vision
The eyes must be healthy and no current or active corneal disease.
There are a number of health issues that can also preclude a patient from having LASIK

Eye laser surgeons agree that one of limitations that LASIK has is that it is not designed to correct presbyopia, or the natural loss of near focus that occurs to all patients over 40 years of age. Patients who are over 40 may still require the use of reading glasses after the procedure. Patients with Presbyopia who do not want to use reading glasses may also choose a monovision technique in which one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye is corrected for reading.

As with any surgical procedure, side effects are a possible outcome. The ones that seem to be most common are glare, halos, dry eye, and over/under correction. In most cases, the side effects are generally mild and many can be corrected with a retreatment or enhancement and do not normally outweigh the benefits of the procedure.

Patient satisfaction with LASIK and eye laser surgeons has never been higher, and the success rate of LASIK continues to get better and results more accurate as more and more patients continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom from their glasses and contact lenses.

As an eyecare provider for the past 20 years, and having worked with LASIK since its inception as consultant for the first LASIK centers in the U.S., I have witnessed and treated thousands of patients who have expressed to me their excitement of being able to swim and see clearly for the first time without their corrective lenses, play sports without glasses or contacts, see the clock in the morning without reaching for their glasses, or just wearing regular fashionable sunglasses.

With the new advances in LASIK today the chances for a successful procedure have never been greater.

Dr .Robert A. Levine
San Francisco, California
May 2005

LASIK Report

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Call us to schedule your free initial consultation and save 40% - 50% off the national average price for corrective laser eye surgery (LASIK).

Other Eye Surgery Resources

The following are links about eye surgery to further assist your LASIK eye surgery research.

American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Society of Cataracts and Refractive Surgery

Eye Surgery Education Council

FDA LASIK

Get more information concerning our San Francisco LASIK eye surgery program or call us at 1-877-298-2010.

Find the best local LASIK surgeons at the best cost of LASIK surgery. Schedule your free consultation and save 40% - 50% off the national average cost of LASIK surgery by calling 1-877-298-2010 or fill out the CONTACT US form.

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LASIK Benefits USA is required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information (hereafter referred to as "PHI") and to provide patients with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices. PHI is information about you, including demographic data, that can reasonably be used to identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health, the provision of health care to you or the payment for that care.

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We must have your written authorization to use and disclose your PHI, except for the following cases:

Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to health care providers who request it in connection with your treatment.

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