LASIK

Imagine a world where you can see clearly without relying on glasses or contacts. At Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea, we are proud to offer LASIK, which can allow you to experience greater visual freedom and improve your quality of life.

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK corrects your refractive errors by reshaping the cornea with specialized lasers. When you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, light does not refract onto the retina’s center, resulting in unfocused vision.

LASIK works by removing precise amounts of corneal tissue to direct light toward the center of the retina, sending crisp, clear images to the brain. The surgery itself is a quick outpatient procedure typically completed in less than 30 minutes. To make sure you are comfortable, your LASIK surgeon will begin by numbing your eyes with anesthetic drops. 

First, they will create a thin, hinged flap in the outer layer of your cornea using a laser. This flap is gently lifted, and another laser guided by VISX technology with iDesign custom wavefront mapping will precisely reshape your cornea according to your unique eye measurements. 

Finally, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, acting as a natural bandage. By using the advanced VISX technology with iDesign custom wavefront-guided mapping, our LASIK surgeons provide precise personalized results.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK is FDA-approved and is very safe. As one of the most popular vision correction procedures, LASIK also has a very high satisfaction rate.

One of the reasons LASIK is safe and often successful is due to the thorough candidacy process. Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, and eye doctors carefully screen potential LASIK patients to ensure the procedure will be effective.

The procedure itself is performed using advanced laser technology, which allows for precise and controlled reshaping of the cornea. This high level of precision is another reason why the procedure is so safe and effective. While you will be awake during the procedure, you won’t have to worry about keeping your eyes open or still.

Before the procedure, your LASIK surgeon will place a device on your eye that gently holds it open. The advanced laser technology used will also track the position of your eye, meaning it will always be centered even if you move your eyes.

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK does carry some risks, but complications are rare. Most side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few weeks or months after the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Ideal LASIK candidates are typically at least 18 years old with a stable vision prescription for at least one year. They should have healthy eyes and sufficiently thick corneas. 

Those who are pregnant or nursing, as well as those with certain autoimmune disorders, may not be good candidates for LASIK. During your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if LASIK is right for you. LASIK is one of many vision correction procedures.  Depending on your specific needs, your eye doctor at Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea may recommend a different refractive procedure, like PRK, SMILE, EVO ICL or Refractive Lens Exchange.

Is LASIK Covered by Insurance?

LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure. This means it is often not covered by most insurance plans. 

However, it’s best to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage options. At Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea, we know that the cost of LASIK can be a significant consideration.

That’s why we offer financing options to help our patients achieve their vision correction goals. Our team can discuss these options with you during your consultation, providing information about available payment plans and answering any questions you may have about managing the cost of your LASIK procedure.

LASIK Savings Calculator

What Are the Benefits of LASIK?

There are many benefits to choosing LASIK. For starters, most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with many noticing improved vision within 24 hours of the procedure. 

With this level of clarity, many patients are able to significantly reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Although LASIK will not prevent other changes to vision that may happen with age, most LASIK patients can expect the results to last for a long time.

LASIK can also enhance your quality of life by allowing you to be more spontaneous and enjoy activities like swimming, sports, and travel without the hassle of visual aids. You’ll no longer have to sacrifice clear vision when going for a dip at the beach, push up your glasses when trying to make a goal or make extra room in your carry-on for contact lens solution.

Patients who wear glasses and contacts spend around $500 on average each year on them. While there’s an upfront cost, LASIK can prove cost-effective in the long run by saving you money on glasses, contacts, and related expenses over time.

How to Select a Quality LASIK Surgeon

Choosing the right LASIK surgeon for your procedure is one of the most important steps on your journey toward clearer vision. Factors like their experience, technology, and standards of patient care can directly affect your LASIK surgery process and visual outcome.

Experience

When considering a LASIK surgeon, you should first review their qualifications and experience. You should look for board-certified ophthalmologists like Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea’s Dr. Justin Needham, who specializes in refractive surgeries like LASIK. Your LASIK surgeon should also have extensive training and education. Dr. Needham was selected to attend ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Medican Army Medical Center Program in Fort Lewis, WA. During his studies, he trained under experts in the field and continued on to teach and provide refractive procedures at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. He’s gone on to perform thousands of refractive procedures, helping his patients achieve their dream vision.

Technology

Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea prioritizes safety and precision with every procedure, which is why Dr. Needham performs bladeless, all-laser LASIK with the advanced VISX system. Through careful corneal mapping with iDesign technology, he creates precise, custom treatments for each individual patient, resulting in more personalized outcomes.

Patient Care

What separates a good LASIK surgeon from a great LASIK surgeon is their level of patient care. Your vision deserves quality care from a dedicated ophthalmologist who prioritizes thoroughness, compassion, and comfort. As a LASIK patient himself, Dr. Needham is passionate about helping his patients enjoy the same fantastic benefits of the procedure. He will ensure LASIK is the best vision correction procedure for you with a comprehensive consultation, where he will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and vision goals while answering any questions you may have.

Be cautious of practices that conduct an unusually high volume of procedures daily, as it could indicate corners are being cut in terms of patient care. Your relationship with your LASIK surgeon shouldn’t end after the procedure. The LASIK surgeon you choose should provide comprehensive follow-up care and be reachable with any concerns you may have during recovery. Patients of Cape Fear Cataracts & Cornea have praised Dr. Needham for his expertise, kindness, and precision before, during, and after their LASIK procedure.

You can learn more about Dr. Needham’s excellent standards of care by reading patient testimonials below.