LASIK Surgery

Laser Vision Correction Surgery

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care, including advanced laser vision correction surgery. LASIK at CVP Physicians Dayton can help patients achieve clearer vision quickly, comfortably, and with low risk of complications.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a form of vision correction surgery that can help reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contacts. In individuals with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly. This results in blurred vision.

Using advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea, LASIK surgeon Dr. David Denlinger is able to improve the way light is refracted onto the retina. The result is dramatically improved vision: more than 90 percent of LASIK recipients achieve 20/20 vision or better.¹

LASIK Technology

At CVP Physicians Dayton, one of the ways we honor our commitment to excellence in patient care is to remain at the forefront of eye care technology. We are proud to employ the WaveLight^® Allegretto Wave^® Eye-Q laser to provide the most advanced form of laser vision correction. Thanks to this very powerful laser , we are able to correct patients’ vision in as little as eight seconds while achieving superior results and reducing the risk of complications. Benefits of the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q excimer laser include:

• Superior laser energy control
• Ultra-fast eye tracking: this laser tracks eye movement up to 200 times per second to improve precision and reduce risks
• Optimal corneal reshaping to reduce postoperative glare and better night vision

Who is a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

To determine whether you might benefit from clearer vision with LASIK eye surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination and review your medical history. The ideal candidate for LASIK:

• Is at least 21 years old
• Has a stable prescription that has not changed in the last year
• Has a refractive error within the treatable range
• Does not have eye disease
• Has healthy corneas
• Has realistic expectations for the outcome of LASIK surgery and understands potential risks of the procedure

Individuals with the following conditions may not be good candidates for LASIK eye surgery:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Corneal implants or unhealthy cornea
• Autoimmune disorder
• Keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea)
• Extreme or unstable refractive errors
• History of eye infections

Additionally, patients with uncontrolled diabetes and women who are pregnant or nursing should not undergo laser vision correction surgery.²

Preparing for LASIK Eye Surgery

Once your eyes have been examined and you have been pronounced a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, your procedure will be scheduled.

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them and switch to glasses for at least one week before LASIK surgery. If you wear hard or gas permeable contact lenses, you will need to have the contact lenses removed for a longer period of time. Contacts can change the shape of your cornea, and this may impact your LASIK results.

The day of your LASIK procedure, do not use any lotions, creams, or makeup on your face, as this could leave debris on your eyelashes that could increase your risk of infection.

On the day of your laser vision correction surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home when the procedure is complete. You should expect to spend up to 90 minutes at the surgery center, though the procedure itself will only take 15 minutes or less.

LASIK Surgery: What to Expect

Before Dr. Denlinger begins your LASIK eye surgery, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. A device will gently hold your eyelids open, so you will not need to worry about blinking during the procedure.

While you recline comfortably, Dr. Denlinger will use a laser to create a flap in your cornea. During this stage of the procedure, you may experience a feeling of pressure and your vision will go dim, but you should not experience any pain. After the flap is created, Dr. Denlinger will then gently lift the flap to gain access to the corneal tissue. He will use a laser to reshape the cornea, then gently move the flap back into place. The cornea will heal naturally; no sutures are needed.

During LASIK eye surgery, you may hear a clicking sound caused by the pulse of the laser. At no point should you feel any pain.

When the procedure is completed, a protective shield will be placed over your eye and you will be released to be driven home.³

Recovery After LASIK

After LASIK surgery, your eye may burn, water, or feel itchy or gritty for the first few hours. You will be given eye drops to keep you comfortable and reduce dryness. While you’ll be able to see immediately after LASIK eye surgery, your vision may be blurred for the first day or so. You should wear a protective shield over your eye while sleeping for the first few days.

The day after LASIK surgery, you’ll return to our offices to be examined by Dr. Denlinger. Most patients are able to return to work 24 to 48 hours after LASIK surgery.

Most patients enjoy improved vision almost immediately after LASIK laser vision correction, though the full results may not appear for several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

What are the risks and side effects of LASIK surgery?

LASIK has a very favorable safety profile, though risk is present with any surgical procedure. The most common risks and side effects associated with LASIK include:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Corneal flap dislocation
• Light sensitivity
• Dry eyes
• Overcorrection or undercorrection of vision

The American Refractive Surgery Council reports that fewer than 1% of patients who undergo LASIK experience surgical complications.⁴

How much does LASIK cost?

The average cost of LASIK in the United States is roughly $4,000 for treatment to both eyes. While most insurance plans do not provide coverage for LASIK, which is considered an elective procedure, we offer a number of payment plans and financing options to help our patients afford premium laser vision correction.⁵

Can I undergo LASIK on both eyes at the same time?

Absolutely. Most patients prefer to undergo laser vision correction on both eyes on the same day in order to reduce their overall recovery time and begin enjoying clearer vision as soon as possible.

How soon can I drive after LASIK eye surgery?

After surgery, it is our policy to release patients into the care of a friend or family member who can drive them home. Driving after LASIK is largely up to the patient’s discretion. Vision may be blurred immediately after surgery, but should resolve within a few days. Some patients feel comfortable driving the day after LASIK, while others prefer to wait a bit longer.

¹ American Refractive Surgery Council. What is the LASIK success rate? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/. Accessed June 4, 2020.
² American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lasik. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed June 4, 2020.
³ FDA. Lasik: what should I expect before, during, and after surgery? Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery. Accessed June 4, 2020.
⁴ American Refractive Surgery Council. LASIK Complication Rate: The Latest Facts and Stats You Should Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-complication-rate-latest-facts. Accessed June 4, 2020.
⁵ American Refractive Surgery Council .How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/how-much-does-lasik-eye-surgery-cost/. Accessed June 4, 2020.