What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK eye surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in North America. Millions of people have safely and successfully chosen it as a suitable option for correcting their low, moderate, or high prescriptions.
This procedure involves the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct a patient’s vision error. This reduces, and sometimes eliminates, the need for glasses and contact lenses.
Kent L. Wellish, MD
Why Choose the Wellish Vision Institute for your LASIK procedure?
- Dr. Wellish was the first surgeon in Nevada to perform laser vision correction (July 1994)
- Las Vegas Eye Doctors #1 Choice for LASIK – In a recent poll amongst area eye doctors concerning to whom they refer their patients, family and friends, Dr. Kent Wellish was the #1 choice for LASIK in Las Vegas, more than any other LASIK eye surgeon in the greater Las Vegas area.
- Dr. Wellish is one of the few, fellowship-trained cornea specialists in Nevada that performs LASIK.
- Wellish Vision Institute is the only permanent on-site, all-laser LASIK center in Las Vegas owned and operated by a “Top Doc;” an honor bestowed upon Dr. Wellish by peer physicians on multiple occasions.
- We’re not just a LASIK clinic: The Wellish Vision Institute offers multiple FDA-approved technologies that may be better suited for patients based on their age, activities/lifestyle, unique eye anatomy, previous eye surgeries, etc. These technologies include Photo Refractive Keratotomy (PRK), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), corneal inlays such as KAMRA and the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
- We go above and beyond to ensure you are an excellent candidate for any eye procedure. That’s why we extensively test for dry eye and treat your dry eye first, before moving forward with surgical vision correction procedures such as LASIK
- We work with hundreds of local eye doctors to make your experience less of a hassle for pre-op and post-op visits.
Why See A Cornea Specialist For LASIK?
Many surgeons who perform LASIK are general ophthalmologists. Meaning after medical school, they underwent residency training in ophthalmology, but not subspecialty training in specific fields such as retina, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, etc.
Some have done fellowship training in other areas such as retina, glaucoma, or other subspecialties. However, the portion of the eye where LASIK is performed is the cornea. This is the clear window on the front of the eye where you place a contact lens.
Dr. Wellish of the Wellish Vision Institute has subspecialty training in Cornea and External Disease, which means he underwent additional training just for the portion of the eye, the cornea, in which LASIK is performed. The cornea is responsible for most of the eye’s light focusing power. It is a complex and delicate part of the eye that is made up of five layers each having its own individual function. Many issues such as dry eye disease, keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and other corneal abnormalities can interfere with an optimal laser vision correction outcome. Dr. Wellish uses his training to diagnose and treat these issues before a patient is deemed “a good candidate” for LASIK or other vision correction procedures. Dr. Wellish and his team treat other corneal issues before prematurely moving forward with surgical vision correction such as LASIK.
Are you a LASIK candidate?
Not everyone is a good LASIK candidate. Those with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness and those with uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease are not likely to be eligible for LASIK. However, you may be a good LASIK candidate if you are in good general health, are at least 18 years old, are free from eye diseases including cataracts, and have a diagnosis of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
To determine your eligibility for LASIK, schedule your complimentary consultation today with us. Our doctors will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, or if a different vision procedure may be right for you.
Learn more about LASIK candidacy and eligibility
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is an outpatient surgery. The procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to perform by an ophthalmologist (surgeon).
Before the procedure, topical anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes to prevent any discomfort. Medication may also be approved to help the patient relax. After the drops are used, a lid speculum is used to keep the eyes from closing and a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap over the cornea. Some corneal tissue is removed using a specialized excimer laser. The LASIK process helps light focus on the retina, which improves vision.
Each LASIK procedure is customized to meet the vision goals of each patient. The type of LASIK surgery will differ slightly for those with different vision challenges.
Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is replaced over the tissue that was removed. The cornea will then heal naturally.
Advanced LASIK Technology
In the LASIK procedure, surgeons use highly specialized lasers called excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
Femtosecond Lasers are used at Wellish Vision Institute to create the initial flap. These lasers are the pinnacle of laser technology development. This laser creates the flap to extremely precise dimensions, helping it conform to your eye’s unique anatomy and ensuring the flap fits back in place securely.
Wavefront-guided lasers are used in LASIK to allow surgeons to map defects in the optical system of the eye. These devices show how light travels through the eye and help to produce a custom LASIK treatment plan for each patient.
A German Engineered Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser is then used to fix each eye’s visual imperfections. It is highly specialized and capable of preserving the natural curvature of the cornea, which prevents unwanted side effects including poor night vision or halos.
LASIK Recovery
Following a LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel a bit irritated or may be watery for a few hours. It is normal to have blurry vision following the surgery, which typically improves within a day or two. The majority of patients feel comfortable after taking a short nap with protective eye shields to keep from rubbing their eyes.
Most patients will notice their vision improving significantly within a few days of having a LASIK procedure. It is a good idea to get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s instructions about any medications prescribed. Refrain from rubbing your eyes or participating in vigorous physical activity for at least a week. Some doctors recommend taking a day or two off from work but many people are able to return to work the next day.
Stop Waiting and Start Seeing with Financing
At Wellish Vision Institute, we want to make LASIK and other vision correction procedures as affordable as possible for our patients. We offer several financing options that can fit nearly any budget. We offer an array of financing options such as $0 down, and 0% interest for up to 24 months!* We also offer extended payment options for up to 48 months with payments as low as $62 a month!*
Don’t Rent Your Vision with Glasses and Contacts, get LASIK Today! Did you know LASIK can pay for itself in as little as a few years when compared to the purchase of glasses and contacts over time?
LASIK Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LASIK cost in Las Vegas?
A: Like many things locally, Las Vegas LASIK eye surgery tends to be very expensive – but not here! At Wellish Vision Institute, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that LASIK surgery is available to anyone who needs it, and to that end, we offer several different LASIK financing options to fit almost any budget. Don’t let the cost of LASIK be a deterrent – we are committed to working with you in any way we can to help you see your best.
Is LASIK painful?
LASIK is virtually painless. When you have LASIK at our state-of-the-art office in Las Vegas, your eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops before your procedure. Your eyes will remain numb throughout the treatment. Some patients may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but it is temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter medicine, such as Tylenol. Generally, any discomfort, including burning, gritty, or foreign body sensations goes away extremely quickly following the procedure, if they occur at all.
Are there risks with LASIK?
With any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with laser vision correction. The range of complications for LASIK laser vision correction spans minor complications (such as longer recovery time) to potentially major complications like infections in or near the eye. One minor complication that patients may be particularly susceptible to here in Las Vegas is dry eye disease following surgery.
All of these risks will be discussed at your initial exam. With the skilled surgeons and advanced technology at Wellish Vision Institute, these risks are significantly diminished. In skillful, experienced hands, LASIK is a safe and effective procedure.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Most people who have LASIK return to work the very next day. Most normal activities can be resumed the day after LASIK. However, you should check with your doctor before resuming swimming or sports that run the risk of something coming in contact with your eye, such as tennis or racquetball.
Is LASIK permanent?
LASIK surgery is permanent vision correction. However, it’s important to note that the surgery treats your cornea, not your lens. As you age, your lens might change, which can affect your vision. For example, you may lose your close-up reading vision, or the lens can stiffen and become cloudy, known as cataracts. If you develop cataracts, you may need additional surgery.
Who is Eligible for LASIK?
The vast majority of patients examined (between 90% and 95%) are great candidates for LASIK. Patients generally have specific contraindications for the remaining 5% to 10%, including extremely steep or extremely flat corneas, chronic dry eye, inadequate corneal thickness, etc.
The Ideal LASIK Patient Is:
- At least 18 years of age
- Stable vision for the past year
- Adequate corneal tissue thickness
- Overall good health
- Strong knowledge of the benefits and risks of LASIK
Who Performs LASIK surgery?
Only ophthalmologists are licensed to perform LASIK surgery. Meaning after medical school, they underwent residency training in ophthalmology, but not subspecialty training in specific fields such as retina, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, etc.
