A good candidate qualifies for LASIK surgery by meeting certain general requirements. Following the guidelines for candidacy reduces risk factors and advances safe surgical practices.

Top 10 Requirements for LASIK Eligibility

1. You should be 18 years of age or more.
2. You need to have stable vision.
3. You need to have a track record for healthy eyes.
4. You must be free of autoimmune disorders.
5. Patients should not take medications that exacerbate
6. Your corneas cannot be scarred or abnormal due to eye disease, injury or inherited abnormality.
7. You should not be pregnant or nursing.
8. A patients pupils must be of appropriate size.
9. A good candidate needs to have sufficient corneal thickness.
10. A candidate cannot have severe refractive errors.

Determining your LASIK candidacy is the crucial next step on your journey for better vision. Dr. Jackson will evaluate your vision thoroughly through a preoperative advanced diagnostic exam to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK.

On the day of your preoperative exam, we will complete multiple tests and points of evaluation including: Corneal thickness testing Pupil size measurement Dry eye evaluation Tests to analyze the shape of your cornea Measure the level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism Wavefront measurements Complete dilated eye exam to review retina

Wavefront Diagnostic

Once the information is gathered, he will help you decide which procedure is best for you based not only on your vision impairment, but also your overall health, age and lifestyle. If you are not a candidate, Dr. Jackson provides many refractive procedures that apply to your specific visual problem. 

Many people love the option of getting rid of their eyeglasses or contacts; however they cringe at the thought of having surgery performed on their eyes. We're hoping that we can help you overcome any fear by providing helpful information about Lasik. With time tested technology and fine-tuned surgical skill, this procedure is one of the safest, most effective eye treatments available. We believe the benefits of LASIK far outweigh the risks.

The LASIK eye surgery procedure is based on the premise that imperfections in vision are caused by the misshaped cornea. Therefore the more perfectly shaped the cornea, the better one's vision will be. LASIK surgery provides, with little or no discomfort, the ability to reshape the cornea and correct the following imperfections.

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism (blurry vision)

LASIK surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of our laser surgical suite. The entire vision correction procedure takes less than15 minutes and both eyes are done in the same sitting. The procedure is performed using topical eye drop anesthesia. Our patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day.  Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

To understand how LASIK works, you first must understand how the eye works. Light is passed through the cornea, through the lens, and then reflects onto the retina. If you have a refractive error, the cornea is misshaped, causing light to refract incorrectly onto the retina.

LASIK is a comparatively simple procedure that has helped millions experience new and improved vision. It has become one of the popular vision correction procedures available because of the short recovery time and effective vision results.  The large majority of LASIK patients can expect to reach 20/20 vision or better after undergoing their procedure. To comprehend how these great vision results are achieved, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of ways LASIK works.

	LASIK The first step: Measurements of your Eye Successful LASIK starts with a series of extensive measurements and medical evaluation of your eyes with Dr. Jackson and our skilled technicians. During these consultations, our team will check the cornea's ability to refract light, the pupil size, the shape of the cornea and the cornea's thickness. This information is then programmed into a digital treatment plan used during the LASIK procedure. These measurements are necessary to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
	LASIK Step Two: Creating the Corneal Flap In step two of the LASIK procedure, the corneal flap is folded back to permit access to the cornea.   The Intralase laser quickly and precisely reshapes the cornea. Once complete, the corneal flap is permitted to fall back into place, where it will heal without the necessity for stitches.
	LASIK Step Three: Reshaping the Cornea In step three, the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. Dr. Jackson uses the most advanced technology available – the Technolas 217z™. With the precision of this laser, most patients need a very miniscule section of tissue removed – about the thickness of a human hair – to make the correction. The flap will begin to bond with the tissue immediately with no need for stitches.

The entire LASIK process takes just minutes per eye. Most patients can return to work the next day. LASIK offers many improvements over other refractive surgery procedures. These include little or no post-operative discomfort, immediate vision improvement, and the ability to drive or return to work quickly—sometimes as soon as the next day. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery (although patients over 40 often need reading glasses).

We know the decision to have LASIK surgery is a big one, so we take great care to determine what’s best for you as our patient. That’s why we offer All Laser blade-free LASIK treatment using the IntraLase method. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is 100% more accurate than most of the mechanical microkeratomes (hand-held devices with a thin metal blade) that surgeons may use to create a corneal flap.

Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this – while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you’re being treated with the most advanced technology available. LASIK performed with IntraLase is preferred by patients. LASIK performed with IntraLase delivers superior visual results.

The Intralase™ blade-free laser and the Technolas® 217z excimer laser produce the best results Dr. Jackson has ever achieved.

Dr. Jackson uses the most advanced IntraLase technology to create the flap with infrared laser energy, in pulses of one quadrillionth of a second. It uses tiny, rapid pulses of laser light to create your corneal flap. Each pulse of light passes through the top layers of your cornea and forms a microscopic bubble at an exact depth and position within your eye that is determined by Dr. Jackson. The laser moves back and forth across your eye, creating a uniform layer of bubbles just beneath your corneal surface. The corneal flap is created by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed and then gently laid back so the LASIK treatment can be performed. Once the flap has been created, the laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct your refractive error.

The IntraLase Laser

• Prevents the formation of “buttonhole” flaps which can create scars that affect vision
• Prevents uneven flap edges which can create problems such as irregular astigmatism
• Creates a flap with edges which are less likely to tear
• Creates a flap which is tailored to your individual eye
• Creates a flap that seals into place much better and faster than a flap created by a microkeratome
• Increases the chance of achieving 20/20 vision or better
• Reduces the likelihood of a need for touch-up procedures

The Most Advanced Excimer Laser Systems

Dr. Jackson uses the latest excimer laser in the market – the Technolas 217z. The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The actual technique used depends on the level of correction needed for your eyesight. This is determined prior to treatment, when Dr. Jackson uses your exam results to program the laser.

Technolas 217z Excimer Laser

• It is the fastest excimer system available today, which means more accurate results and less stress for the patient. 
• Eye tracking system that stops the laser when the eye moves outside a pre-defined range. Knowing this provides our patients comfort when they are concerned about their eyes moving during the procedure.
• Operates with a small beam laser – 1-2mm – which allows for greater accuracy.
• In a clinical study, 91.5% of patients that received treatment with the Technolas 217z achieved 20/20 or better vision.
• It uses a finely focused ‘flying spot’ beam linked to an ultra-fast eye tracking system that maps the position of the eye 200 times a second for greatest accuracy.

Are you a candidate for LASIK?

Generally, a candidate is over 18 years old and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months.

What can you expect from LASIK?

The primary goal of LASIK surgery is to reduce your dependence on visual aids.

Will I have perfect vision after surgery? Will I still need my glasses?

Every patient’s vision improves after LASIK, though to differing degrees depending upon the initial spectacle or contact lens correction. Patients with high initial correction may require reading glasses or a thin pair of glasses for activities such as night driving. Patients over the age of 40 (due to the inevitable aging process) will require reading glasses for all near vision tasks.

Can I go blind?

LASIK is the second most frequently performed surgery in the entire field of medicine since 2000, having been performed on more than 17 million patients worldwide. With adequate care, right equipment and trained personnel chances of serious complication is extremely remote.

Is the procedure painful?

Not at all. Post-operatively, you may feel a slight grittiness in the eyes, which may last a few hours.

When can I get back to work?

Usually, you can be back at your desk, performing your routine tasks, the very next day.

Are there any side effects?

Your vision may fluctuate for a few days after surgery. You may notice some glare around lights at night. Your vision in the evening will not be as sharp as your vision during the day. These are temporary and usually pass off with time.

Advantages of LASIK

• No injections
• No prolonged medication
• No elaborate surgery
• Totally an outpatient procedure
• Treatment over within 15 minutes
• Normal activities can be resumed the next day
• Both eyes treated at the same time

Both LASIK and PRK are refractive procedures that can enhance vision and correct poor eyesight. They are both outpatient procedures and can be completed in less than 20 minutes in most cases. The basic difference between LASIK and PRK surgery is that LASIK correction is performed under a corneal flap, while PRK surgery is performed on the surface of the cornea.

If your cornea is determined to be too thin or your pupils are too large to qualify for LASIK, Dr. Jackson may recommend PRK to help reduce or eliminate your need for glasses.

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

LASIK is generally ideal for patients who have thick corneas and require faster results. Even though LASIK is the more popular choice, PRK is undoubtedly safer for other people, including those with thin corneal tissue, flat corneas, corneal irregularities or scars.

Are there any other differences?

After LASIK the corneal flap is placed back into its original position after the surgery. The eye has natural suction that allows it to stay in place in order to heal. In PRK there is no flap and the healing occurs on the corneal surface. Healing times vary per person, but typically range from one to three days for flap closure in the case of LASIK. The following day will result in significantly improved vision, with continued improvement over the next few days. PRK takes on average 3-7 days to reach functional levels and anywhere between 1-4 weeks to get to its maximum sharpness.

Traditionally, there is more post-op discomfort possible with PRK surgery, since the epithelial cells have been removed and must regrow (takes 3-7 days on average). Every person is different though, and some PRK patients have little to no discomfort.

At Jacksoneye, your eye health is our priority. We specialize in a variety of vision correction procedures and we tailor your vision correction surgery to give you the best visual outcome possible.

To schedule a complimentary evaluation call 847-356-0700 today!

At Jacksoneye, we know you are looking for superior results at an affordable price. We believe financial considerations should not be a barrier to having LASIK or any other vision correction procedure. That’s why we are committed to helping you afford the procedure that is recommended for your eyes.

ChaseHealthAdvance and CareCredit®

Through the use of our financing partners, ChaseHealthAdvance and CareCredit, we can help you find a plan that fits your needs.

• No down payment
• Low monthly payment
• Low fixed rates
• No prepayment penalty
• Interest-free options available for 12/18/24 months with approved credit* (payment required)
• Over-the-phone approval

To apply, simply call our offices at 847-356-0700. You can also visit the ChaseHealthAdvance website at www.chasehealthadvance.com or the CareCredit website at www.carecredit.com.

There are no application fees or paperwork to complete, and you can be approved in minutes.

Flex Spending or Health Savings Accounts (FSA or HSA)

You can also save on vision correction through a Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account. If your company offers these accounts, call to see how you can benefit from this.

Call us today to see how affordable it is to get better vision!

Finance and Billing FAQ’s

1. Is LASIK the same price everywhere?

The average prices for LASIK (per eye) through the first quarter of 2010 was as follows: $2,170 wavefront-guided LASIK with a laser-created flap; and $2,150 for all-laser LASIK. At Jacksoneye, we strive to make LASIK affordable for every patient. With a variety of ways to pay, there should be nothingstanding between you and one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the country. Dr Jackson has performed over 30,000 LASIK procedures, using
the most advanced technology.

2. Can I submit a claim to my insurance?

LASIK is considered an elective procedure by most insurance companies. This means that they do not have to cover the cost for LASIK. However, select vision insurance carriers offer a discount towards LASIK. Please check with your insurance to see if yours has a benefit.

3. How easy is it to obtain financing?

When you are ready to have LASIK, give us a call at 847-356-0700. If financing is your biggest concern in regards to having LASIK, we will help you find the financing plan that will fit your budget. It’s that easy.