Laser Vision Correction is an advanced, safe and effective type of eye surgery that uses the measurements of your eye and highly accurate light energy to reshape the cornea, allowing it to bend light rays properly and improve your eyesight almost immediately to eliminate the need for glasses and contacts. Over the past 25 years since FDA-approval, many advancements have been made in Laser Vision Correction, making it one of the safest surgical procedures. The surgery is quick with a rapid recovery and within 24 hours patients can achieve 20/20 vision.

Laser Vision Correction – Corrects ALL types of Refractive Error.

Refractive error is very common in the United States with an estimated 33% of Americans with Myopia, 36% with astigmatism and nearly 4% of Americans with Hyperopia.1 According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide and is treatable with LVC surgery, glasses, or contact lenses. LVC surgery corrects myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism.

Refractive error can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or Laser Vision Correction surgery, such as Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK). PRK was FDA approved as the first laser vision correction surgery in 1995 and LASIK was FDA approved shortly thereafter in 1999. Since then, over 10 million Americans have chosen laser vision correction, and in 2021 over 833,000 laser vision correction surgeries were performed in the United States.2

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Benefits of Refractive Surgery

The outcomes of Laser Vision Correction are excellent. According to a 2016 study in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, LASIK has a 99% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better, and a 90% success rate in achieving 20/20 vision or better.3 Ideal candidates for laser vision correction are people between the ages of 20-50 with stable refractions. LVC is safe and successful. Studies show that less than 1% of patients experience difficulty performing daily tasks following LASIK surgery and 95% of patients were satisfied with their vision.4-8

Many patients feel that waking up in the morning and being able to see immediately without having to wear glasses or contact lenses is priceless. Apart from the obvious benefit of no longer requiring glasses or contact lenses, having refractive surgery will actually save many patients money in the long run. The Refractive Surgery Alliance Society has a free online LASIK affordability calculator to help you determine how quickly Refractive Surgery pays for itself.

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Remember that your Federal Savings Account (FSA) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) can also be used to pay for Laser Vision Correction.

Why Cataract and Laser Institute of Southern Oregon?

The Cataract and Laser Institute is excited to welcome Dr. Allison Jarstad, a LASIK, cornea, and cataract specialist to the Rogue Valley. Dr. Jarstad received her Laser Vision Correction training at the renowned Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine. She later honed her skills as a Clinical Faculty member and Global Ophthalmology Fellow at Stanford University. She practiced in Los Angeles and Orange County for many years before joining the team at Cataract and Laser Institute of Southern Oregon in the spring of 2022. Dr. Jarstad is a highly experienced and respected eye care professional who excels at a wide range of ocular surgical treatments – from routine cataract surgery to rare ocular conditions that few surgeons know how to properly treat.

To find out if you are a good candidate, call the Cataract and Laser Institute of Southern Oregon at (800)-779-2020 to speak with a LASIK Team Member today.

”Dr. Allison Jarstad gave me the gift of sight within minutes of having the procedure! She was so comforting as a provider and I had the upmost trust in her hands. The procedure only lasted a few minutes and she was right there with me the whole time, giving me reassurance that the lasers were lining up just perfectly and that the flap also looked perfect. Within 10 minutes I could see the clock on the wall and the procedure was over. Having LASIK Eye Surgery was the best decision I ever made and Dr. Jarstad was the best eye surgeon I could’ve ever chosen.

Erika L.

FAQs

Does LASIK surgery hurt?

Before the procedure starts, your doctor will provide you with eye drops that numb your eye so that you are comfortable throughout the surgery. Most patients feel a pressure sensation when the laser is creating the LASIK flap, but otherwise do not experience any pain.

Low long does it take?

LASIK surgery takes approximately 10-15 minutes to treat both eyes.

Am I awake during the procedure?

You will be awake during your surgery, and your doctor will talk you through the procedure. If you are especially nervous or concerned about being awake, you can ask for medication to help you relax.

What if I can’t keep my eye open or stay still? What if I move my head?

Your eye doctor will help ensure you are properly positioned for the treatment. Additionally, the laser is designed to track even the subtlest eye movements throughout the procedure to provide you with a safe and excellent outcome.

What if it doesn’t work or something goes wrong?

Like all surgical procedures, Laser Vision Correction carries risk. The most common risks of LASIK surgery includes dry eye syndrome; the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery or the need for a “touchup” laser procedure; visual symptoms such as halos, glare, or starbursts, specifically at night; and the rare risk of loss of vision. Most complications can be treated and resolved. Your eye doctor will talk to you about your unique circumstances and what you can expect.

What if the treatment wears off?

The surgical correction is permanent. It is important to realize that a person’s eye will still undergo the natural aging changes even after Laser Vision Correction. Your doctor can discuss this with you and advise whether Laser Vision Correction is the right option for you.

Sources:

  1. Vitale S, Ellwein L, Cotch MF, Ferris FL, Sperduto R. Prevalence of Refractive Error in the United States, 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol.2008;126(8):1111–1119. doi:10.1001/archopht.126.8.1111.
  2. Joffe SN. The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:1163-1172. Published 2021 Mar 17. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S299752.
  3. J Cataract Refract Surg 2016; 42:1224–1234
  4. Sugar A, Hood C, Mian S. Patient-reported outcomes following LASIK: quality of life in the PROWL studies. JAMA. 2017;301(2):204-205. Doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.19323
  5. Clayton JA, Eydelman M, Vitale S, et al. Web-based versus paper administration of common ophthalmic questionnaires: comparison of subscale scores. Ophthal. 2013;120(10):2141-2159. Doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.03.019
  6. Tarver M, Hilmantel G, Eydelman M. FDA Efforts: Patient Perspective on LASIK. Rev Cornea Contact Lenses. 2017;105.
  7. Hays RD, Tarver ME, Spritzer KL, et al. Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situe Keratomileusis (PROWL). JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017;135(1):3-12. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.4597
  8. Eydelman MB, Tarver ME, Ferris III F. Listening to the patients – the Laser-Assisted In SItue Keratomileusis Quality of Life Collaboration Project. JAMA. 2017;135(2):83-84.