The price for LASIK is variable.
The charges include:
- Preoperative evaluation and testing
- LASIK treatment itself, including all laser center and surgeon’s fees
- All postoperative care for up to one year
- Any necessary enhancement treatments for up to two years
Affordable payment plans are available with payments as low as $95/month or 12 months interest-free financing. We offer free no-obligation consultations and screenings at no charge/cost.
Why is LASIK so expensive?
It is important to remember that the fee for LASIK encompasses all of the patient’s care from start to finish. This fee covers all care including the examination before LASIK, the actual surgery, the surgeon’s fees, the laser center’s fees, the surgical team, the medications, and the cost of the laser and equipment. The fee also includes the follow-up care for one full year and the cost of any enhancements for up to two years.
Why should I choose Dr. Barrett and Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants for my LASIK procedure?
Dr. Barrett personally performs all preoperative and postoperative evaluations for every LASIK patient. He spends an extensive amount of time educating patients during the preoperative evaluation, helping them to decide if refractive surgery is right for them. He is extremely thorough and pays strict attention to detail before, during, and after the surgical procedure.
Dr. Barrett has completed a Refractive Surgery and Corneal fellowship in addition to training in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on the latest techniques of laser and refractive surgery. He has the extensive experience necessary to recognize and correct potential complications that may arise with LASIK.
Unlike discount LASIK providers, Dr. Barrett never increases his fee for LASIK if a patient requires treatment for a strong prescription, astigmatism, or farsightedness. His “one price” policy assures you that no matter what prescription you have, whether you require additional postoperative care, or if you need enhancement surgery, you will only pay the one fee.
Does LASIK hurt?
No. Because anesthetic eye drops are used during surgery, the procedure is not painful. Patients may feel a moderate amount of pressure around the eye during surgery as the instruments that hold the eyelid may cause minor discomfort. If a patient is anxious about undergoing LASIK, a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication will be provided prior to LASIK. After surgery, some patients may experience tearing, irritation, and light sensitivity. These sensations are all temporary and will improve within the first day.
What is the recovery time after LASIK?
Most people who have LASIK are able to resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. Patients are encouraged to rest for the remainder of the day following their surgery. Some limitations following LASIK include no swimming or wearing eye makeup for one week.
What is an enhancement?
Enhancement surgery provides a way to fine tune your vision following LASIK if the goal of your surgery was not achieved with the initial procedure. While an enhancement is similar to the first surgery, it differs in that the microkeratome that initially helps to create the flap is not used. Instead, the flap is gently lifted using other instruments following the original incision line. Enhancement procedures are typically performed between three and six months following the initial procedure. Dr. Barrett’s rate of enhancement is less than ten percent.
Is LASIK FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA has approved LASIK with the VISX laser that Dr. Barrett uses.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to arrange for a refractive consultation with Dr. Barrett. During this consultation, he will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. In addition, Dr. Barrett will explain the LASIK procedure in understandable terms. He will discuss the entire LASIK experience including what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Most importantly, Dr. Barrett will listen to your goals and offer candid advice as to whether LASIK might be able to fulfill your needs and expectations.
Is my prescription too strong for LASIK?
Using the most advanced techniques of LASIK surgery. Dr. Barrett is able to correct up to -12.00 diopters of nearsightedness. Dr. Barrett has also had great success correcting up to +6.00 diopters of farsightedness.
Can astigmatism be corrected?
Yes, we have the ability to correct astigmatism with LASIK. Astigmatism associated with nearsightedness or farsightedness can be corrected readily using the latest VISX technology.
How well will I see after my LASIK?
The vast majority of our patients see well enough to do without glasses for distance tasks.
Final vision following LASIK may depend upon your vision prior to the procedure. We need to determine if you are able to see 20/20 with your glasses or contacts. A significant number of patients are even able to see 20/15 following their LASIK.
Do I need to remove my contact lenses before I have my consultation?
If you would like to have a complete evaluation that will provide all of the information necessary to proceed with LASIK, you will have to remove your lenses for a period of time prior to your evaluation. Soft contact lens wearers must not wear their lenses for at least one week prior to their evaluation. Rigid gas-permeable contact lens wearers must be out of lenses for at least one month prior to evaluation. If you simply desire a consultation to discuss LASIK with Dr. Barrett, contact lenses do not need to be removed prior to the visit. However, if you choose to proceed with LASIK at a later time, contacts will have to be removed prior to your complete evaluation.
How soon will I return to work after LASIK?
Most patients go back to work the next day, Patients who work in dirty environments may return within two to three days.
Does insurance pay for LASIK?
While many insurers consider LASIK an elective procedure, some insurance plans offer LASIK coverage. It is advisable to consult with our Refractive Coordinator who will be able to help you determine the extent of your insurance benefits when considering LASIK. If your insurance plan does not provide benefits for LASIK, you may wish to explore payment options. Our Refractive Coordinator will be available to help you obtain financing information.
Are finance plans available?
Yes. Our Refractive Coordinator, Sandy Fasano, will gladly discuss finance options with you. Finance plans with payments as low as $95/month or 12 months interest-free financing is available to qualified borrowers.
Where does Dr. Barrett perform LASIK?
Dr. Barrett performs all of his LASIK procedures at the Delaware Outpatient Center for Surgeries in Newark, Delaware. This state-of-the-art facility houses the most advanced VISX laser presently available. The VISX laser is permanently located at the facility.
