LASIK and Vision Correction at the University of Colorado Hospital Eye Center

The cornea and lens of the eye act to together to focus light coming into the eye. If the cornea is an irregular shape, the light does not focus properly, and vision seems blurry. These imperfections in the focusing power are called refractive errors. There are a variety of treatments that will help correct refractive errors that range from corrective eyewear to surgery.

The most common refractive errors requiring vision correction include:

• Myopia, or nearsightedness – items closer to the eye can be seen more clearly
• Hyperopia, or farsightedness – items farther away are clearer than those close to the eye
• Astigmatism – poor focus on items both near and far due to a “football-shaped” cornea
• Presbyopia – inability to focus close-up as a result of aging

LASIK eye surgery is not appropriate for all patients. About one in four people who seek LASIK are good candidates. It is important that you choose a doctor that will accurately and thoroughly evaluate your eyes and give you an honest assessment about the best and safest treatment for your needs.

As fellowship-trained corneal experts, our doctors can offer you a range of procedures, both laser and non-laser, that may not be options at all Lasik centers.

Your Evaluation

Screening - All patients undergo a complete screening test to determine whether they are a candidate for surgery. The eye exam includes assessing the stability of your condition, examining the cornea and retina, taking corneal measurements and testing for glaucoma.

Medical History Review - The doctor will also thoroughly review your medical history with you to make sure you there are no other risks.

Twice the Expertise - Our team approach and double case review (two doctors reviewing your medical information) means you receive tailored treatment ensuring that you get exactly the right care for your eyes.

So, you want to rid yourself of glasses. Or perhaps you are intolerant to contact lens. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK surgery, is one option. Refractive surgery is any surgery that changes the focal length of the eye.

Though it is the mostly widely recognized form of vision correction surgery, LASIK is not right for all patients. Experienced in all forms of corneal surgery, the doctors at University Laser Vision can recommend the best option for your individual needs.

There are several surgical procedures available including both laser and non-laser options:

• Laser Surgery (LASIK, PRK & Epi-LASIK)
• Radial and Astigmatic Keratotomy (RK & AK)
• Refractive lens exchange
• Intraocular contact lens (ICL) (also called implantable collamer lens)

Comparison of LASIK, PRK, epi-LASIK and ICL

Refractive surgery is any eye surgery that changes how the eye focuses.

Laser refractive surgery is used to permanently correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea – the clear covering on the front of the eye. This process changes how you see in much the same way that prescription glasses or contacts do.

Every eye is different

Every eye is different, and not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery Factors like the shape of the eye or thickness of the cornea may be a consideration. Thanks to the level of expertise of our surgeons, we can offer several different laser surgery options.

There are three primary refractive techniques used today:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
• PRK (Photorefractive Keractectomy)
• Epi-LASIK (Epithelial LASIK)

See a side by side comparison of PRK, LASIK and ICL

In addition, our surgeons perform non-laser procedures such as intraocular contact lens procedures that may not be available at many laser centers. It is important to talk to your surgeon about all of your options.

Thanks to depth of their expertise, our surgeons offer a full spectrum of vision correction options not available in most other centers.

Intraocular contact lens (ICL) also called implantable collamer lens

For many years, doctors have been treating cataracts by replacing diseased lenses with intraocular lens. This technology has now been adapted to also correct refractive errors to improve vision. Your doctor inserts the lens through a microscopic incision in the eye. The lens is made of collamer, an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible. Your natural lens is not removed and works with the new lens to correct vision. Further corrections or removal are possible if necessary. This technique is highly effective in improving vision and may be an option for patients who are not candidates for lasik surgery or other procedures.

Radial and Astigmatic Keratotomy and Limbal Relaxing Incisions (RK, AK, LRI)

In these techniques, a very sharp blade is used to cut deep incisions in the surface of the cornea. This alters the shape of the cornea to help improve vision.

RK has become less popular since the approval of the excimer laser. AK and LRI are still used in conjunction with laser vision correction techniques to touch up the initial result and correct astigmatism.

Consider quality - not just price

Undergoing refractive eye surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. These are your eyes, after all, and you will live with the results for the rest of your life.

Many centers advertise deeply discounted prices. It is important to understand what is included for this price both in terms of quality and additional services. Your decision about your eyes should primarily be a surgical one rather than a financial one.

The true cost of LASIK

Be cautious about deals that seem "too good to be true." In fact, they may be!

 In most cases, "deals" are not valid for the vast majority of people. You may respond to a $399 ad, only to find out that the procedure advertised is not suited for you, or that additional charges will be tacked on. Add-on charges that often bring these “low, low” prices up may include charges for:

• A Higher Level of Correction
• Use of More Advanced Technology and Equipment
• Ala-carte fees such as preoperative exams and medications
• Thorough High Quality Postoperative Care
• Retreatment coverage

Statistically, the average price LASIK surgery is about $2000 per eye. Only about three percent of LASIK procedures actually end up costing less than $1000 per eye.

ULV – what you see is what you get

It’s all included - At ULV our prices include all pre- and post-operative care and medications regardless of the level of correction you need.

Thorough Follow-up - One year of follow-up is included in the price of surgery. Our surgeons are personally involved in post-op care to ensure the best possible visual outcome for you. Whether it’s four visits or fourteen, our refractive team is there for you every step of the way.

• National Eye Institute
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration