LASIK Eye Surgery in Charlotte
At Metrolina Eye Associates, our surgeons were among the first in the state to offer LASIK patients the precision, safety and unparalleled outcomes of the Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser. Our laser features ‘Perfect Pulse’ technology and high speed active eye tracking to ensure patients enjoy not only a faster, more comfortable LASIK procedure, but also the best possible results. Our surgeons take great pride in their personalized approach and their customized surgical planing for each and every patient.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that corrects refractive errors in qualified patients. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK in Charlotte and at Metrolina Eye Associates uses the latest state-of-the-art technology with excimer and femtosecond lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. LASIK is a permanent procedure that can help patients finally achieve visual freedom and the possibility of better vision than ever before.
LASIK Brochure
Personalized LASIK Treatment
Because we are a full-service ophthalmology practice, we are able to offer a range of refractive surgery options and personalize your refractive surgery care. Our doctors have many years of refractive surgery and general eye surgery experience. They have performed some of the most advanced refractive and general eye surgery procedures in the North Carolina area.
Our facility houses the most advanced FDA proven technology to give each patient the best possible result. After an extensive examination of your eyes and an evaluation of your particular needs, your doctor will determine which procedure will provide you with the best visual outcome.
The newspapers and airwaves today are saturated with advertising for vision correction surgery. LASIK and other refractive procedures are widely available. We understand the difficulty many prospective patients face in choosing a refractive surgeon and vision correction procedure. The information provided by our website and during a LASIK consultation will guide you and help you become an educated patient.
Our Laser: The Allegretto Wave
Performance
Operating at 400 HZ, the Allegretto Wave is one of the fastest laser systems available in the United States. An average treatment will take no more than 6-8 seconds in many cases less.
Quality of Vision
The Allegretto Wave laser is engineered to consider the natural shape of the human eye, aiming to improve what nature originally designed.
Safety
The Allegretto Wave relies on Perfect Pulse Technology to accurately control the energy level and the exact placement of every laser pulse as it reaches the eye. The high speed active eye-tracker tracks the eye 200 times per second, following even the fastest eye movements during the procedure. If the eye moves out of range, the procedure pauses until the eye returns to a treatment position.
LASIK Eye Surgery FAQs
Does LASIK surgery hurt?
Laser vision correction is a cutting-edge procedure with little to no pain. We use eye drops to numb the eye and give patients medication for relaxation before the procedure.
You should not feel any pain during LASIK. Patients undergoing LASIK in Charlotte at Metrolina Eye Associates can rest assured they’ll feel comfortable with us during every step of their LASIK procedure.
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
LASIK takes very little time to perform. Actual laser treatment time is often only about 10-12 seconds. Along with the other steps of the procedure, the complete treatment takes less than 5 minutes per eye. Because of preparation before the surgery and time necessary for medication to take effect, expect to spend about an hour at our LASIK center.
How much does LASIK surgery cost?
The cost of LASIK can vary depending on your treatment. Your surgeon will discuss with you the exact price for your treatment. Our fees include ALL follow-up visits related to the procedure for one full year. There are NO additional fees or hidden charges.
Why doesn’t my insurance (or Medicare) pay for LASIK?
LASIK is considered a fully elective procedure, and most insurance companies in the United States do not cover the procedure.
Who is a candidate for LASIK surgery?
Individuals with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism may benefit from LASIK or other vision correction procedures. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on glasses or contacts, have realistic expectations, and understand the risks associated with the surgery.
Potential candidates should also have healthy eyes, be in good health, and not currently pregnant or nursing. These are only some of the factors that go into LASIK candidacy.
Only your surgeon can tell you if you are a good candidate for LASIK or another vision correction procedure. We provide complimentary LASIK consultations at both of our full service ophthalmology locations in Monroe, NC and Matthew, NC. If you’re searching for LASIK in Charlotte, take the first step by scheduling your LASIK consultation at Metrolina Eye Associates!
Will I need glasses or contacts after LASIK surgery?
The vast majority of our patients are free from glasses and contacts for most activities after the procedure. Most patients end up achieving visual freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
LASIK is revolutionary because it corrects your vision beyond what your original prescription was capable of. That’s why most LASIK patients end up with 20/20 vision or better.
Some patients over 40 years of age may require reading glasses. Your surgeon will discuss with you the need for glasses or contacts after LASIK.
Can I wear my contacts until the day of LASIK surgery?
Generally, contact lenses should not be worn for several days before the procedure. Wearing contact lenses can temporarily change your eye’s shape and impact your LASIK procedure’s results. Your surgeon will discuss with you when you should stop wearing your contacts.
Will I be able to see right after LASIK surgery?
Healing times vary based on your specific treatment. Generally, after LASIK, the vast majority of patients have good vision the next day. Your surgeon will discuss with you healing times for your treatment.
Are there any restrictions after LASIK surgery?
You will not be able to drive after your surgery because of the use of medication for the procedure. Also, you have to protect your eyes from sun light, injury, and exposure to any contaminated materials that can cause infection (like swimming pool water or gardening soil or plant material).
Expect to take it easy once you arrive home on the day of your LASIK procedure. Many patients choose to nap after coming home, which is an excellent way to begin the recovery process.
Your eyes may feel itchy, scratchy, or generally uncomfortable after LASIK, but this should dissipate and improve in the days after LASIK. Use eye drops and artificial tears to help with any discomfort you may experience.
What about appointments after LASIK surgery?
Generally, you will be seen the day after your procedure, at one week, at one to three months, and at six months after your surgery. Follow-up appointments after LASIK in Charlotte are crucial because they ensure your eyes are healing properly.
Make sure you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments at Metrolina Eye Associates.
Will I have to have LASIK again?
Very rarely patients will require an “enhancement” of one or both eyes after LASIK. The vast majority of patients, however, will not require any further LASIK.
Are there any risks or side-effects with LASIK or laser vision correction?
LASIK and laser vision correction are very safe procedures. Millions of eyes have under gone LASIK and laser vision correction without any complications. However, no surgery is 100% risk-free. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks and possible side-effects of LASIK and laser vision correction.
Why is LASIK Worth it?
If you’re a good LASIK candidate, you may wonder what makes the procedure worth it. Millions of satisfied patients have undergone the procedure and ended up with better vision than they ever thought possible.
Do you dream of waking up in the morning without glasses or contact lenses? Are you tired of relying on visual aids to see?
If you’re ready to see the world with crystal-clear clarity, it’s time to find out more about LASIK. Changing your life for the better can be as simple as correcting your vision.
Whether you’re looking to save money or want to experience things around you in high definition, LASIK can help. LASIK is worth it because it shows you what the world should look like without frames, lenses, or boundaries in your way.
The world is crisper, clearer, and sharper after LASIK. Add in its quick and effective recovery, and you’ll see and do what you love in no time. The best part is that you’ll be doing it with better vision than you could have ever imagined.
Find out if you could be a good LASIK candidate by requesting your complimentary LASIK screening at Metrolina Eye Associates in Charlotte, NC, now! Call (704) 234-1930 with any questions or to schedule a complimentary LASIK screening.