Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

How much does LASIK cost?

The price for LASIK is $2,000 per eye for the Traditional Method or $2,400 per eye for the IntraLase Method™. This charge includes:

Pre-operative evaluation and testing, including VISX Wavescan mapping

LASIK treatment itself including all laser and surgeon's fees

Post-operative medication

All post-operative care for up to one year

Any necessary re-treatments during the first year

Affordable payment plans are available with payments as low as $68/month. We also offer consultations and screenings at no charge.

What is the difference between the Traditional Method and the IntraLase Method™?

The Traditional Method utilizes a microkeratome (or blade) to create the flap, whereas the IntraLase Method™ uses a laser for a totally-blade free procedure. Dr. Oursler is comfortable with either procedure but recommends the IntraLase Method™ due to its consistently predictable outcomes. Due to the advanced technology, the IntraLase Method™ is also slightly more expensive.

Back to Top

Why is LASIK so expensive?

Remember that the fee for LASIK at Graystone Eye encompasses all of the patient's care from start to finish. This covers the exam before testing, the actual surgery, the surgeon's fees, the surgical team, the medications, the cost of the laser and equipment. The cost also includes the doctor's fees for postoperative exams up to one year and finally the cost of retreatment if necessary.

Back to Top

Why should I choose Graystone over another LASIK provider?

Dr. Oursler spends an extensive amount of time educating the patient in the preoperative evaluation and helping the patient decide what refractive procedure, if any, is right for them. He is also very thorough and detail oriented during surgery and does not rush patients through the surgery. Dr. Oursler does all the pre- and postoperative evaluation himself. He has completed a LASIK fellowship and has extensive experience identifying and correcting the complications that can occur with LASIK. Dr. Oursler has an excellent relationship with our network of Graystone affiliated eye doctors. While your postoperative care can be arranged through one of these doctors, Dr. Oursler is available to see you 5 days a week in the Hickory area if you have minor complications from the LASIK procedure. Graystone Eye has been a provider of quality eye care in the Hickory area for over 30 years and will continue to be in the area for long into the future. Some of our lower price competitors don't have the same track record. Our commitment to your final visual outcome is unparalleled by any of our competitors. Our threshold for retreating patients is very low, and we are available at a phone call for any postoperative concerns. Compare the Advantages.

Back to Top

What Is an enhancement?

If the goal of the surgery was not achieved with the initial LASIK procedure, we may want to fine tune your vision with another surgery called an enhancement. The enhancement is very similar to the first surgery; however, the microkeratome that helps to create the flap initially is not used. Instead, the flap is surgically lifted with a different instrument following the original incision line. The enhancement procedure is typically done no sooner than three months after the initial procedure.

Back to Top

What is the recovery time after LASIK?

Most people that have surgery are able to resume normal activities with minor limitations in 24 to 48 hours. Some limitations include no swimming or eye makeup for one week. The LASIK patient is encouraged to rest the day of surgery.

Back to Top

Does LASIK hurt?

No. Anesthetic eye drops are used during surgery, so that the procedure is completely painless. Patients often do feel a moderate amount of pressure sensation during surgery, but pain is not a normal part of the procedure. If pain is experienced during surgery, the patient should notify Dr. Oursler, as it is not expected. After surgery, some patients may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, some tearing and some light sensitivity, and small fluctuations in their vision, as well as halos around lights at night. These are all temporary and improve.

Back to Top

How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK?

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to proceed with the free refractive consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Oursler will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. In addition, he will explain the LASIK procedure and answer any questions you might have. It is crucial to understand individual vision needs and expectations, as well as provide professional guidance in recommending whether or not you should proceed with surgery.

Back to Top

Will I still be a candidate if my prescription is really strong?

With LASIK at Graystone Eye, we have the ability to correct a range of nearsightedness from approximately -1.00D to -12.00D or higher. Farsightedness is more limited. We typically are comfortable correcting up to +6.00 diopters. Sometimes, if the patient's prescription is higher, refractive lens replacement may be a better option for correcting the vision.

Back to Top

Does LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes, we have the ability to correct astigmatism with the LASIK procedure. We can currently correct astigmatism up to 6 diopters. It is important to remember that not every prescription is correctable with LASIK and other factors are taken into consideration when evaluating a person for candidacy for LASIK surgery. If you have any questions about whether or not the prescription is correctable, please come in for a consultation.

Back to Top

How soon will I see after my surgery?

Most of our patients notice immediate improvement right after they step up off the table, but the visual recovery varies for each person. Most patients are seeing well enough to drive and go back to work within 24 to 48 hours. The speed at which your vision improves is due to the individual rates of healing and degree of correction. In most patients, the vision is stable by three months.

Back to Top

How soon can I return to work after having my LASIK procedure?

Most patients go back to work the next day. All of our patients are usually returning to work within two to three days.

Back to Top

Will I see 20/20 after the procedure?

An overwhelming majority of our patients see well enough to do without glasses for distance. First we need to determine if you are able to see 20/20 with your glasses or contacts. Some patients are correctable to 20/15, better than 20/20. It depends on your individual capabilities.

Back to Top

Does insurance pay for this procedure?

Although most plans consider this an elective procedure, all insurance plans are different. We can check into your specific insurance plan when you come in for a free consultation. If your insurance plan does not provide this benefit, we offer several options with affordable monthly payment plans.

Back to Top

Can I see my regular eye doctor for postoperative care?

Yes. We have a network of Graystone - affiliated primary eye doctors who have experience in providing postoperative LASIK care. We encourage patients to have their postoperative care with their approved primary eye doctor.

Back to Top

What is Custom-Vue LASIK?

Custom-Vue LASIK utilizes the VISX Wavescan mapping of your individual eyes to guide us in correcting the vision. This technology allows us to quantify in greater detail the focusing qualities of your eye. The correction done by the laser is then based on this mapping. Utilizing this technology, we have a higher percentage of patients achieving 20/20 vision postoperatively. We also see less postoperative side effects such as nighttime glare or halos.

Back to Top

What is Surface Laser Correction?

Surface Laser Correction is very similar to LASIK except no flap is created. The actual laser treatment is no different. The laser treatment is done on the surface of the cornea after the superficial epithelial layer is removed. Surface Laser Correction is a better choice for people with thinner corneas or excessive dry eyes preoperatively. The results with Surface Laser Correction tend to be no different from LASIK, however, the visual recovery is slower.

Back to Top

I have thin corneas. Can I still have LASIK?

Due to its precision, the IntraLase Method™ now allows treatment for people with thin corneas who were previously told they were not good candidates for LASIK.

Please visit the LASIK Institute web site for more answers to you questions about LASIK.

Back to Top

Refractive Surgery Procedures Available at Graystone Eye:

CustomVue™ LASIK

Lens Replacement for Presbyopia

Surface Laser Correction

Click to learn more:

Patient Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK

Frequently Asked Questions about Lens Replacement for Presbyopia

Compare the Advantages

Graystone's Lifetime Commitment

Attend our next LASIK Seminar and register to win a free procedure

Register for our next LASIK seminar and become eligible to win a FREE LASIK procedure. Learn more >>

Request a free LASIK consultation

0% Financing Available