so, I’ve been thinking about this for years and was always worried about some of the things they seem to have “licked” with this Wavefront technology, and all the talk on the board has me jazzed to get after it. So before I get wicked excited about getting this done “now”. can you guys give me an idea of the cost for Wavefront Lasik/ VISX (are those the same thing? - they seem to be to my layman’s understanding)
I, of course, recognize regional differences exist. just trying to get a ballpark figure. I’m in VT so NE prices would be extra-appreciated.
“Wavefront technology” is a technique used to accurately map the contours of your corneal surface. Until this came along we were making some assumptions about the symmetry of the corneal surface and the position of the corneal apex, etc. which were not necessarily true in all cases. IMO wavefront is not a big deal in many cases (ie. the simple ones) but it can sure help out those with more unusual Rx’s, irregular corneal shapes, or large pupil sizes. It can help cut down on the dreaded night haze by increasing the size of the corrected area.
LASIK is a technique where the surgeon lifts a flap of corneal tissue and reshapes the underlying cornea with a laser.
VISX is a brand of laser.
Cost varies quite a bit up here in BC ($900 to $1800 per eye) but I would caution you about going to the cheapest place. Check with your local optometrist and ask for their recommendations. There are definitely good and bad facilities and good and bad surgeons. Some surgeons do this as a well-paid sideline job while others do it full time. DO YOUR HOMEWORK and don’t be fooled by flashy ads promising you the world for a cheap price.
Just had Wavefront LASIK done yesterday. Cost was $3,800 at the best center in the state. There is only one other center in the state that has the Wavefront technology, and they’ve done approximately 50% fewer procedures to date.
Pay what it costs to get it done by the best. I set up a FSA (flexible spending account) for $3k so that I could pay for the bulk of the procedure with pre-tax dollars. This can make a huge difference depending on your income tax rate.
glad it went well for you. I put up a post yesterday for you but you must have been busy recovering. vision should continue to improve for you. glad you chose a good site based on reputation not price.
What state do you live in if I may ask. I am interested in having it done this spring so I don’t need glasses (which I never wear anyway) anymore.
The big question for me is, how do you tell the good surgeons from the “not as good” ones?
I must admit the process is terribly frightening to me. I’m a very visual person and I would hate to lose (any more) of my eyesight. My hearing is already bad enough.
I’m in Utah. As for how to tell good surgeons from others, I did the following:
I researched the technology. I found that Wavefront LASIK results in far, far fewer problems with night vision (halos & glare - the two main side-effects of standard LASIK). This is especially important if you have larger than average pupils (I do) or if you have higher than average aberations in your cornea (basically, imperfections in the surface contour of your cornea). These high-order aberations are responsible for the majority of the more common LASIK side-effects.
I found all the locations in my area that offer Wavefront. There were only two: The Moran Eye Institute at the University of Utah, and The Eye Institute of Utah. The former had done about 50% fewer corrections that the latter using Wavefront. One of the primary criteria for me was the number of corrections the surgeon has performed using this fairly new technology. My surgeon has done over 5,000 corrections. I felt comfortable with that.
I asked around my social circles and sponged-up as much information, impressions, and end-results I could from friends that have had LASIK. Most people were happy with their results, regardless of where they went. However, quite a few people that did not have Wavefront - my dad included - mentioned that they had slight to moderate problems with halos and glare at night.
Ultimately, I decided that I liked the resume of the surgeon at the Eye Institute more than any other surgeon. My experience in the office was very professional. It was clear they weren’t concerned with catering to the $299/eye group of LASIK patients.
For me, my priorities were as follows: 1) Technology; 2) Surgeon’s experience administering the procedure; 3) Surgeon’s resume and demeanor; 4) Cost (I would actually rather pay more than less).
My advice, albeit admittedly biased, is to ask a few local optometrists for their opinions. Most OD’s have no connection with any particular surgical centre so should give you honest feedback. Also they have likely seen work done by many different surgeons and, therefore, can compare. Surgical experience is important not because the procedure is technically demanding (in fact it is extremely simple if you have good equipment and staff) but because you want someone who knows what to do if something goes wrong. As i have advised to others here, don’t go with a “dabbler” looking to make a few bucks; find a surgeon who does laser corrective surgery full time and has lots of experience (a corneal specialist would be even better). These places are no different than bike retailers - some are better than others and you can’t make your decision based on price alone. Anyone who guarantees glowing success should be treated with caution. Someone who is guardedly optomistic is likely your better bet as they will be more cautious.
I am having it done on January 27th. I live in CT and the procedure is being done in NYC for $5,000. From my research, this is about the price one would pay to have it done in the tri-state area. There are many cheaper docs out there, but I don’t necessarily think this is something that cost should matter. From what I’ve read, the thing that matters most is the # of procedures your dr. has done with the technology he is going to use on you and how many “refinements” or problems per procedure has he had. Since there are no guarantees with this stuff, this seem to me the best way to get comfortable.
I had it done years ago, very happy. Basically i suggest going to a center connected to a medical center. I had mine done at Henry Ford. As I understand by far the biggest complication is infection, which is pretty much influenced by the patient not following directions as to activity after and petting the presribed drops in. Second, is poor night vision, ie seeing halos or stars around lights. I didn’t have that happen and I understand its much better now with newer technology. Beyond that I think its relatively simple, certainly painless.
Robert, I had no intentions what-so-ever (not even the teeny, tiniest thought) of going with the “cheap guy” on this one, I have been too afraid of it to even think about being cheap. Like Tom D, I’m terrified of something going wrong and after reading the clinical study stuff on Wavefront, I was just amazed at the numbers (100% drive without corrective lenses, 94% - 20/20, and 74% - 20/16 is what I read) …that just blows my mind.
Liike Jason I wanted to set up a FSA at work and wondered if the one I already have set up for this calendar year would suffice or if I had to wait until next year {it’ll be '06 for me ;-( }. Looking like 3.5-5k and that was all I was looking for, a rough estimate.
Robert, incidentally, I’d be terribly interested in any info you had on Doc’s in the VT area. The center I have researched the most has a Dr. Juli Larson in charge. Seems to have her stuff together - “intern of the year”, current clinical university instructor on the side, all the appropriate (to my untrained eye) licenses and affiliations. PM would be cool if you had the time. If not, thanks for the info already given!
love to help but i’m in BC so my knowledge of VT is limited to the Bob Newhart show i’m afraid. check out the local optometrists and get their recommendations.
fwiw wavefront lasik in BC is going for about $1500 CDN per eye in the better centres and follow up care is about $250.
My wavefront Lasik in October cost $3400 for both eyes. This included all check ups and meds. The two weeks without contacts was tough but the time went quickly. What was toughter was the two weeks afterwards when I couldn’t swim.