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LASIK & Vision Correction
LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular laser vision correction surgery that can reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses and allow patients to enjoy clear vision that can improve overall quality of life.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach VA
At Tidewater Eye Centers, our highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists and LASIK surgeons are dedicated to helping patients improve their vision. We have performed thousands of LASIK procedures using advanced LASIK technology. Our eye doctors create personalized treatment plans to ensure that each LASIK patient receives the care that is right for them.
- Who is a Candidate for LASIK?
- What Does LASIK Correct?
- General requirements for LASIK candidates:
- LASIK Alternatives
- How Does LASIK Vision Correction Surgery Work?
- Your LASIK Consultation
- What You Need to Know Before Laser Eye Surgery
- What to Expect on LASIK Surgery Day
- Recovery After LASIK
- LASIK Technology at Tidewater Eye Centers
- Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Who is a Candidate for LASIK?
A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to determine if LASIK is right for your eyes. We encourage you to take advantage of our free, no-obligation LASIK Consultation so you can establish your LASIK candidacy. You can ask questions and learn more about our LASIK technology, experience and results.
General requirements for LASIK candidates:
- 18 years or older
- Stable vision prescription for at least one year
- Free of eye disease or other interfering vision conditions
- Proper corneal thickness
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations
- Full understanding of the potential risks
- Take our LASIK Candidacy Quiz to learn if LASIK may be right for you:
What Does LASIK Correct?
LASIK is FDA approved to correct refractive errors, which are vision problems that occur when light does not filter to the retina properly. Refractive errors that can be improved with LASIK include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (blurry vision)
LASIK Alternatives
We know that LASIK isn’t right for everyone, and you may have other vision correction options if you are not a candidate for LASIK. Surgeries such as PRK offer effective vision correction for patients who may not be candidates for LASIK due to corneal thickness or other factors.
How Does LASIK Vision Correction Surgery Work?
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea with a specialized laser in order to correct refractive errors.
Your LASIK Consultation
Our free LASIK Consultation is designed to set your mind at ease and let you know if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. We will conduct a thorough eye exam with multiple scans of your eyes. We will also review your medical history, discuss your goals, and explain the benefits and potential risks of LASIK. The consultation appointment is your opportunity to learn about LASIK technology, our LASIK surgeons, LASIK costs and financing, and ask any questions you have. We will not pressure you into scheduling the procedure on-the-spot—we simply want you to know your options.
What You Need to Know Before Laser Eye Surgery
While the actual LASIK surgery takes only a few minutes, you should plan to spend at least one hour at our office in order to prepare before your procedure and rest afterwards. Our team will make sure you understand any pre-surgical instructions. You will need to arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home after LASIK.
What to Expect on LASIK Surgery Day
On the day of your LASIK procedure, you will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair. Anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb your eyes and a relaxation medication may be offered to help calm your nerves.
Your surgeon will perform a final check of your vision and then use a special tool to comfortably keep your eyes open. The surgeon will then create a thin flap in your cornea to access the corneal tissue. Then, an excimer laser will be used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. Eye tracking technology is used to ensure a safe and precise procedure. The flap will be replaced, where it will heal on its own without any need for sutures.
Recovery After LASIK
After LASIK, you may experience mild discomfort, itching, burning, watering or light sensitivity. These are temporary side effects that should improve as your eyes heal. Most patients resume regular activities the day after LASIK surgery. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment and given detailed recovery information. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions and avoid rubbing your eyes while they heal.
LASIK Technology at Tidewater Eye Centers
At Tidewater Eye Centers we are committed to using proven, advanced technologies to provide the very best vision results.
All Laser Blade-Free LASIK
Traditionally, LASIK surgeons use a hand-held blade called a microkeratome to make the corneal flap. At Tidewater Eye Centers we offer all-laser, blade-free LASIK with the IntraLase™ FS (femtosecond) laser. This ultra-fast laser generates energy precisely and accurately to separate corneal tissue and create a thin flap that can be gently folded back to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue.
Wavefront-Guided iLASIK
Our iLASIK procedure using the IntraLase™ FS (femtosecond) laser incorporates WaveScan Wavefront-guided technology for an extremely customized vision correction plan. The eye measurements (over 1,200 points of data) gathered during this process allow our LASIK surgeons to perform a highly customized procedure that is unique to your vision needs.
How Much are Glasses & Contacts Actually Costing You?
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Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Does LASIK hurt?
Numbing eye drops are placed into your eyes before the procedure to block the feeling of pain. You will feel a sensation of pressure on the eye during the first step of the process, but most patients do not report that the process is painful. Medicated eye drops or over-the-counter pain medications may help soothe any discomfort you experience as your eyes heal.
What are the risks of LASIK?
While any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications or side effects or complications, LASIK is considered a low-risk surgery. The American Refractive Surgery Council reports that fewer than 1% of LASIK patients experience complications. Common side effects, such as dry eyes, inflammation, light sensitivity, and halos, are usually temporary.
How long will I need to take off work for LASIK?
Most patients take 2 days off, one for the procedure and the day after the procedure. While you can resume many activities one day after LASIK, you will need to attend a follow-up appointment with us and you will also need to avoid strenuous activities.
How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK can vary depending on your individual needs and personalized treatment plan. We are committed to fair and transparent pricing and we will review your pricing options during your consultation appointment. We also partner with independent medical lenders to offer affordable LASIK financing.
Learn more about LASIK financing and payment options.
Meet Our LASIK Doctors
Convenient Locations in Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach VA
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
Chesapeake
Directions 
805 Battlefield Blvd N #111, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Chesapeake VA, 23320
Portsmouth
Directions
3235 Academy Ave #201, Portsmouth, VA 23703
Portsmouth VA, 23703
Virginia Beach
Directions
1788 Republic Rd #200, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Virginia Beach VA, 23454
Schedule Your Free LASIK Consultation
Your vision is our priority and we strive to be your top choice for eye care. Complete the form below to learn more about LASIK or schedule your consultation.
The doctors at Tidewater Eye Centers have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.