The Role of Artificial Intelligence in LASIK
Our world is no stranger to artificial intelligence. Technology like Siri, face recognition, and geo targeted ads are perfect examples of how artificial intelligence has been slowly integrated into our day-to-day life. AI can do more than entertain. It provides convenience, security, and precision. For that reason, it has proven to be a valuable asset in the healthcare world, specifically for eye care procedures like LASIK.
By definition, artificial intelligence is a form of technology that mimics human behavior and thought-processes. AI can “learn” much like humans by sifting through the given data while following its programmed course. In the healthcare system, AI is used to analyze medical imaging. Technology has advanced so that artificial intelligence can now detect certain skin and lung cancers as well as tuberculosis from x-rays.
Ophthalmologists who perform laser eye surgery in Los Angeles say that artificial intelligence has played a part in preventing blindness. AI can be applied to optical coherence tomography and visual fields as well as fundus photographs to identify diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other health issues in the eye. Here are some more examples of artificial intelligence being used in eye care:
- One British AI company is working with a hospital in London to identify the development of exudative age-related macular degeneration.
- Researchers at a specialty hospital in New York have created an algorithm for AI to identify age-related macular degeneration in patients. This solution is both convenient and inexpensive, given that the required technology is basic.
- One Dutch-American retinal specialist created the first autonomous diagnosis system for diabetic retinopathy, which was approved for use in the U.S. in 2018.
As you can see, artificial intelligence is slowly transforming the world we live in through bettering healthcare practices. In the world of eye care, AI is particularly useful for its effectiveness in analyzing images. Eye exams at a LASIK eye center such as Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles require high-quality images and maps of the patient’s eyes. With the right algorithm, artificial intelligence can be taught to detect diseases during these routine exams and help prevent the onset of blindness. AI may also eventually allow for remote imaging in the future.
There are some limitations to AI which can be supplemented by other technology and manual skills. When you receive LASIK in Los Angeles, you are not given over entirely to an automatic machine. On the contrary, there is an experienced surgeon monitoring and controlling the instruments that correct your refractive error. In this way, machines and humans can work together to help patients achieve their vision goals. When utilizing AI in procedures like LASIK, eye surgeons can improve the speed, precision, and effectiveness of the surgery.
While artificial intelligence is an impressive feat for mankind, it is no replacement for the human brain. The existence of increasingly technical AI is exciting, but it does not signal the end of medical professionals. Rest assured, you will still have your eye doctor. Instead of replacing the skills of ophthalmologists, AI operates as a high-functioning aid for exams, diagnoses, and treatments. Statistics show that diabetic retinopathy scans controlled by AI are 95.7% accurate at detecting damage that requires a specialist referral and 100% accurate at detecting moderate to severe forms of the disease that might lead to vision loss. As we move into the future, AI moves with us and allows us to achieve greater things than we could have ever imagined.
What to Expect After Your LASIK Surgery
When you visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles particularly Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will be attended with the utmost respect and care. This is one of the reasons why laser eye surgery has become such a popular vision-correcting alternative in recent years. Not only is it precise and accurate, but most patients describe feeling safe and comfortable throughout the whole process.
Your surgeon at a LASIK eye center will first conduct a thorough examination of your eye in order to determine if you are eligible for the procedure. Once you are cleared as a qualified LASIK patient, they will run through the surgery with you in order to help you prepare mentally and physically. Typically, surgeons will ask that you come into the surgery wearing comfortable clothes with no makeup on and a designated driver to get you home. They will describe the various instruments that will be used to correct your refractive error and answer any questions you have about the surgery.
If you don’t have much experience with laser eye surgery, then it is important to ask as many questions as you can. This will help ease your mind for the day of the surgery and allow you to relax fully during the procedure. As you may or may not know, LASIK is known for being quick and painless. Some patients are done in under fifteen minutes and get to experience immediate results! Depending on your vision goals and the extent of your refractive error, your surgery and recovery process may vary. However, this is what most patients at a LASIK clinic will experience after their surgery:
- Improved vision immediately after the surgery – Not 100% clear, but astonishing for some patients who have relied on contacts or glasses for so long. Patients have described it as opening your eyes underwater.
- Ability to drive after 24 hours – Patients are asked to bring a designated driver with them to the surgery. Once it is finished, they typically notice their vision clearing up in the next few hours. Most patients can return to their normal routine in the next day or so.
- Protective shields – Many LASIK doctors recommend protective shields to their patients after the surgery to protect their eyes from injury and light sensitivity. This will be assigned for a certain period of time, depending on your eye needs.
- Prescription eye drops – In order to prevent infection and minimize inflammation, LASIK doctors will often prescribe eye drops to their patients. They may also recommend non-prescription drops to lubricate the eyes if any dry eye symptoms are noticed.
- Post-surgery rest – Patients typically describe LASIK as painless because the procedure is completed with the help of numbing drops and medications. However, once the anesthesia wears off, there may be some initial discomfort during recovery. In addition to eye drops and protective shields, LASIK doctors recommend that patients close their eyes and rest for the first four hours after their surgery.
- Post-surgery check-ups – LASIK patients can expect to have a post-op check-up on the day after their surgery. This is to ensure that the healing process is running smoothly and the surgical treatment is satisfactory. Patients will likely have a second check-up a week later. Make sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms that you may have noticed and ask any questions about the recovery process.
LASIK Eye Surgery Near Me
If you are looking for a qualified surgeon to correct your vision errors, then look no further than Dr. Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute. As a Harvard-trained surgeon with thousands of surgeries under his belt, Dr. Moosa has the experience and the confidence to help you achieve your vision goals. Excel Laser Vision Institute has offices in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Why Women Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding Should Put Off LASIK Surgery
When visiting a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles as a potential LASIK patient, you will receive an in-depth eye exam and health evaluation. Eye care professionals such as those of Excel Laser Vision Institute will look for any signs that may disqualify you for the procedure in terms of your eye condition, health history, and current health status. You may be disqualified from LASIK and pointed to an alternative laser eye surgery, or you may be told to wait until your health conditions align with the ideal candidate. One reason that a doctor may tell you to come back to be reevaluated is if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant are generally told to put off their LASIK eye surgery because this could affect the results of their procedure or even jeopardize the safety of the baby. Here are some of the main reasons why a LASIK professional will tell a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding to delay their laser eye surgery.
Hormonal Changes
Women undergo natural hormonal shifts when breastfeeding and pregnant, which can ultimately affect their visual acuity. According to recent studies, these hormonal fluctuations can cause the eye lens to swell which may alter a patient’s prescription. LASIK is known for treating farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism but these hormonal shifts could actually make it more difficult to achieve precise vision correction. Experts at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, recommend that women undergo LASIK before pregnancy or 2-6 months after breastfeeding. This will ensure that hormones are relatively balanced and a patient’s true prescription can be treated.
Medication Use
LASIK surgeons typically utilize certain medications on LASIK patients that may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to take. For example, LASIK patients are often given a mild sedative in order to relax them prior to the surgery. When taken by a pregnant woman, this could potentially cause harm to the baby. Laser eye surgery patients will also be given eye drops that help numb and dilate the eye during the surgery and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection as well as steroidal eye drops for inflammation. These drops have the potential to enter a woman’s bloodstream and pose risks to a pregnancy in the third trimester. Finally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be able to take any painkillers which could potentially make their procedure more uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Radiation Exposure
As with many medical procedures, LASIK surgery exposes patients to some levels of radiation from the laser technology. This happens when the laser is creating tiny corneal incisions and reshaping the tissues in the cornea. While this is very minimal and unharmful to the ideal candidate, this radiation may be dangerous for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In order to avoid any of these risks, doctors will always recommend that women put off any elective procedures until after their period of breastfeeding is over.
LASIK Eye Surgery Near Me
While women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding may not be ideal candidates for LASIK, they can often receive the procedure later on. LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa recommend that women wait a minimum of 2 months after breastfeeding to visit a LASIK clinic and have a thorough evaluation. LASIK specialists will be able to identify any potential risks and steer patients in the right direction to achieve their vision goals.
LASIK and PRK: Two Sides of the Same Coin
According to Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles, there are many choices when it comes to refractive surgery; however, the two most common procedures are LASIK and PRK. The choice between these two laser eye surgeries comes down to a patient’s eye health and lifestyle. In both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), the shape of the cornea is altered in order to refocus light properly. This helps solve blurring and distortion for someone with a lower visual acuity.
PRK and LASIK are proven techniques for treating vision problems and helping patients achieve their vision goals. While they require different methods and tools, they have the same goal. Both can be used to correct astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Experts at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, say that each vision correction procedure is comparable in cost as well as results. The price may change based on the clinic, the surgeon, and the patient’s needs. However, the average is around $2,000 per eye. After receiving either LASIK or PRK, patients undergo a recovery period but both can experience immediate results. Some people are astounded at the clarity of vision they have the day after the surgery and how strong their vision remains after. Each of these refractive surgeries provide long-term results; however, sometimes one procedure is more suitable for one type of patient.
Laser eye surgery doctors can do a comprehensive exam of a patient’s eyes in order to determine what procedures they qualify for and which one would better suit their needs. Some of the things that they will look at is a patient’s pupil size, cornea size, eye health history, and current prescription. Depending on a patient’s hobbies, career, or lifestyle, there may be one procedure that makes more logistical sense for them. Here are some of the reasons why someone might choose PRK over LASIK:
- When patients don’t qualify for LASIK, they may be a better candidate for PRK.
- PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, which is beneficial for some patients who are at risk of flap displacement (athletes, skydivers, military).
- Patients with thinner corneas may choose PRK because the procedure favors tissue conservation.
When you visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will see that there are many options for someone who is trying to improve their visual acuity. PRK and LASIK are two of the most common and well-known procedures. While LASIK is generally considered more advanced in terms of technology and efficiency, PRK is a solid option for patients with certain eye conditions or lifestyles. Not everyone will qualify for every refractive surgery, which is why it is important to have alternatives for vision correction. Now, more than ever, refractive surgery has become accessible to people with varying prescription levels and complexities. The cost of this kind of surgery has also become more widely available to different incomes thanks to better financing options. Whether you chose PRK or LASIK, you have the chance to achieve 20/20 vision or better and improve your overall quality of life.
Behind Every Great LASIK Clinic is a Great Ophthalmologist
As a field, ophthalmology has transformed LASIK clinics in Los Angeles as well as other eye care centers all over the world. It is thanks to experienced surgeons like Dr. Moosa at Excel Laser Vision Institute that patients are able to achieve 20/20 sight or better. In the video below, Dr. Moosa explains why he chose ophthalmology as his career path:
In the simplest sense, ophthalmology is the study of the eye. Ophthalmologists have a deep understanding of its anatomy and physiology in order to diagnose and treat disorders. These are some of the things that an ophthalmologist is trained to do in his/her career: treat eye diseases, prescribe contacts or glasses to correct vision, conduct research on eye diseases and disorders, and perform laser eye surgery.
While developments in eye care have very current effects, the study of ophthalmology actually dates back thousands of years. According to experts at LASIK centers in Los Angeles, the first medical eye treatment was recorded in the Ebers Papyrus from Egypt, around 1550 BCE. Doctors around this time found that the eye had inner and outer layers with some type of fluid. The earliest treatments were typically herbal although there is evidence that the Egyptians might have performed simple surgical procedures.
The Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Indian text, was another early resource of medical information and treatment. Some say that this text was written in the sixth century BCE while others believe it to be later on. Regardless, this large work communicated an expanse of knowledge, detailing 1,120 conditions and illnesses. At least 67 of these were ocular related. The text includes information about different surgical instruments and treatment methods, including how to clear vision by pushing away cloudy cataract lenses.
In Greece, Aristotle dissected animal eyes in order to discover the three layers that make up the structure. Meanwhile, Rufus of Ephesus was the first to recognize that the eye had two chambers filled with two different substances (one like water and one like egg whites) and he also identified the epithelial layer as well as the conjunctiva. In the second century, Galen began to piece apart the cornea, curvature of the lens, tear ducts, and function of the optic nerve. He was able to create models of the eye that were more precise than others of his time. There were countless other researchers, scientists, and doctors that contributed to our knowledge of the eye and expanded the range of ophthalmology’s practical reach.
Currently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest association of eye surgeons and physicians with around 32,000 members. There are many different specialities that ophthalmologists can focus on in their studies including cornea and external disease, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, ophthalmic plastic surgery, vitreoretinal diseases, and ophthalmic pathology. When becoming a patient at a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, you are directly benefiting the skills and expertise of the ophthalmology field. Thanks to the dedicated doctors in this area of expertise, people are able to get the treatment they need to enjoy clarity of vision.
Benefits Of LASIK Innovations
More than 30 years ago, retinal surgeon Gholam Peyman, MD was granted a patent for modifying corneal curvature in a method now known as laser in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery. This eye correction procedure launched a slew of research on refractive errors and accumulated knowledge of the human eye. Thanks to this history of innovation and technology, people now have the option to achieve their vision goals at a Los Angeles LASIK clinic such as Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Since the LASIK patent was granted, eye care practices and technology have significantly improved over the years. Now, eye care professionals are well-equipped to handle stronger, more complex prescriptions through laser eye surgery than they could in the past. Laser vision correction can achieve 20/20 vision for many patients and, for some, even better! There are countless inspiring testimonials from LASIK patients that have experienced the life-changing results of LASIK first-hand. In the video below, one man achieves his vision goals from Harvard-trained surgeon Dr. Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Patients, like the one above, are not uncommon in this day and age when LASIK eye surgery is widely accessible to people with different vision errors and needs. The concept of corneal alteration to treat refractive errors is over 100 years old, but technology has finally caught up with the science behind this method. In the ’80s, the excimer laser was invented which completely transformed the current field of refractive surgery. According to Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, over 40 million laser eye surgeries have been performed on a global scale with a success rate of 99.5 percent. LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure.
LASIK is the leading refractive error procedure in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to varying degrees. However, there is more than one version of LASIK (bladeless versus blade) and LASIK adjacent procedures (SMILE, PRK, etc.) When going in for a consultation, a LASIK eye care professional like Doctor Moosa will evaluate every aspect of a patient’s eye health and health history in order to determine which type of laser eye surgery will best suit their vision needs. The femtosecond laser, introduced in the early 2000’s further broadened the scope of the procedure by allowing for more precise flap creation and creating the bladeless method. Meanwhile, newer strategies like SMILE remove the necessity of a corneal flap for those with more sensitive eye conditions like dry eye.
Further innovation in laser technology has allowed LASIK surgeons to fully customize procedures to a patient’s individual eye surface. Now, with wavefront or topography-guided machines, the surgery is more precise and individual. Since its introduction into popular culture, LASIK has also become more affordable. Most clinics offer various financing options, allowing this life-changing investment to become a reality for more people.
Thanks to researchers and scientists all over the world, laser eye surgery has become safer, more efficient, and more effective than ever before. Not only does LASIK offer better visual acuity and convenience, but it also provides the stepping stone to a higher quality of life.
SMILE vs LASIK – Experts Weigh In On the Best Laser Eye Surgery
If you have nearsightedness, like many people in America, then you may be thinking about SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery. While both of these procedures deal with refractive errors, their treatments vary slightly in their method. You can get in touch with a LASIK surgeon in Orange County like Doctor Moosa to have them determine whether you are eligible for one or both of these options. LASIK is a widespread vision correction procedure that has gained high-esteem from medical professionals and patients alike. SMILE, while newer to the scene, is proving to be a very worthy competitor.
SMILE gained FDA approval for use in the United States in September 2016 and has achieved such satisfactory results as to create the ongoing SMILE Relex vs LASIK debate. Here are the essentials about SMILE laser eye surgery from the LASIK experts in Orange County.
What Is SMILE Laser Surgery?
The word ‘SMILE’ is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, which is a lot to say in one go and not so easy to retain in our lexicon. SMILE laser eye surgery is performed by the lasik surgeon in Orange County using a VisuMax femtosecond laser.
During a SMILE procedure, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, referred to as the lenticule within the cornea. Afterward, with the same laser, a small arc-shaped incision is made on the surface of the cornea, and the surgeon extracts the lenticule through this incision and disposes of it.
A lasik surgeon in Orange County explains that when the small lenticule is removed, the shape of the cornea changes, correcting nearsightedness. The incision created in the cornea heals within a few days without stitches, and sharper vision happens very rapidly.
SMILE laser eye surgery in Orange County can correct up to -10.00 diopters (D) of nearsightedness. To qualify for SMILE eye laser surgery, candidates must be at least 22 years old, have no more than -0.50 D of astigmatism, and their eyeglass prescription must be stable for at least 12 months.
When Is LASIK A Good Option?
For your eye surgeon to consider you as a good candidate for LASIK, a patient has to have enough corneal thickness. The reason for this is because a flap is created during the procedure. Therefore, a certain corneal thickness is needed and those with thin or irregular corneas cannot receive LASIK eye surgery. When an optometrist diagnoses a patient with thin or irregular corneas are usually better candidates for SMILE or PRK.
If a patient is prone to chronic dry eye symptoms, SMILE may be a better option. LASIK is notorious for having a higher risk for postoperative dry eye symptoms and can increase a patient’s previously chronic dry eye condition.
The Advantages Of SMILE
Studies have revealed that SMILE produces basically the same visual acuity as LASIK for the correction of nearsightedness, without the lasik surgeon Orange County having to create a LASIK style corneal flap.
A study with 328 participants who went through the SMILE procedure, had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better after surgery except one of them, and eighty-eight percent had UCVA of 20/20 or better.
Additionally, there is evidence of less risk of dry eye symptoms after SMILE, compared with LASIK. There may be a couple of reasons for this, such as SMILE takes place within the cornea without a large corneal flap, less corneal nerves are impacted by the procedure.
The tiny SMILE incision may also help the cornea have more biomechanical stability after SMILE, in contrast to its ability to keep its shape, particularly following trauma after LASIK.
Ultimately, if you have a high degree of nearsightedness, with LASIK there is a higher risk of requiring an enhancement procedure to obtain the clarity of vision a patient wants without glasses. There seems to be less risk of requiring another procedure after SMILE for correction of severe amounts of myopia, most likely since less dehydration of the cornea happens during the SMILE procedure.
What To Expect From A SMILE Procedure?
At the moment, SMILE laser eye surgery in Los Angeles and Orange County is the most advanced FDA-approved laser vision correction procedure. Here is what to expect from a SMILE procedure.
It Is A One-Step Laser Procedure
The key difference between SMILE and its predecessors is that it is a one laser procedure. PRK and LASIK utilize an excimer laser, but that is not the case in a SMILE procedure. Instead, your eye surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to cut a very small incision in the cornea and use it to remove a tiny piece of corneal tissue, the lenticule.
It Is Less Invasive Surgery
SMILE is a far less invasive laser eye surgery procedure than LASIK. During a LASIK procedure, your eye surgeon creates a flap that is 20mm in circumference. A PRK procedure creates an 8mm diameter surface removal. Nevertheless, a SMILE procedure only creates a 3mm corneal key-hole incision. This provides a more corneal stability post-surgery and less disruption to the corneal nerves during surgery.
It Is Quiet, Odorless, And Blade-Free
During a LASIK and PRK procedure, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. While the eye surgeon is carrying on with the procedure, you will hear a clicking sound that creates an apparent odor. Because the excimer laser isn’t used in a SMILE procedure, it is quiet and odorless.
There Are No Flap-Related Complications
As a result of the surgeon not having to create a flap in a SMILE procedure like LASIK, there is no risk of flap-related complications after surgery.
There Is Safe, Accurate, And Fast Visual Recovery
Clinical trials that were carried out on SMILE revealed that it is just as safe and accurate as LASIK in Orange County.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Smile?
Although SMILE has a lot of benefits, there is one downside to this procedure. That disadvantage is that it is not yet available to treat farsightedness or astigmatism. Therefore, if you have nearsightedness, and your eye surgeon feels that it is the best option for you, then SMILE is for you!
Plus, visual recovery takes a little bit longer than LASIK. After a LASIK procedure, a patient can experience immediate visual recovery, whereas SMILE’s visual recovery can take about one to two days.
If you want to learn more about SMILE vs LASIK and want a solution for your nearsightedness, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at + (818) 907-8606 today.
Laser Eye Surgery Cost: What You Need to Know Before Your Eye Correction Procedure
Cost is a critical factor to consider when undergoing any procedure. It is crucial that you understand where your spending is going as well as the reliability of the procedure in order to make an informed decision. That’s why, when people visit the Excel Laser Vision Institute, one of their first questions is always, “How much is laser eye surgery?”
The cost of laser eye surgery can vary depending on the patient, clinic, and method. Whether you have a more complicated prescription or need a high-tech procedure, this can affect the overall price tag of your vision correction. However, almost every LASIK patient agrees that getting the surgery is more cost-effective and convenient than relying on contacts or glasses for the rest of their life.
To help determine if refractive surgery is in your best interest, let’s identify what contributes to the cost of Lasik operations and discuss the various financing options available today. Read on to find out why Lasik procedures are a valuable investment and why so many people choose to have them done.
Breakdown of Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Cost
Laser eye surgery costs typically vary based on whether one or both eyes will be treated and what kind of clinic will conduct the procedure. Obviously, if you are only getting one eye done, this will be half the price of the average cost. Also, the rates of different clinics and surgeons will differ depending on their level of expertise. In addition, the laser technology that will be used — “bladeless” All-Laser-Lasik or “custom cornea” Wavefront-guided Lasik— also has a significant impact on the final rate. In this case, cheaper is not better.
If you are going for a “cheap” LASIK clinic, then you will likely get “cheap” results. This is why it is important to think of laser eye surgery as a long-term investment. You may have to pay more upfront, but this will reduce your risk of complications and ensure a lifetime of benefits. So, when you are vetting LASIK clinics, make sure that you check out their reviews, testimonials, and statistics. The best clinics will be transparent about their success rates and will explain anything that you are confused about in terms of cost. These are the things that LASIK surgery typically includes in its price tag:
- The pre-operative care of the patient
- The surgery procedure, including the medications and technologies used
- The post-operative examinations and care of the patient
Laser eye surgeons also provide comprehensive breakdowns of their operations during billing. They typically reveal these costs:
- Compensation of the surgeon for performing the procedure
- Acquisition and maintenance costs of the femtosecond and excimer lasers
- Royalty fees paid for the use of the laser
- Supplies used in the surgery procedure
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Office overhead, which includes the staff’s salaries and benefits, rent, and administration
- Patient acquisition, which includes the seminars and advertising conducted to get the patients
While this breakdown reveals a broader picture of what a laser eye surgery in Los Angeles involves, it is only a general outline. Get a more in-depth take of your operation costs from your Lasik clinic. You can also ask if there are any cost differences between the refractive surgeries they offer. For example, SMILE, PRK, and bladeless LASIK are all different forms of traditional laser eye surgery that they might offer. If you qualify for more than one procedure, then you may add cost comparison to the conversation with the recommendations of your surgeon.
Eyeing Payment Options for Surgery
Most people choose their eye surgeon based on who falls under their budget. However, we strongly advise that you get the most trusted and highly recommended surgeon available for the best Lasik experience. While you may be paying more in the initial cost, you will save money over the long run by not having to get the procedure done a second time in the case that an inexperienced surgeon makes a mistake.
At the Excel Laser Vision Institute, we have Harvard-trained Dr. Moosa at the front and center of our clinic. He has completed thousands of surgeries and has an extremely high patient satisfaction rate. Dr. Moosa is highly regarded in his field for his dedication to excellence. The best surgeons will use the best machines, which is how you know your procedure is the most advanced it can be.
High-quality eye surgery can be costly that is why most eye clinics offer patient-friendly financing alternatives. Here at Excel Laser Vision Institute, we offer these payment options:
- Cash – This is the easiest way of financing an operation.
- Checks – These are the more convenient payment option compared to cash as they are less risky and cumbersome to carry.
- Credit Cards – These are recommended for financing operations because of their installment options. We accept payments made with VISA, Mastercard, and American Express.
- Care Credit – This is a special credit card designed specifically for health and wellness transactions. It covers out-of-pocket expenses which aren’t included in medical insurance.
- Wells Fargo Health Advantage – This is a special credit card program that allows you to finance health care bills through special drawn-up plans. You get a revolving line of credit that can be used at any time.
Depending on your personal situation, you may also qualify for some insurance relief through FSA or HSA accounts. As long as you qualified for laser eye surgery, our staff will do our utmost to help you afford the procedure. Payment plans with loan options are commonly chosen by many patients in order to split the cost over time.
Finance Your Eye Surgery without Breaking Your Budget
Don’t let cost faze you when you ask, “how much is laser eye surgery?” Here at the Excel Laser Vision Institute, we ensure that you get the best deal for your operation. Our decades of experience have made us one of the most trusted names in the community. Schedule an appointment with us now at 866-923-9235 and get affordable and reliable laser eye surgery in Orange County and Los Angeles!
Vision 101: When is the right time to have cataract surgery in Los Angeles?
Is your vision suddenly getting blurry and cloudy? It may be a sign that you need cataract surgery in Los Angeles. Here are some important considerations for you to determine if it is the right time to undergo eye surgery and if it is the best solution for you.
What are Cataracts?
People are able to see things because of the light that enters the lens. The lens focuses light and images on the retina. The image is then converted into nerve signals, which are transmitted to the brain.
Individuals with cataracts see things through cloudy lenses, which is similar to looking through a fogged-up window. Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s lens. This cloud affects the whole vision cycle, resulting in blurred vision. People who have cataract experience glare, blurred vision, and difficulty reading. Although cataracts are primarily associated with aging, they can also develop in infants and young children.
During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed from the cornea and is replaced with an artificial one. Cataract surgery can be done in two ways: the traditional method and the laser-assisted method.
In traditional cataract surgery or phacoemulsification, the surgeon performs the cataract removal using a vibrating needle to break up cataracts and a small blade to make an incision in the cornea through which the lens will be replaced. In the laser-assisted method, the corneal incision and the cataract removal are done via specialized laser technology.
Misconceptions on Cataract Surgery
To have a better understanding of cataract removal via laser eye surgery in Los Angeles, let us first dispel the myths about them.
• Cataracts should be removed immediately upon development.
False. Many individuals have cataracts that do not cause blurred vision or interfere with daily activities. When cataracts are in the early stages, surgery is not an urgent need: you can still get a clear vision with prescription eyeglasses.
When is the best time to undergo cataract surgery in Los Angeles? If blurred and cloudy vision starts interfering with your daily activities, such as reading, driving, or simply performing household chores, then it is time to consider cataract surgery. Cataracts should also be removed if they prevent examination and treatment of other eye problems including macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Only old people can undergo cataract surgery.
While they usually develop among older people, anyone is at risk for cataract. If you have a cataract that makes it difficult to do anything you want, then it is time to consult with your doctor and consider having the operation done immediately.
• Cataract surgery could be done simultaneously for both eyes.
False. Should you have cataracts in both eyes that need surgery, the surgery has to be done several weeks apart. Doing operations for each eye at the same time could result in further complications. A possible side effect of having both cataracts removed immediately is an infection in both eyes.
Get Cataract Surgery from the Experts
Now that you understand the basics of cataracts and cataract surgery, it’s up to you to make an informed decision. If you decide to have corrective eye surgery, do it with expert LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles.
With 30 years of experience, Excel Laser Vision Institute has the equipment and capability to restore your perfect vision. Call us at +1 866 923 9235 immediately for a free LASIK Consultation.
Laser Eye Surgery in Los Angeles for Parents on the Go
Beginning in the early 40s, many adults start having difficulties with their eyesight. It becomes harder to read at close distances especially while reading or working on the computer. For parents, this is more than a minor inconvenience — laser eye surgery in Los Angeles can help you run the household more efficiently, protect the people you love, and enjoy your time together more. (more…)