LASIK Eye Surgery
Skyline LASIK is Colorado Springs’ premier choice for LASIK surgery, utilizing the most advanced laser technology on the market today! Our elite surgeons specialize in custom-tailored laser vision correction surgery.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery that is FDA-approved to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and Trusted Source Food and Drug Administration LASIK Go to Source astigmatism. During LASIK, a laser is used to create a flap in the cornea, then the cornea is reshaped to correct vision. LASIK is a quick surgery with excellent outcomes, and patients notice a near-immediate improvement in their vision.
Benefits of LASIK
There are many potential benefits of LASIK, including:
- Improved Vision: LASIK can reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Successful Outcomes: LASIK has a satisfaction rate above 98% and more than 90% of patients achieve vision that is better than Trusted Source Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes Sandoval HP, Donnenfeld ED, Kohnen T, Lindstrom RL, Potvin R, Tremblay DM, Solomon KD Go to Source 20/20.
- Quick and Convenient: LASIK offers fast results and a short recovery time so you don’t have to worry about interrupting your regular routine.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients report greater ease when traveling, playing sports, working, and more.
- Increased Confidence: If you don’t like the way you look in glasses, LASIK can boost your self-esteem.
Contoura™ Vision LASIK Technology
Contoura is a revolution in LASIK technology that makes it possible for us to provide our patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism an even higher quality of vision correction. Contoura is a Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction technique that identifies and records corneal imperfections, guiding us to perform LASIK with superior precision and optimized outcomes.
Learn more about Contoura Vision here:
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
- Those between the ages of 18-59
- Have a stable prescription and overall good eye health
- Have not been diagnosed with corneal dystrophies like Keratoconus
- Are seeking an alternative solution to glasses or contact lenses
- Have realistic expectations
Getting Ready for LASIK
Preparing for LASIK starts with scheduling a consultation at our office. During this appointment, we’ll conduct an eye exam, vision assessment, and review your medications and medical history. You will be asked about your lifestyle and vision goals so our ophthalmologist can determine whether LASIK is the right solution for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions until you feel confident in making a decision about your vision correction solution.
Contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea, which could potentially cause inaccurate measurements so we ask that you stop wearing contact lenses prior to coming in for your consultation.
- Hard contacts (RGP, Scleral) for at least 2 weeks
- Soft contacts (Monthly, Dailies, etc) for at least 3-5 days
Once LASIK is determined to be your vision correction solution we will schedule you for surgery and prescribe medicated eye drops sent over to your local pharmacy. A few days before surgery, make sure to have picked up the prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops from the pharmacy along with preservative free artificial tears. You will need to arrange transportation home on the day of your surgery as you won’t be allowed to drive immediately following. You should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, and arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, or perfumes. We also ask that you not wear your contact lenses or any jewelry to our office. Proper preparation can significantly contribute to a smooth surgery and optimal healing post-operatively.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery
LASIK is performed using advanced laser technology in our state-of-the-art surgical suite. When you arrive, we’ll offer you a relaxing oral medication followed by anesthetic eye drops to ensure you’re comfortable and that your eyes are numb. The surgeon will begin by creating a flap in your cornea using our Wavelight® FS200 femtosecond laser followed by lifting the flap so our Wavelight® EX500 excimer laser can reshape your cornea before laying the flap back in its original position. Both eyes are completed in approximately 10-15 minutes.
Recovery After LASIK
After having LASIK surgery you will want to go home and rest, returning to work and regular non strenuous activities the following day. It’s normal to experience some discomfort, light sensitivity, watery eyes and blurred vision immediately after surgery. Over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and artificial tears will help you feel more comfortable. You will need to refrain from rubbing your eyes or any strenuous activities for at least one week and you will need to wait about 1 month before going swimming. As your eyes begin to heal after LASIK the more you lubricate and stay hydrated will significantly improve dryness you may experience after having LASIK. Post operative appointments will be scheduled at our office so we can monitor your recovery.
Procedure Comparison
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Quick
2-4 Weeks
Quick (24-48 hrs)
Generally Quick (Varies based on lens choice)
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
10-15 Minutes
5-10 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
5-10 Minutes
Yes up to -12D
Yes up to -12D
Yes up to -20D
Yes up to -15D
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes, During Recovery Phase
Yes, During Recovery Phase
No
No
No
Yes, But Limited
Yes
Yes
Yes with Monovision/Blended Vision
Yes with Monovision/Blended Vision
Yes with Monovision/Blended Vision
Yes
Why Choose Skyline LASIK?
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
LASIK is a long-term investment in clear vision that actually saves our patients money when compared to the ongoing costs associated with glasses and contact lenses. In addition to the savings, our patients state that the improvement to their quality of life after LASIK is priceless. We’ll go over the cost of your specific LASIK treatment plan prior to your surgery, and we’ll also help you learn more about our flexible and convenient payment options.
Enjoy Visual Freedom With LASIK
LASIK makes it easy to enjoy all that Colorado Springs has to offer without the hassle of glasses and contacts. Are you ready to experience all the possibilities LASIK can provide to your lifestyle?
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Will LASIK hurt?
No, LASIK is typically painless because we apply anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. Once the anesthetic wears off, several hours after surgery, you may feel some temporary discomfort that should resolve within a day.
Is LASIK covered by insurance?
LASIK is considered an elective surgery, so it is not typically covered by medical or vision insurance. You can use funds from an HSA or FSA to help cover the cost of LASIK, and we also offer LASIK financing and payment options.
What are the side effects of LASIK?
LASIK is widely considered to be a safe and effective Trusted Source Is LASIK Safe? Refractive Surgery Council Go to Source procedure. Of course, any medical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications. The most common LASIK side effects are temporary and resolve once the eyes are completely healed, such as dry eyes, halos, or starbursts in night vision. Complications that may require further surgery include under or overcorrection.
Who should not have LASIK?
People who have a history of serious eye and vision problems or conditions such as severe dry eye, keratoconus, and certain autoimmune conditions should not have laser vision correction like LASIK and should consider EVO ICL instead. LASIK should not be performed while you are currently pregnant. Patients who are nursing should call our office to discuss further recommendations before proceeding.
What are my options if LASIK isn’t right for me?
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK there are other options to correct your vision that Skyline LASIK offers such as PRK, EVO ICL and RLE.
1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. LASIK. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/surgery-devices/lasik. Accessed August 30, 2023.
2 Sandoval HP, Donnenfeld ED, Kohnen T, Lindstrom RL, Potvin R, Tremblay DM, Solomon KD. Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016 Aug;42(8):1224-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2016.07.012. PMID: 27531300. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27531300/. Accessed July 11, 2023.
3 Refractive Surgery Council. Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/is-lasik-safe/. Accessed August 30, 2023.
The doctors at Skyline LASIK have authored or reviewed and approved this content. | Page Updated: