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Vision Correction Options
At Skyline LASIK in Colorado Springs, it is our mission to provide each of our patients with clear vision so they can enjoy life to its fullest. We offer a full range of surgical vision correction options, making it possible for us to customize each patient’s solution to their unique eyes, goals, and lifestyle.
Interested in vision correction surgery?
Take our quick quiz to learn more!
What Can Vision Correction Treat?
The human eye relies on the cornea and lens to refract light onto the retina, creating the images we perceive. Refractive errors occur when this light does not focus correctly on the retina. These errors are prevalent, with over
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Refractive errors
National Eye Institute
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150 million
individuals in the U.S. experiencing them, often leading to reliance on glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.
Refractive Errors
Nearsightedness (Myopia): Those with myopia see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This happens when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea
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Myopia (nearsightedness)
American Optometric Association
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too curved
, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia): People with hyperopia are better able to focus on distant objects, while closer ones appear blurry. Hyperopia is a result of an eye that is
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Farsightedness: What is Hyperopia?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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shorter
than normal or a cornea that lacks sufficient curvature.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is due to an irregularly shaped lens or cornea, resembling a football more than a basketball. It distorts vision at
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What is Astigmatism?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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all distances
by causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina.
Presbyopia: An
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What is Presbyopia?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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age-related
condition, presbyopia is common in those over 40. The eye’s lens becomes rigid, affecting its ability to flex and focus on close objects like reading material.
Vision Correction Surgery Options
Advancements in medical technology have significantly expanded the scope of vision correction surgeries. These innovations have opened doors for patients with various refractive errors, including those previously ineligible for certain procedures due to conditions like thin corneas or high prescription levels.
LASIK
LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is often the first procedure that comes to mind when considering vision correction surgery. It’s a popular choice for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During LASIK surgery, a small flap is carefully created in the cornea, followed by corneal reshaping using an excimer laser. This precise adjustment offers a significant improvement in vision for many patients with a quick recovery.
PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) predates LASIK as an FDA-approved laser vision correction procedure. Like LASIK, PRK involves corneal reshaping to enhance vision. However, PRK differs in its approach to accessing the cornea. Instead of creating a flap, PRK involves the removal of a portion of the corneal epithelium. This makes PRK a suitable option for patients with thin or irregular corneas who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK, offering comparable outcomes.
EVO ICL™
The EVO ICL, or Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a revolutionary thin lens implant that works in harmony with the eye. This
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Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125
Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al
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artificial lens
is implanted in front of the eye’s natural lens to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, resulting in sharp, clear vision. Unlike laser vision correction procedures, EVO ICL is an additive technology that does not necessitate the removal of any corneal tissue. This makes EVO ICL a good option for patients who may not be good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or severe myopia. EVO also provides UV light protection and excellent night vision, and it does not cause or contribute to dry eye. A notable advantage of EVO ICL is its reversibility, accommodating future changes in a patient’s vision needs.
Presbyopia Treatment
Presbyopia is an inevitable part of the aging process, commonly beginning in the 40s. It occurs as the lenses in our eyes gradually lose flexibility, making it more challenging to focus on close objects. This natural change leads to blurry near vision, a condition experienced by virtually everyone as they age.
While some individuals may opt for traditional solutions like bifocals or reading glasses, others seek more lasting corrections. At our practice, we understand that each person’s vision and lifestyle are unique. We offer a comprehensive range of presbyopia solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Learn More About Presbyopia Treatment
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) for Presbyopia
Refractive Lens Exchange is the superior choice for patients over the age of 40, and can address age-related changes to vision that other procedures cannot.
During this procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with a custom intraocular lens (IOL). Refractive Lens Exchange is the same procedure as cataract surgery, except that it is performed on an elective (not medically necessary) basis for patients who do not have cataracts but desire improved vision. What makes RLE especially appealing for many of our patients is that this treatment can be fully customized: we offer a full selection of IOL options designed to treat presbyopia, astigmatism, and vision at all ranges.
Non-Surgical Vision Correction: A Closer Look at the Costs and Risks
We understand that vision correction surgery is an investment that our patients need to consider carefully. It’s crucial to weigh the long-term implications and benefits of vision correction surgery against the ongoing costs and potential risks associated with non-surgical methods like glasses and contact lenses.
Investing in Lasting Vision with
Vision correction surgery isn’t just a procedure; it’s a long-term investment in clear vision. Unlike the recurring expenses associated with glasses and contact lenses, refractive surgery is a one-time cost that can save money over time. Our patients often find the improvement in their quality of life and the freedom from continual expenses to be invaluable.
Lifestyle, Comfort, and Convenience
For those with active lifestyles, surgical vision correction provides a level of comfort and convenience that glasses and contacts can’t match. It eliminates the inconvenience and limitations often experienced during sports and physical activities. No more worries about broken glasses or lost contacts. Plus, patients who undergo vision surgery enjoy clear, uninterrupted peripheral vision, enhancing their overall visual experience.
The True Cost of Temporary Solutions
The ongoing cost of glasses and contacts is akin to ‘renting’ your vision – you continuously pay for a temporary solution. These costs, especially with inflation, can escalate over time.
In contrast, surgical correction represents a single investment in your visual freedom. It’s like buying a home versus renting; the initial cost leads to lasting ownership and benefits. Glasses and contact lenses are annual expenses that never truly resolve the underlying issue. Vision correction surgery, on the other hand, offers a permanent solution, freeing you from the cycle of yearly expenses and the hassle of maintaining and replacing corrective eyewear.
Health Risks of Contact Lenses
It’s important to consider the health implications of long-term contact lens use. The CDC has found that sleeping with contacts significantly increases the risk of eye infections like keratitis. In fact, contact lens wearers are
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Three-Year Longitudinal Survey Comparing Visual Satisfaction with LASIK and Contact Lenses
Price MO, Price DA, Bucci FA Jr, Durrie DS, Bond WI, Price FW Jr
Go to Source
twice as likely
to contract eye infections compared to those who have undergone LASIK. Post-LASIK, many patients even report a decrease in dry eye symptoms compared to when they used contacts.
Why Choose Skyline LASIK?
Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Correction Surgery
Am I a good candidate for vision correction surgery?
If you are ready to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses, you may be a great candidate for vision correction surgery. Our doctors will evaluate your eyes, health, and lifestyle during your consultation and let you know whether you qualify and which vision correction procedure is best for you. In the meantime, take our quick vision quiz to begin learning about your options.
Not interested in taking the quiz? No problem! Book your consultation with us today.
Is vision correction surgery safe?
Vision correction surgery is widely considered to be both safe and effective, especially when performed by an experienced eye surgeon. That said, there are risks and side effects associated with any surgical procedure. During your consultation, we will discuss the complications associated with your vision correction procedure.
Is vision correction covered by insurance?
Vision correction surgery is not typically covered by insurance because it is considered to be elective, or not medically necessary. We offer convenient payment and financing options, and we can also help you apply funds from an HSA or FSA to help cover the cost of your procedure.
Embrace a Future of Visual Freedom!
Are you ready to enjoy all that Colorado Springs has to offer without worrying about glasses or contacts?
1 National Eye Institute. Refractive errors. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/refractive-errors. Accessed January 15, 2024.
2 American Optometric Association. Myopia (nearsightedness). Available: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia. Accessed January 15, 2024.
3 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Farsightedness: What is Hyperopia? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/hyperopia-farsightednes. Accessed January 15, 2024.
4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Astigmatism? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism. Accessed January 15, 2024.
5 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Presbyopia? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia. Accessed January 15, 2024.
6 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33577790/. Accessed January 15, 2024.
7 Price MO, Price DA, Bucci FA Jr, Durrie DS, Bond WI, Price FW Jr. Three-Year Longitudinal Survey Comparing Visual Satisfaction with LASIK and Contact Lenses. Ophthalmology. 2016 Aug;123(8):1659-1666. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.04.003. Epub 2016 May 18. PMID: 27208981. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27208981/. Accessed January 15, 2024.
The doctors at Skyline LASIK have authored or reviewed and approved this content.