Laser vision correction is currently approved for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. To get the process started, we recommend you call our patient counselor to schedule a consultation. If you have your eyeglass or contact lens prescription available, we can tell you if you are a potential candidate for laser vision correction.

A thorough consultation is needed to precisely determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Dr. Isbey, III, will evaluate your results and discuss these with you. He will advise you as to which procedure can offer you the best possible visual result.

Laser vision correction surgery is done on an outpatient basis to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The procedure uses a “cool” beam excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. The two most common LASIK procedures that have been approved by the FDA are conventional LASIK and custom LASIK.

Custom LASIK is a personalized approach to laser vision correction. Your eye is measured using Wave Scan Wave Front technology that enables Dr. Isbey, III, to customize your LASIK procedure for each eye. This customized procedure can result in vision that is sharper and clearer than available in the past.

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Custom LASIK uses information from the Wave Print™ map of the Wave Scan system to program the laser to treat your eye in a personalized manner. Custom LASIK helps to detect and treat tiny optical distortions unique to your entire optical system.

Custom LASIK surgery is performed using the VISX Star S4™ variable spot scanning excimer laser with 3-dimensional eye tracking to reshape your cornea based on your personal information. Conventional LASIK uses the same laser to reshape your cornea but does not incorporate the variable spot scanning or customized treatment.

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A comprehensive consultation, including dilation, is necessary for
Dr. Isbey, III, to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK. The preoperative examination usually takes 2½ to 3 hours.

Contact lenses can change the shape of the cornea, similar to how a watchband can make a skin imprint on your wrist.  Dr. Isbey, III, strictly adheres to the following requirements to give you the best opportunity for an excellent surgical result.

• Soft contact lenses without correction for astigmatism – do not wear for 2 weeks before consultation exam.
• Soft contact lenses with correction for astigmatism (Toric Lenses) – do not wear for 3 weeks before consultation exam.
• Soft contact lens that you sleep in routinely – do not wear for 3 weeks before consultation exam.
• Gas permeable or hard contact lenses – do not wear 3 weeks before consultation exam.

Dr. Isbey, III, has a VISX Star S4™ variable spot scanning excimer laser permanently located in our Laser Eye Surgery Center at Regional Medical Park in Asheville, North Carolina. This center has been repeatedly recognized as one of the Top 50 Laser Centers in the country for 4 years in a row and has been designated as a Laser Center of Excellence by TLC Vision Laser Centers of Excellence.

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It is important to fully understand what is covered by the LASIK fee. We do not have a graduated fee structure. Everything is included in the fee listed below. Dr Isbey III is dedicated to providing leading edge state-of-the-art vision correction surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He maintains the highest level of personal attention for each patient and personally performs the pre-operative examination, LASIK procedure, and all of the postoperative visits for one year.

LASIK Procedure: $2400 per eye
Includes:

• Pre-operative examination
• LASIK procedure
• Post-operative kit
• Post-operative visits for one year
• enhancements for one year

The consultation examination to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK and the LASIK procedure are not covered benefits with most insurance companies. Payment for the exam portion of the fee is due at the time of the examination. Payment for all surgery is due at time of procedure. We accept cash, personal checks, certified checks and all major credit cards.

We offer to qualified candidates a bank draft option where 6 equal payments are drafted from a bank checking account the six months following LASIK surgery. There is no interest on the fee when this payment method is used, however there is a one-time processing fee of $25.00.

We can also help you arrange a Vision Correction payment plan that requires no down- payment, and allows you to pay for your surgery for up to 60 months. Even without a down payment, your monthly payment can be as low as $80.00 per month, and there is no prepayment penalty. The application process over the phone or via the Internet is fast and confidential.

Laser vision correction can be paid with tax-free (pre-tax) dollars. Since funds placed in these accounts are not taxed, they go much further in covering eligible medical expenses. Laser vision correction is an eligible expense. Please consult your employer to find out if you are eligible for a Flexible Spending Plan.

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LASIK is a professional surgical service. Top surgeons have professional fees consistent with their expertise.

Many of the “discount” centers work like assembly lines where patient-doctor relationships are minimal. Often, discount centers do not allow you to choose your surgeon or doctor who performs your preoperative and postoperative care. For most people, laser vision correction is not the appropriate place to try getting a “good deal.” You can throw away or replace bad glasses or contact lenses, but you cannot do that with bad laser vision correction. We advise you to look for quality service and commitment to your care.

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Expect to spend approximately 1½ hours at our Laser Eye Surgery Center on the day of your procedure. The time in the surgery suite with Dr. Isbey, III, is usually 15-20 minutes.

For many patients, LASIK is indeed painless. However, some patients experience some discomfort which lasts less than 24 hours. The eyes may feel gritty, scratchy or watery. These are usually temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most patients. Keeping the eyes closed and using the appropriate eye drops as instructed will minimize your discomfort. During the actual procedure, you may feel some pressure and a mild scratchy feeling.

Many patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure, but it is also normal to be somewhat blurred. By the next day, most patients have excellent vision and do not need any glasses or contacts. The vision gradually improves during the first five to seven days after surgery.