LASIK & Refractive Surgery

LASIK improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Vision improves within minutes, and most patients eventually enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment.

The most commonly performed elective surgery in the U.S., LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is safe, precise and highly successful. Thanks to LASIK, millions of people worldwide have experienced the wonder of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK offers many advantages over other refractive surgery procedures. These include little or no post-operative discomfort, immediate vision improvement and the ability to drive or return to work quickly-sometimes as soon as the next day. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery (although patients over age 45 often need reading glasses).

Tower Clock Eye Center offers Premium LASIK. Premium LASIK offers many advantages over other standard LASIK services. Our Premium LASIK service includes:

An all-laser, bladeless, wavefront-guided and highly customizable procedure
A free screening to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK
Treatment by a fellowship-trained LASIK surgeon
An experienced surgical team
One year of free exams and two years of free enhancements
Surgery at the area’s most advanced, dedicated laser vision correction facility
Twenty-four hour on-call service
A flat rate with no add-on fees
Value, experience and quality

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out if you are a candidate for Premium LASIK. Soon you could be living without glasses or contact lenses and enjoying the freedom of clear vision.

We offer financing through CareCredit.

Premium LASIK FAQ

Click on a question below to view the answer:

“How is Premium LASIK performed?”

The Premium LASIK procedure is a combination of two sophisticated technologies. The first is the creation of a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The second is the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea under the flap using a femtosecond laser. Combining these two technologies allows for the rapid and precise correction of vision.

“How is the cornea reshaped?”

A laser known as an “excimer laser” is used to reshape the cornea. Over the years the technology behind the laser has improved. The process starts with the careful measurement of how far out of focus your eye is. We also use a special machine called a “wavefront analyzer” to measure tiny imperfections in the focus of your eye. These measurements result in a detailed picture of your eye, and allow your treatment to be customized just for you. The laser is able to track your eye between each laser pulse, and the entire process of reshaping the cornea usually takes less than 30 seconds. Some doctors refer to the newest process of reshaping the cornea as “Custom LASIK” or “all-laser LASIK.” Dr. Thompson uses the latest version of the VISX laser, the most popular excimer laser in the U.S. for Premium LASIK

“What is the recovery following Premium LASIK?”

Many patients are able to read the clock on the wall without glasses immediately following the procedure. Vision typically improves further over the first few days. You will use eye drops to help the eye to heal for about 1 month after the procedure. Dr. Thompson will check your eyes the day after, a week after and about a month after the procedure.

“Am I a candidate?”

Not everyone is a good candidate for Premium LASIK. When you come in for an evaluation, your eyes will be examined to determine whether Premium LASIK or another refractive procedure is appropriate for you, and whether you are at risk for any complications.

The ideal Premium LASIK candidate:

Is over 23 years old
Has had stable vision for at least six months
Has a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap
Has refractive error(s) that falls within the treatable range
Does not have a disease or condition that could impair the procedure or healing process
Has been educated about the procedure including its risks and benefits
Understands that the goal of surgery is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses

“How does the price for Premium LASIK at Tower Clock Eye Center compare to other facilities?”

We are not the cheapest, and we never will be. Why? If you want to be the cheapest you can’t use the newest, safest laser and take the time to individually examine each patient. We are not the most expensive either. Even though we offer the best laser technology available and the same personal attention you will find at a “luxury” LASIK practice, we also believe in offering our patients value and a fair price.

“How do I choose a LASIK surgeon?”

The most important part of LASIK surgery is a good preoperative evaluation. You should choose a surgeon who will take the time to examine your eyes personally and who takes the time to talk with you to make sure all of your questions are answered. It is also important to make sure your surgeon is fellowship-trained in refractive surgery, has years of experience and offers the latest technology.

“Why should I choose Dr. Thompson and Tower Clock Eye Center for my refractive surgery?”

Experience
Dr. Matthew Thompson has performed thousands of procedures and has extensive experience with laser vision correction. His patients have included other ophthalmologists and professional athletes. He has completed a fellowship in cornea disease and refractive surgery, and uses the latest technology when performing Premium LASIK.

Honesty
We don’t pressure patients into undergoing a procedure that isn’t right for them. Each patient interested in Premium LASIK is given an extensive evaluation to determine whether LASIK is right for him or her. During the consultation, Dr. Thompson will have an honest discussion about the advantages and risks of having laser vision correction. Only then is the patient accepted as a pre-operative Premium LASIK candidate.

Caring
Unlike high-volume LASIK “factories,” we take the time to ensure that every patient receives the best care and attention. The procedure is quick-about 15 minutes per eye-but we don’t rush our patients in and out of the office to make room for the next one in line.

PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another popular refractive procedure. Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK are often good candidates for PRK. In fact, PRK was the first laser eye surgery to correct vision and is still a common and successful procedure to improve vision used today.

PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea (versus LASIK that treats underneath a corneal flap) and allows the eye to properly refract light. PRK candidates are often those who have thin corneas, large pupils or dry eyes.

Results for patients undergoing PRK surgery are similar to those having LASIK, with most patients realizing 20/20 vision or better. Also like LASIK, some patients will still require reading glasses following a PRK procedure.

Although PRK has similar outcomes to LASIK, recovery is slower. Patients will also encounter slightly more eye discomfort with PRK than LASIK. Best vision following PRK is realized after several weeks or months as the eye heals, yet both PRK and LASIK have high success rates, as well as high degrees of patient satisfaction.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Another refractive procedure to improve vision is refractive lens exchange, or RLE (also known as clear lens exchange).

This procedure has evolved out of lens replacement surgery often associated with cataract surgery. In RLE, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with a customized intraocular lens (IOL) that allows you to see near and far clearer without glasses or contacts. The change is usually immediate with patients seeing better the day of surgery.

Refractive lens exchange surgery has several advantages:

The new lens is permanent and will not need to be replaced
The patient will never need cataract surgery as the implant will never develop a cataract
Vastly reduces the need for glasses and bifocals
An alternative for patients not eligible for LASIK or PRK

Near vision often deteriorates as people age into their 40s. This condition is called presbyopia and is when the eye’s elasticity is reduced and the eye is less able to adjust its focus on nearby objects. In the past, this was simply a part of aging and those affected simply lived with the condition.

Now, through RLE, the affects of presbyopia and refractive error is improved. Patients affected by myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia are best suited for RLE.

For information or to schedule an appointment, call (920) 499-3102 or toll free at (877) 693-9363 (877 MY EYE MD).

Request a Consultation

with one of our doctors by calling
920.499.3102

Testimonials

Tower Clock has a home atmosphere. People, doctors and technicians are all very personable.

Dr. Kurt and his staff are the best. Everyone is so kind and very helpful. All of our experiences with them have been great!

I didn’t expect my surgery with Dr. Kurt to turn out as well as it did! I couldn’t see across the hall but now I can!