If your surgeon determines you are a poor candidate for LASIK surgery and/or have thinner/flatter corneal tissue than most people, than you will most likely be given the option of LASEK eye surgery. Because LASEK surgery does not cut into the stroma, there are typically no complications of the stromal flaps as in LASIK. The procedure also retains more corneal tissue than LASIK. However, LASEK surgery typically is more uncomfortable and takes more time to heal.

Both procedures have their own benefits as well as drawbacks and/or risks. Your surgeon should go over all of these during your initial consultation. You, as a potential patient, will also go through extensive screening to determine which, if either, laser eye surgery is best for you. Some of the direct benefits from LASIK include immediate clear vision which typically will be measured at 20/20. With LASEK, there usually are less problems with corneal haze and less risk of dry eye as in LASIK.

LASEK is a newer procedure so the history of results is not as extensive as that of LASIK. Why does that matter? Basically, any risks and complications may not be as well known as LASIK. Just something to keep in mind. Be sure that if you do decide to get LASEK, that you have the procedure done by a laser eye surgeon that has done the procedure many times and has a good reputation.

More information about LASEK vs LASIK.

I was approx 20/800 with high astigmatism and am now 20/20!! Recommend my doctor in Denver (I did a lot of research)if you can make it. Dr. Spivack at the Spivack Vision Center Englewood Colorado “spivack.com”

Another laser eye surgery user review, “Reading this book before having the Lasik procedure on my eyes was like having the opportunity to chat with my doctor for days before the surgery. Of course, there is not a doctor these days that can spend that much time with each patient….. so if you are thinking on Lasik for your eyes….. this book will help you to understand your case and to and make a good decision before the surgery. Good luck!”

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tr><td><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511BXG669VL._SL75_.jpg" /><td></tr><tr><td>Do you want to see well — without glasses or contact lenses?If you have been considering laser eye surgery, here is the definitive guide to the procedure that nearly one million Americans have each year. Written by the doctor who first performed LASIK in the United States, this comprehensive book answers all your questions and alleviates any fears you might have about this safe, effective, and exciting way to restore your vision. Inside you’ll discover:• How LASIK, PRK, and other corrective surgeries are performed, and which are right for you• Who gets the best results from surgery ... and who isn’t a candidate• The risks, side effects, and precautions you need to know• How to choose the right procedure• How to find the best surgeon ... and if you should go to a “mall” clinic• And much more<td></tr></table>

Another reviewer says, “This is an excellent reference work for anyone contemplatinglaser surgery. The author explains the technical aspects of the surgery, the benefits and the population of patients qualifying for this protocol. He begins the book by explaining how to read a visual prescription. i.e.
- sphere (D) + or – Cyl. power (D) @ Cyl.axis

The excimer laser correction is utilized for nearsightedness. The objective of the procedure is to change the shape of the eye window. The excimer laser is utilized for farsightedness.The protocol has a steepening impact with respect to eye depth. It makes the center of the eye window deeper. The authorsexplain situations not helped by the laser surgery. For instance, the protocol cannot help in cases where there is brain involvement which impedes the ability to see. In addition, the procedure cannot help in assisting retinal cell communication of images to the brain. This work is an excellent addition to the personal health library for those considering any type of laser surgical procedure.”

Whether you will be having California laser eye surgery or LASIK in any state, this book will help you fully understand the process from choosing your surgeon to recovering after your surgery.

This book about refractive eye surgery procedures, including LASIK, IntraLASIK, Epi-LASIK, CK, Implantable Contact Lenses, among others, is the only source you will need to fully understand refractive surgical procedures, including associated rishks as well as benefits, and even how to choose your laser eye surgeon. A lifetime of your vision is at stake – choose wisely!

Other Types of Laser Vision Correction Surgery as Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK without a flap – PRK, Advanced Surface Treatment, Lasek, Epi-Lasik

An option for those people who cannot undergo the normal LASIK procedure due to thin corneas, very dry eyes, unusual curvature of the the cornea and is a more safe procedure due to any of those conditions. A couple of disadvantages must be noted for this type of procedure. One is that this type of eye surgery takes longer to heal and you will not be able to do your normal vision activities such as long periods of reading for a week. Often people choose to do one eye at a time for this reason. The other downfall is pain and discomfort during that first week which can be alleviated somewhat with eye drops and pain medication.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK was invented in the early 1980s and was the primary laser eye surgery performed before the popular LASIK was developed. This procedure is still widely used today, preferred by surgeons to be used on patients with different shaped eyes such as very large pupils or, as mentioned above, thin corneas. Again, the disadvantage of this procedure over traditional LASIK is that it takes longer for patients to attain better vision and there is more discomfort.

Lasek

Lasek is not Lasik mispelled. Lasek stands for Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis and is alternative to LASEK surgery. Lasek differs from Lasik in that, instead of using a microkeratome to cut the flap at the front of the eye, a very fine blade called a trephine is used. After the flap is cut, an alcohol solution is applied to loosen the edges to allow for an easier flap removal. The epithelium is cut to a thickness of 50 microns while the stroma is left uncut. Uses a trephine, a finer blade than that used in LASIK. An excimer laser ablates corneal tissue under the epithelial flap. An alcohol solution helps lift the epithelium. Lasek is a better choice for poor LASIK candidates including people with less corneal tissue, fewer haze outcomes than LASIK, preserves more corneal tissue than LASIK, no complications of stromal flap as in LASIK, less risk of dry eye than LASIK.

Epi-Lasik

Similar to PRK and LASEK, Epi-Lasik creates a flap of the epithelium that is moved aside and replaced over the area treated with the excimer laser. Epi-Lasik is a type of laser vision correction that is just slightly different that traditional Lasik. Instead of using the thin blade of the microkeratome to create the flap at the front of the eye, a blunt plastic tool called an epithelial separator is used. The epithelial separator is used to displace the flap instead of using alcohol, which is used in some laser vision corrective surgeries and can kill epithelial cells. Epi-Lasik attempts to provide the best of both Lasik and PRK/LASEK. By using a blunt blade to lift the epithelium in a single sheet, the epithelium is a much more viable entity. The repositioned epithelium acts as a bandage while the underlying cornea heals. Although current studies are inconclusive if patient outcomes are better with Epi-Lasik when compared to PRK or LASEK, many studies have shown that the surface ablation class of Epi-Lasik, LASEK, and PRK provides better outcomes than Lasik and All-Laser Lasik.

These are just some of the different types of laser vision correction surgery that can be performed to treat astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness.  You should make an appointment with your eye doctor to see which procedure would best suit your eyes in order to get the best results from surgery. Each has it own benefits and risks and should be discussed with your doctor.

Here are some California Laser Vision Correction Surgery Facilities you may want to visit:
California Lasik Surgery Locations

Below are some of the popular California Lasik Surgery centers throughout California. If you are looking for laser eye surgeons in Los Angeles, then go to our page here at Lasik Los Angeles.

Even if you aren’t in Los Angeles, you may still want to consider having your surgery performed by Andrew I. Caster, MD, FACS from the Caster Eye Center in L.A. because not only has he recieved accolades for being the best laser eye surgeons in L.A., but also one of the top Lasik surgeons in the entire United States!  Read more about him by following the Lasik Los Angeles link above.

San Francisco Lasik

Ellis Eye and Laser and Laser Medical Center – Dr. William Ellis has performed over thirty thousand Lasik surgeries and has been internationally recognized.  The center performs all of the following procedures: LASIK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK, PRK, Bladeless LASIK, CK, or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Phone #1.800.733.7427.  Besides San Francisco, they also have offices in El Cerrito, San Jose, Mill Valley, Wallnut Creek and Roseville. Website: San Francisco Lasik

San Diego Lasik

San Diego Lasik Institute – Tony Pham, M.D. specializes in laser eye surgery and is a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He guarantees you 20/20 vision or your money back. As noted above, these are your eyes and you do not base your decision on money-back guarantees. He can’t guarantee your eyes back the way they were either. Nevertheless, Dr. Pham would be one to consider – just do your homework. The website does say some encouraging things about their practice on “Our Advantage” page. Their Blade Free LASIK Faq’s pages are very comprehensive too. Contact them by calling 1-619-298-2733 or visit the website at San Diego Lasik.

We will be adding more California Lasik centers to our directory on an ongoing basis.

If you have had Lasik Surgery in California, share your experiences, good or bad, below.  If you are a surgeon or representative from a Lasik California center, please tell us about your practice by commenting below as well.

For additional surgeons, you can also visit this Lasik California Directory that may not be listed here.

Caster Eye Center
9100 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 265E
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
1-800-444-5241
Lasik Los Angeles

California laser vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Dr. Andrew Caster, MD, FACS was voted one of the best doctors in America by other ophthalmologists.  This award is to less than forty Lasik specialists in the entire United States. He also was voted as Best Laser Eye Surgeon in Los Angeles in the Los Angeles Magazine.

LA Sight
11600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-828-2020

Dr. Wallace specialized in Lasik, PRK and other methods of vision correction such as IntraLase and IOL Implants. Like Dr. Caster from above, he was also named one of LA’s Best Doctors in Los Angeles Magazine. LA Sight offers a 20.20 or Free Lasik Guarantee. If you qualify for their program, you will receive 20/20 vision or they give you a refund. Pretty big talk, but it’s in writing so you may want to give them your business with nearly no risk – to your investment at least.

Benjamin Eye Institute
9201 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 709
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-275-5533

Dr. Arthur Benjamin specializes in all laser Lasik surgery. I don’t see a bunch of awards listed like the two above ophthalmologists had, but I’m sure he is still a very capable eye surgeon. He apparently was one of the first in LA to perform Acrysof ReSTOR IOL (that’s a mouthful!) surgery on cataract and prebyopic patients so their vision can be restored without needing glasses or contacts. And what’s also kind of cool, like the hair club for men, he’s not only the owner – but also a patient. There is a video on his site with him explaining about his experience getting Lasik Los Angeles eye surgery in California.

Hope this helps you find your Lasik Los Angeles surgeon a little faster.

The only standard that is uniformly applied worldwide is that the price of surgery is charged as one procedure per eye. This means that even if both of your eyes are operated on at the same time for a price of $1000 per procedure, the surgery will be charged as two separate procedures, thus costing you a total of $2000. There may also be extra charges for some procedures that require purely laser, without using surgical blades. Here we discuss the average cost and other price options of laser eye surgery.

A study conducted sometime in 2008 came up with the following average laser eye surgery costs. For all laser-based corrective surgical procedures wherein only one price is quoted, the average cost is $2,105.  For non-customized laser surgeries that are combined with the use of bladed instruments, the average price is $1,662 and $2,341 for the same types of surgeries but guided by wavefront analysis. Take note, however, that there can be a wide variety of costs for these laser eye surgeries and we are only quoting the average prices.

When choosing the clinic where you want to have your surgery done, be careful of those that advertise surgeries “from $499 per procedure” or something similar. Be sure to read the fine print on these advertisements because more often than not, only a few people will qualify for a procedure with the lowest price and the price quoted is usually for the surgery alone without taking into account any follow-up procedures that you may need. Also beware of so-called “bargain” prices for LASIK surgery; ask as many questions as you can before going for any bargain procedure to make sure that you are getting the correct treatment and that your safety is not being sacrificed.

Fortunately for us, the cost of laser eye surgery has stabilized from the year 2006 to 2008 and the current trend leans towards lower prices for non-customized procedures, especially those that do not use any of the recent technologies. The major downturn of the economy that characterized the year 2008 is also seen to cause a further decrease in laser eye surgery cost because of a proportionate decrease in demand. Remember that newer technologies almost always increase the cost of these surgeries so if you are working on a tight budget, it may be best to stick to the more traditional types of LASIK surgery. And more importantly, make sure that you know the total California laser eye surgery cost of the treatment that you will be going through – including post-operation costs – before you decide on any option.

If any of you would like more information on California eye surgery, please feel free to let us know. We encourage you to leave your comments, questions and even reviews of surgeons, good or bad on our site.  Personal recommendations are extremely valuable to people looking for surgeons.  It can certainly ease their mind when making a choice.

Thanks again for the visit and make sure to check back often to receive additional information on California laser eye surgery.