LASIK in Los Angeles at The Kagan Institute
By now you know that almost everyone has heard about LASIK (it has become a household name due to millions of dollars in marketing money spent by doctors and industry) and it’s very likely that you even have friends and family members that have had the procedure. While the majority of them are extremely happy about their results you may still have some reservations about having the procedure yourself.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure developed more than 20 years ago to permanently correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. LASIK is the most popular type of vision correction performed in the United States[1]. As of 2016, over 40 million procedures have been performed since 1991[2]. Over the years, LASIK has become much safer and more predictable for patients. The procedure has improved significantly to reach a level where the majority of patients can live well without their dependence on glasses or contacts.
Please take a few seconds to watch a testimonial from one of our very own patients!
Next Steps
If you have some interest in the procedure but don’t know where to start or where to go we have a truly amazing offer for you:
It is important to come in for an evaluation because you might not be a good candidate for LASIK. There are a few specific requirements and you might actually be perfect for a different vision correction procedure. When you come in for your evaluation we will perform multiple computerized tests using the latest technology so you will know for sure what is best for your vision!
Frequently asked questions by our patients about LASIK:
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Dr. K: Most people will be good candidates for the procedure. You must have a healthy eye, healthy cornea, a specific glasses/contact lens prescription, and be at least 21 years old. Another important factor is that your prescription (glasses/contacts) needs to be stable which means minimal to no change in the last 6 months to 1 year (when you come in for your consultation please bring your old glasses or contact prescriptions).
Q: What is the longevity of the procedure?
Dr. K: LASIK is meant to be a permanent vision correction and in my 25 years of performing this procedure (including all the medical studies) that is still the case. Most people will have cataract surgery in their 70s, 80s, and 90s even after LASIK.
Q: Does it hurt?
Dr. K: Most patients tell us that they experience a mild pressure sensation during the procedure, but no pain. The procedure is performed using topical drop anesthesia (the drops completely numb the eye so there is no pain during the procedure).
Q: How long is the recovery?
Dr. K: Typically the recovery is about 24-48 hours. After LASIK, most of our patients can drive themselves to the follow-up appointment the next day without the need for glasses or contacts!
Is LASIK FDA approved?
Dr. K: So technically the FDA does not approve procedures but what they do is they approve devices to be used for the procedure. At my practice, we only use FDA approved lasers to perform our patients’ LASIK procedures.
Q: Is this procedure covered by health insurance like Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, United, Health Net, etc.?
Dr. K: No, LASIK has never been covered and never will be covered by the big 5 insurance companies (these companies don’t even want to pay us doctors for your regular health care coverage, why would they cover an amazing life changing procedure like LASIK?). As a former CEO of Blue Cross once said in a public speech “We are in the business of collecting premiums not covering health care.”
Q: How much does LASIK cost?
Dr. K: The cost can vary depending on if you are getting one or both eyes treated. We have convenient and affordable financing available to patients to help make this procedure affordable to anyone. Click here to learn more.
THE KAGAN INSTITUTE LASIK DIFFERENCE
- Dr. Kagan has performed over 2500 successful LASIK procedures in his 25 years of practice.
- We use the best FDA-Approved Excimer laser for our procedures.
- Easy financing and payment plans for an affordable procedure are available. Click here to learn more.
[1]https://www.whittenlasereye.com/history-of-refractive-eye-surgery-lasik/
[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK
