About All-Laser LASIK
For Patients in Tyler, Athens, Longview, TX & All of East Texas
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a laser procedure that reshapes the cornea, reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses and contacts for patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or even have astigmatism. All-Laser LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using the precision of FDA-approved femtosecond and excimer laser technology. All-Laser LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the U.S. due to its accuracy, safety and quick recovery time. With All-Laser LASIK, in the hands of a highly skilled surgeon, it only takes seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Results are impressive, in fact, most of the patients at Heaton Eye Associates see 20/20 or better and are able to resume most normal activities as soon as the day after their procedure!
Ready to begin seeing clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses? We welcome you to contact one of our locations in Tyler, Athens, or Longview, TX to schedule a free consultation! Our team of certified opticians would be happy to go over your options, discuss the process, and provide you with more information about All-Laser LASIK.
Save on All-Laser LASIK
Check out our current LASIK savings and financing options to help make getting All-Laser LASIK more affordable.
All-Laser LASIK Steps
Step One
Wavefront Optimized® technology is used to customize each procedure based on the unique qualities of your eyes to improve the overall outcome as well as reducing glare and halos, especially at night.
Step Two
The safety and precision of the Ziemer Femtosecond Laser is used to create a corneal flap to prepare your eye for the excimer laser treatment. Your eyes are numbed with drops, and you will be provided a mild sedative so you will be comfortable during your procedure.
Step Three
The excimer laser’s cool beam technology is used to reshape the cornea and eliminate any sources of vision distortion. The most advanced alignment and tracking systems ensure safety, precision and accuracy throughout your treatment.
Step Four
The protective flap created in step 2 is gently placed back in its original position, and the cornea begins healing immediately. You will return home and relax for the rest of the day.
You will need a driver to take you home after your procedure since your vision will be blurry at first. It is best to go home and rest as your eyes recover. Recovery with LASIK is amazingly fast! Most patients are able to resume normal activities such as working, reading and driving the very next day!
Our Technology
State of the Art Technology
WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser is the fastest platform available in the U.S. and the next leap forward in quick, accurate treatments.
Customized for Every Eye
Wavefront Optimized™ and Wavefront Guided technology allow for customized treatments and centration for more accuracy and precision.
Precisely Focused on Accuracy
Our powerful eye tracker offers safety and exceptional precision with dynamic pupil and movement tracking.
Optimized for Night Vision
With PerfectPulse Technology™ the WaveLight® EX500 laser is the only FDA approved laser for treating night vision.
Find out if you are a Candidate
Take our LASIK Self Evaluation now, and see if you are a good candidate for All-Laser LASIK!
LASIK Alternatives
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, we provide other options for the clear vision you’re seeking! Implantable Contact Lenses, Lifestyle Lenses or Refractive Lens Exchange may be better suited for your eyes and your vision needs. Schedule a consultation today to find out if you’re a candidate.
LASIK FAQs
LASIK surgery does not stop the natural aging process. It is possible that reading glasses will still be necessary after surgery depending upon your individual vision needs. Cataracts, glaucoma and other diseases of the eye may still develop resulting in the dependency on glasses. However, as long as the eyes stay healthy, we can expect limited use of glasses in the future.
The anesthetic used is topical eye-drops.
Patients can expect to feel a slight pressure at times during the procedure. After surgery, once the anesthetic wears off, a patient may feel a dry, scratchy feeling lasting 24 to 48 hours. Discomfort is minimal if any is experienced at all.
A patient may return to work or other normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Those who are exposed to a dusty, dirty environment may want to allow a few extra days for healing before returning.
You can begin driving as soon as your vision is comfortable. Usually after 1 to 2 days.
Patients’ initial side effects tend to subside during the first 24 to 48 hours. They include dry, scratchy sensations; temporary increase in light sensitivity; excessive tearing. Patients tend to return to work or other activities within the next 1 to 2 days.
You can expect your vision to fluctuate during the 2 weeks following surgery. However, patients’ vision will vary from person to person.
Actual surgery time takes approximately 5-10 minutes per eye, depending upon the correction needed for best vision. A patient will be in the procedure room for about 20 minutes.
Patients are required to use prescription drops anywhere from 1-6 weeks. The type of procedure will dictate the length of time required. LASIK patients are asked to use protective shields for 7 days while sleeping to prevent rubbing of the eyes. Once 7 days have passed, shields or patches are not required.
Fluctuations in vision which might affect the results of surgery sometimes occur during pregnancy and nursing. For the most accurate results we require patients to wait 6 weeks from the date they stop nursing for their LASIK exam and surgery.
We would be happy to answer any other questions you may have, please call us at (800) 762-5787.
What Our LASIK Patients Are Saying
“I’ve needed glasses since my college days, and they have
made it more difficult to play sports and limited my life in general. I wanted to be
free from the restriction of glasses! I chose Heaton Eye Associates because they had
great reviews, and as a doctor myself, I trusted Dr. Muirhead – we both graduated
from the same medical school!”
– Dr. Kyle Howard, Pediatrician in
Marshall
(Photo of Joel Muirhead, M.D. and Dr. Kyle
Howard)
“After my husband had such an amazing experience with Dr.
Nickel, I decided to take the leap too! From the first visit to the surgery, I’ve
met some of the kindest and most professional eye care pros. As a cherry on top of a
great experience, Dr. Nickel prayed with me before surgery. I highly recommend
Heaton Eye Associates!”
– Rachel R.
(Photo of Todd
Nickel, D.O. and Rachel R.)
“I wanted to see clearly without contacts and glasses. I
love that I will be able to enjoy clear, crisp vision for years to come! I chose
Heaton Eye Associates because they have a wonderful reputation, and trusted doctors
and staff.”
– Heather G.
(Photo of Joel Muirhead, M.D.
and Heather G.)
“I was ready to be out of contacts and glasses, and I chose
Heaton Eye Associates because they have a great reputation. Everyone who worked with
me
made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. I recommend Heaton to anyone I
know!”
– Melissa K.
(Photo of Charles Heaton, M.D. and
Melissa K.)
“My experience with Heaton has been absolutely amazing! The
staff and doctor made me feel like part of the family. They kept me comfortable and
worry free during my procedure. Dr. Hardin walked me through all the steps while I
was
having my LASIK so I felt completely safe, and there was no pain at all. I’m so
happy
with my decision!”
– Ashley W.
(Photo of Thad Hardin,
M.D.
and Ashley W.)
