LASIK is a modern vision correction surgery that can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts. LASIK reshapes the cornea, which is the clear surface layer of your eye, to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The procedure involves your LASIK surgeon creating a small flap in the cornea with an advanced femtosecond laser, folding it back, then reshaping the underlying tissue with an excimer laser. The procedure takes just 10-15 minutes, and most patients enjoy clearer vision after just one day of recovery.
EVO ICL (implantable collamer lens) is an alternative to LASIK and PRK in nearsighted patients who previously did not qualify for LASIK due to severe dry eye, irregular corneas, or severe nearsightedness. This lens is also available in a toric model for patients with astigmatism.
Using minimally invasive techniques in an outpatient setting, the EVO ICL is inserted surgically between the iris and the natural lens to correct vision from within the eye. The surgery is quick and painless, with minimal downtime.
The implanted lenses are biocompatible, maintenance-free, and completely reversible should the need arise for them to be removed or replaced in the future.
For patients who may not be candidates for LASIK, our eye surgeons offer PRK as an alternative. PRK is a procedure that was the predecessor to LASIK surgery and can still offer excellent vision correction for the right patient.
Just like LASIK, PRK uses an advanced excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. However, rather than making a flap in the surface layer of the cornea, it removes the epithelium entirely.
This makes the procedure safer for patients with thin corneas, dry eye, or patients who play contact sports, yet it has a longer recovery time of around three to five days.
Refractive lens exchange, or RLE, is a way to reduce your dependence on visual aids by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens, called an IOL. RLE can be helpful for patients who may not be candidates for LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures.
It is also often recommended for patients who have presbyopia or are over the age of 40. RLE procedure is virtually painless, and recovery is quick.
Most patients can return to their daily routines, with few exceptions, the next day.
There are many factors that go into determining if you are a good candidate for a modern vision correction procedure. Your ophthalmologist at Eye Doctors of Washington will help you determine which procedure is best for you at your consultation.
To undergo any vision correction procedure, you must be over 18, have a stable prescription, have healthy eyes, be in good health, not be pregnant or nursing, and have realistic expectations about what these procedures can achieve.
For over 50 years, we have provided the DC metropolitan area with state-of-the-art eye care. Founded by a group of professors from the Center for Sight at Georgetown University, our practice has consistently focused on the core values of academically oriented care, staying current with the latest advancements in ophthalmology, and providing a comfortable yet efficient environment for our patients.
Our LASIK surgeons have performed over 50,000 LASIK vision correction procedures and are considered among the most experienced ophthalmologists in the country. In addition to active involvement in research and clinical trials, our doctors have won many awards and are frequently selected as “Top Docs” by Washingtonian magazine
While LASIK is typically not covered by insurance, there are smart ways to manage the cost. Many patients use CareCredit to pay for LASIK with 0% interest financing, making it easier to fit vision correction into their monthly budget. You can also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for LASIK — since it’s a qualified medical expense, this can provide significant tax savings.
Rather than paying for glasses and contacts year after year, LASIK offers a long-term solution — and a smart financial investment in your vision.
Ask about current financing offers and how to use your HSA or FSA to start seeing clearly, sooner.
“I recently got LASIK and couldn’t be more satisfied with the entire experience. The office was incredibly efficient with scheduling and thorough in educating me about every step of the procedure. The procedure was a complete success, and I’m now seeing 20/20 again. If you’re considering LASIK, this is the place to do it. You’ll be in expert hands.”
“Cannot recommend EDW enough! After years and years of putting off PRK, I finally decided to do it with EDW. At this point, I have better than 20/20 vision and have never had any complications. The extremely attentive and personable staff also took time to explain everything to me, answer every question I had, and I never felt rushed or pressured. Thank you, EDW!”
“If you want to get LASIK, get it done here. Dr. Clinch did my LASIK, and I could not be happier with the results and my experience as a whole. Every staff member in this office showed genuine interest in making sure that I felt cared for and left with a positive experience. I recommend coming here for LASIK or any other eye care needs they can help with.”
