LASIK & iLASIK

LASIK is a procedure that reshapes the cornea to eliminate refractive errors. Doctors have been performing LASIK for over a decade, and 31.4 million procedures have been performed worldwide. It is the most common elective vision procedure in the United States. We offer the all-laser iLASIK, which is an outpatient procedure that requires no needles and no blades. iLASIK is a stellar combination of today’s most innovative laser vision correction technologies.

For our patients’ convenience, a full-time LASIK coordinator is available to schedule appointments and to answer questions at 706-243-2020. We also offer patients a free refractive consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK has helped millions of people enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to attend a consultation with one of our refractive specialists at West Georgia Eye Care Center. They’ll review your medical history, talk through your lifestyle and vision goals, and perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether LASIK can deliver the results you’re hoping for.

In general, you may be a good candidate for LASIK if:

• You are 18 years or older
• You have had a stable prescription for at least one year 
• You are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism within the range LASIK can correct 
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Your corneas are thick enough to safely create the flap LASIK requires 
• You do not have eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye 
• You do not have autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome 
• You have realistic expectations about what LASIK can do for your vision

If your eye doctor determines that LASIK isn’t the best option for you right now, that doesn’t mean permanent vision correction is off the table. West Georgia Eye Care Center offers the latest FDA-approved technologies for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and your specialist can help you explore an alternative that fits your eyes.

What are the Benefits of LASIK?

Patients who choose iLASIK at West Georgia Eye Care Center have the opportunity to enjoy excellent benefits, including:

Freedom From Glasses and Contacts

LASIK can give you crisp, clear vision without the daily hassle of visual aids. Instead of scrambling for your glasses before heading out the door or realizing you’re down to your last pair of contacts, you can move through your day with confidence and clarity. Beyond the everyday convenience, that freedom makes meaningful moments even better. Imagine taking in the view at the end of a long hike, exploring a new city, or watching a loved one get married, all in sharp, high-definition vision, with nothing standing between you and the moment.

Improved Visual Acuity

Because LASIK corrects your specific refractive errors, many patients enjoy vision that’s even sharper than what they experienced with glasses or contacts. Patients often notice better depth perception and a wider field of vision, which can be especially helpful when you’re playing sports, navigating unfamiliar places, or focusing on detail-oriented hobbies like painting or woodworking.

Quick, Comfortable Procedure

iLASIK is an outpatient procedure that requires no needles and no blades, and your eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops to keep you comfortable from start to finish. The treatment itself takes only minutes per eye, and most patients are cleared to return to work and driving after just one day of recovery. That makes LASIK an ideal choice for busy professionals who don’t want to put their lives on hold. 

Saves You Money Over Time

While LASIK has a higher upfront cost, most patients find they save money in the long run by choosing it over a lifetime of glasses and contacts. The recurring costs of frames, lenses, contacts, cleaning solution, and replacements add up year after year, while LASIK is a one-time investment in your vision. 

To make your procedure more affordable, West Georgia Eye Care Center offers financing options, and we proudly accept CareCredit so you can fit LASIK comfortably into your budget.

The Technology Behind iLASIK

West Georgia Eye Care Center was the first practice in Georgia to offer the innovative iLASIK procedure with iFS technology, the most advanced bladeless laser vision correction available. iLASIK is a 100% all-laser procedure, meaning there are no needles or blades at any step. It brings together today’s most sophisticated laser technologies into a single, customized treatment designed for your individual eyes. 

The first step uses the iFS femtosecond laser to create an ultra-thin corneal flap with remarkable precision. Because this stage relies entirely on laser energy rather than a handheld blade, it offers exceptional safety, consistency, and customization from one patient to the next. 

Once the flap is gently lifted, an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct your unique refractive error. The flap is then returned to its original position, where it bonds naturally and acts as a protective bandage while your eye heals, no stitches needed. 

The iLASIK platform is so trusted for its accuracy and reliability that it earned exclusive approval for use by NASA astronauts and U.S. military pilots, some of the most visually demanding professions there are. With more than a decade of technical development behind it, iLASIK at West Georgia Eye Care Center is designed to help you see better, faster.

What Is the LASIK Recovery Timeline Like?

One of the biggest advantages of LASIK is how quickly most patients bounce back. While everyone heals at their own pace, here’s a general look at what you can expect.

The Day of Your Procedure

Because you won’t be able to drive immediately after LASIK, you’ll need a friend or loved one to take you home. The best thing you can do on that first day is rest. Many patients find that a few hours of sleep helps them feel significantly better, and it’s normal to wake up already noticing an improvement in their vision. 

It’s also normal to experience mild irritation, burning, watering, or light sensitivity in the hours following surgery. Try to relax and resist the urge to rub your eyes while they’re in the earliest stage of healing. Your LASIK surgeon will send you home with a protective shield to wear while you sleep so you don’t disturb the flap overnight. 

The First Few Days

You’ll attend a follow-up appointment, typically the day after your procedure, so your eye doctor can check on your healing and let you know when it’s safe to resume your normal routine. Most patients are cleared to return to work and driving at this visit.  

As you recover, you’ll follow a few simple instructions, including:

• Applying your prescription eye drops on the schedule your eye doctor provides
• Avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes
• Keeping water out of your eyes and skipping swimming and hot tubs
• Wearing your protective eye shield while you sleep
• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors
• Refraining from strenuous exercise until your eye doctor clears you

The Following Weeks and Months

Most patients can ease back into exercise after about 2 weeks and into contact sports or swimming after roughly 1 month, though your eye doctor will provide guidance based on how your eyes are healing. Your vision will continue to sharpen gradually during this time. 

While many patients see clearly within the first day or two, it can take several weeks to a few months to reach peak visual clarity. From there, you can look forward to enjoying years of crisp, clear eyesight. 

Ready to find out if iLASIK is right for you? Schedule a free refractive consultation at West Georgia Eye Care Center in Columbus, GA, or call our LASIK Coordinator at 762-775-3852 to get your questions answered. 

Financing is available to make your iLASIK or LASIK procedure more affordable.

Refractive Specialist