Almost anyone 21 years of age or older who is nearsighted or farsighted, or who has astigmatism, can be treated with laser vision correction.

Types of Laser Vision Correction

There are two main types of laser vision correction, both using the same custom wavefront excimer laser to properly shape and correct the cornea.  One is called LASIK and the other is known as LASEK.

Dr. Carlson in surgery.

LASIK involves cutting a relatively sizeable flap in the cornea.  LASEK involves making a similar but smaller incision in the cornea. Keith Carlson, MD (Claris founder) has conducted thousands of both surgeries and has a high success rate in conducting either of these.

There are significant benefits and risks associated with both types of laser vision correction surgeries.  Dr. Carlson and his team welcome your visit to discuss these and to determine which is right for you.

In addition to helping you understand various laser vision correction options, Claris Eye Care & Surgery will explain the costs and help you identify the best means of financing this procedure, if necessary.  We have financing options available.

Why doesn’t Claris charge $495 per eye for LVC?

When considering the cost of Laser Vision Correction, make sure to do an “apples to apples” comparison by asking the following questions to find out what is included in the quoted price:

1. Which type of laser is used to perform the surgery?

Dr. Carlson utilizes the VISX STAR S4 IR laser which represents the most advanced laser technology platform available today. Integrating data collected by the WaveScan® Wavefront system, the STAR S4 IR utilizes exclusive VISX technology to deliver precision custom laser surgery.

2. At which facility is the Laser Vision Correction (LVC) performed?

Dr. Carlson performs all procedures exclusively at the Phillips Eye Institute which specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and care of eye disorders and diseases. People from a five-state region come to the Phillips Eye Institute for an array of services, from diagnostic tests and vision rehabilitation to laser eye treatments and specialized eye surgery.

3. Is individualized custom Wavefront treatment used?

Dr. Carlson uses WaveScan® based digital technology which identifies and measures imperfections in your eyes 25 times more precisely than standard methods. The powerful WaveScan® software translates the information into a set of CustomVue® treatment instructions for the laser. These digital treatment instructions are then transferred to the laser, driving a new level of precision and accuracy.

4. Which type of LVC procedure will be performed?

The majority of LVC procedures performed today are either LASIK or LASEK.  LASIK involves cutting a relatively sizeable flap in the cornea, performing the laser treatment under the flap and then replacing the flap.  LASEK involves moving the top layer of the cornea, called epithelium, to the side.  After the laser treatment, the corneal epithelium is replaced. The laser used for the actual treatment is the same in either procedure. Dr. Carlson has conducted thousands of both surgeries and has a high success rate in either of these.

5. Are there extra charges for patients with high glasses prescriptions, astigmatism, preoperative testing, postoperative exams, eye drops and enhancements after the initial laser treatment?

There are no extra charges at Claris Eye & Surgery for higher corrections, astigmatism, preoperative ancillary testing, postoperative exams or enhancement surgeries for the first year.  A postoperative kit, containing most of the eye drops needed after surgery, is provided at no charge.  An antibiotic eye drop prescription will be written for pick up at your local pharmacy.  This eye drop may be covered by your medical insurance.

6. Is the follow-up care provided by the primary surgeon or a different doctor/technician?

If you have your LVC surgery performed at Claris Eye Care & Surgery, Dr. Carlson and his technologist, Marti Orr, will do all preoperative and postoperative evaluations.

7. Is the price quoted for surgery per eye?

Yes.

If you have questions about vision correction, please contact us at 612.775.8009 or by email at info@clariseyecare.com.

You may submit immediate questions via the blue Contact Us box located to the right.