If you are having problems with your eyes and you want them to return back to their original function and performance, you may want to consider Lasik surgery. Let us answer questions about this surgery like ‘what is LASIK?’, ‘how does Lasik work?’ and ‘is Lasik covered by insurance?’
What is Lasik surgery?
Lasik is an eye surgery with an acronym that means ‘laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis’. It is used to correct a person’s vision, whether it be myopia or nearsightedness or hyperopia or farsightedness. It also covers astigmatism or the eye’s failure to focus light leading to blurry vision.
How is Lasik surgery performed?
This surgery is focused on the cornea of the patient since the blurring and distortion of vision is the effect of having misshapen corneas. Different diagnostic exams are needed to make sure that Lasik surgery is the right procedure to address your eye problem.
Before the surgery, eye drops that have a numbing effect are put to the eyes, and the doctor uses a ring-like structure that is used to suction the cornea or the thin covering of the eye. A microkeratome is used as a blade the cuts the cornea to flap it on one side. The doctor then uses a computer-generated laser that emits impulses to reshape the cornea. As the doctor returns the cornea to its normal position, instant clearing of your vision can already be noticed, although monitoring will still be needed.
How much is a Lasik surgery?
In the US, Lasik surgery can cost you approximately $2000 to $2200 per eye. The cost is directly affected by the severity of your corneal refraction, the location of the surgery, and the expertise of your eye surgeon.
Is Lasik covered by insurance?
The answer to this question depends on the patient and the reason why he is getting a Lasik surgery. Typically, insurance companies list down Lasik surgery as an elective surgery like cosmetic surgery, so it is not covered by their insurance policy. However, there are situations where Lasik surgery can be covered.
- You have a vision plan or coverage. Some insurance policies have extras cover, which may include dental coverage or vision coverage. This gives you the chance to have a percentage of your procedure to be covered by your medical insurance.
- The eye surgery is necessary as a result of an injury or a surgical issue. If your eye surgery is part of an injury or a surgical mishap, the procedure may be covered by insurance.
- The patient is unable to wear corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses so Lasik surgery is a must.
Go to Armadale Eye’s clinic in Melbourne if you’re interested in getting LASIK surgery.
