Page Updated: July 20, 2020

LASIK Surgery in San Diego

Eye

Enjoy life San Diego with LASIK! Laser vision correction surgery can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contacts so you can focus on what is important to you. At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, our experienced LASIK surgeons are widely recognized as leaders in vision correction. We believe that patient education is important and we want to provide all the information you need to make the decision that is best for your vision, your eye health, and your lifestyle. Contact us if your question is not answered here or if you would like to schedule a consultation appointment.

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What is LASIK?

LASIK, or Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is the most popular form of vision correction surgery. The treatment uses laser technology to reshape the eye’s cornea in order to correct refractive errors. By precisely changing the shape of the cornea, LASIK improves the way that light refracts, or bends, in order to enhance the way in which light focuses to the rest of the eye. LASIK can improve myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, which are common refractive errors.¹

What Happens During the LASIK Surgery Procedure?

The actual LASIK procedure is typically complete within minutes. First, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. During surgery a thin flap is created in the upper layer of the cornea. The surgeon will then use a laser to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue according to your prescription and unique eye contours. The corneal flap will then be placed back in its original position. No sutures are required after replacing the corneal flap. The surface is kept dry for several minutes and is then flushed with antibiotic eye drops. A temporary eye shield or patch is applied to protect the eye while it heals.

Blended Vision – Monovision LASIK or PRK

Monovision LASIK or PRK are laser treatments that can correct one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. The brain can then blend these images together for the clearest results possible.

LASIK Surgery Recovery

After LASIK surgery, you should expect to rest for the remainder of the day and follow any specific instructions from your LASIK surgeon.

What You Need to Know About LASIK Recovery²:

Most patients are able to see better immediately, but patients with severe astigmatism may see a more gradual improvement.
You may experience mild burning or itching, but it should resolve within 24 hours.
Patients typically resume regular routines the next day.
Possible side effects such as puffiness, sensitivity, and dry eyes generally go away within the first several weeks.
Don’t plan to swim or submerge your face in water for about 2 weeks.

LASIK Results and Benefits

LASIK offers a vast array of benefits for patients who are candidates for the procedure, including:

A significant reduction or elimination of dependence on corrective eyewear – Over 90% of LASIK patients gain 20/20 vision or better³
LASIK is generally a quick and painless procedure
Results that are often immediate
Most potential side effects are typically temporary
The patient satisfaction rating for LASIK is among the highest of any elective procedure, at 96%³

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LASIK Risks

LASIK is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced refractive surgeon.⁴ However, any surgery carries some risk. Many common LASIK side effects, such as dry eyes or hazy vision are temporary and will diminish upon healing. Potential complications of LASIK include:⁵

Loss of vision
Glare, halos, or double vision
Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
Dry eye syndrome

LASIK Technology

The team at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute is committed to providing the best laser vision correction possible by combining expert skill and experience with the most advanced technology available. We exclusively offer All-Laser LASIK because it is less invasive and more precise than traditional LASIK techniques. We utilize the WaveLight^® Refractive Suite, which is the most state-of-the-art technology available for laser vision correction. We optimize vision for patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism by using Contoura™ Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction. We also utilize Wavefront Guided Custom LASIK, which corrects visual aberrations to provide the most accurate laser vision correction possible.

Learn more about the technology of LASIK at The Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute

Are You A Candidate For LASIK Surgery?

We have helped thousands of people who have struggled with poor vision improve their quality of life through LASIK. The Gordon Schanzlin Institute offers a range of vision correction procedures. If you are not a candidate for LASIK, another treatment, such as PRK, may better suit your needs. You can compare the options and schedule a consultation with our experienced staff who will evaluate your needs and guide you to the best option for you.

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Why Choose Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute for LASIK in San Diego?

We are LASIK Leaders The Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute was one of the first centers in the United States to offer LASIK eye surgery. Many of our doctors have been among the pioneers in the field of laser vision correction, participating in clinical trials of new techniques for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In fact, Dr. Michael Gordon is known as a global leader in refractive surgery and was the first surgeon in the U.S. to utilize the Summit Excimer Laser for the correction of nearsightedness.

We offer advanced technology Our practice is committed to providing our patients with access to some of the most advanced laser treatment technologies in the world, including the WaveLight^®Refractive Suite and Contoura Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction, a state-of-the-art laser platform designed to optimize the cornea’s optical surface and provide patients with vision of even better quality than that which can be obtained with eyeglasses. Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute was involved in the clinical trials that preceded FDA approval for this revolutionary technique, and we are one of the first centers in the nation to offer it.
We deliver personalized service We take the time to work with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan. Check out some of our patient stories to learn more about the many different people who have benefited from treatment at our San Diego practice.

If you have questions about how LASIK can help you improve your vision, or if you would like to schedule an eye evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, please contact us today.

Military Discount for LASIK

The Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute is proud to offer special pricing to our friends in the U.S. Military. Active duty members of the military and their dependents can receive a 25% discount on LASIK laser vision correction procedures. Get details on this offer and read more about LASIK in the military.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

How much does LASIK cost in San Diego?
The price of LASIK can vary greatly depending on your unique vision needs, as well as the technology used and the experience of your LASIK surgeon. At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute we strive to make LASIK affordable. We offer financing options to help you fit LASIK into your budget.

Do I really have to stop wearing contacts before my LASIK surgery?
Yes, it is important that you discontinue wearing contact lenses for at least one week prior to your pre-surgery exam (your LASIK surgeon may require a longer period depending on your prescription and treatment plan). Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea and your LASIK surgeon needs to get an accurate view of your cornea shape in order to optimize your LASIK results.

How soon after LASIK can I wear eye makeup?
We generally recommend waiting at least one week after surgery to wear eye makeup. You may also consider purchasing new products to reduce the risk of infection.

Does LASIK Wear Off?
No, LASIK is a permanent procedure in which your cornea is surgically reshaped. However, LASIK will not prevent future changes in your eye health and patients may still need reading glasses as they age. This type of age-related near vision loss is called presbyopia and it is a natural part of the aging process that occurs because of changes in the lens of the eye. Most people begin to notice presbyopia symptoms in their 40’s.

Contact Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute

Interested in learning more about LASIK Surgery? Call us at (858) 295-1734, or if you prefer email, click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

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^{1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What is LASIK. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-lasik Accessed September 18, 2019.}

^{2 American Refractive Surgery Council. Beyond Seeing Clearly: What to Expect with LASIK Recovery. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/what-to-expect-with-lasik-recovery/ Accessed September 18, 2019.}

^{3 Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Vol. 42, Issue 8, August 2016, Pages 1224-1234}

^{4 Sandoval HP, Donnenfeld ED, Kohnen T, et al. Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016;42(8):1224–1234}

^{5 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-are-risks-and-how-can-i-find-right-doctor-me Accessed September 18, 2019.}

The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.