Better Vision. Better life.
Laser Vision Correction at Cataract and Refractive Center of Ohio
All laser vision correction procedures are not created equal. The Eye Center of Columbus is recognized as one of the premium eye care centers in the Midwest. With thousands of successful procedures to their credit, Dr. Epitropoulos is ready to help you choose the option that's best for your individual vision problem, whether you're nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.
Pricing
Discount Laser Centers
The cost of refractive surgery differs from practice to practice and depends on many factors. Some of these depend on the services included in the fee along with surgeon experience. Beware of discount laser eye surgery centers advertising low prices. Many of these centers use a “bait-and-switch” tactic by bringing patients in promising a low price for LASIK and subsequently adding expensive fees onto the final cost of the surgery. Some surgeons may charge less if they don’t have the technology or experience. Only a few patients are eligible for prices this low. Dr Epitropoulos feels that it is important to perform your testing pre-op and immediately post-op.
We understand you want to get a deal. But you should understand that we would never sacrifice your safety or comfort in order to save you a few dollars. We have one opportunity to get this right, and your vision is too important to you – and to us – to rely on anything but the best.
Our significant investment in the latest laser technology and diagnostic equipment is proof of this commitment, and our patients’ satisfaction is proof that it’s worth it.
Choosing a surgeon
The temptation that many people have is looking at price. Your vision is one of your most precious assets. The decision should not be based only on cost, so the best advice is to do your homework. You should choose an eye surgeon who is fully experienced and is worth your trust. Look at the surgeon’s experience and their credentials including board certification. Be familiar with the style of care he/she provides because each surgical practice is different. Your surgeon should be a part of the entire refractive surgery process from the beginning to end. He or she should be involved in most of the preoperative evaluation in addition to the surgical procedure and should monitor your progress for a period of time after your surgery. Make sure your surgeon completely explains the risks and potential complications that can be associated with the procedure and answers all your questions. An experienced refractive surgeon is one who has performed more than 1,000 procedures. You should ask your friends and family who have had surgery about their experience – a good surgeon usually has a good reputation in their community.
What about insurance?
Most insurance companies consider laser vision correction elective and cosmetic and usually do not cover the procedure. Medical flex plans are a great way to save by using pre-tax money. Best of all, vision correction may be tax-deductible as a medical expense. Check with your financial advisor.We offer convenient payment plans, and accept cash, check or credit (once approved). You can apply online and receive approval before you schedule an appointment.
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Still have questions?
Give us a call to schedule an exam. That’s the best way to learn exactly which procedure is best for you, and how much it would cost. While you’re here, we’d be happy to show you our facility and explain the entire process in detail.
Call Refractive Line (Lasik, PRK) 614.887.2020
If you are interested in seeing your best without glasses, please contact Alice Epitropoulos, M.D.
Why Lasik
LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is one of the most popular modern treatments for a number of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK has a number of benefits; aside from the short amount of time required for the procedure itself, the LASIK procedure allows for rapid healing with minimal discomfort. In fact, most patients see well enough to drive within 24 hours of their LASIK treatment.
Unlike surgeons in many"high-volume" LASIK centers, Dr. Epitropoulos conducts each LASIK exam personally to ensure the highest possible rate of success.
She believes that the best way to ensure a successful outcome is for her to personally conduct a comprehensive eye exam. Once Dr. Epitropoulos determines the health of your eyes, she will give you an informed and honest opinion on your candidacy for LASIK surgery.
When preparing for a LASIK evaluation or procedure, please keep in mind that wearing contact lenses can affect the shape of the eye, even if removed immediately prior to the office visit. You should abide by the following guidelines: soft contact lens wearers should stop wearing them for one week prior to the final examination and surgery; users of gas permeable or hard lenses should stop wearing them for four weeks before the final examination and surgery.
During the LASIK evaluation, your eyes will be measured and photographed with a computerized instrument to assess the shape of your cornea. Dr. Epitropoulos will also take into account a number of medical considerations such as your prescription strength, corneal thickness, and general health. She will also talk to you about your individual needs in regard to your lifestyle and your expectations. To help you make the right decision, you may also choose to speak with someone who has had the procedure. Although LASIK is a wonderful option for most people, there are certain groups of people who are not good candidates for the surgery, including:
People under the age of 21. Most people's eyes are still developing when they are younger, and Dr. Epitropoulos wants to make sure that the prescription has stabilized.
People with such afflictions as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.
People who have scarred corneas or a history of herpes infection in the eye.
Women who are pregnant or nursing. Often, prescriptions will fluctuate dramatically during and after pregnancy. Women should wait until after they are done nursing before undergoing LASIK.
Once Dr. Epitropoulos finds that you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, she will make sure that you understand all the facts about LASIK and that your expectations are realistic. It will then be up to you to make the ultimate decision to go ahead with the procedure. You are the only person who knows the value that can be placed on reducing your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Laser vision correction takes only about 15 minutes to complete. First, your prescription is entered into the computer that controls the laser. After the eye is prepared and numbed with anesthetic drops, Dr. Epitropoulos will create a flap in the cornea using an extraordinarily precise instrument called a microkeratome. You may feel some pressure during this portion of the procedure. The laser is then positioned over the eye, where it will emit small, controlled bursts of energy. Depending on the desired outcome of the surgery, small amounts of corneal tissue will be removed in order to change the focus of the eye. For the duration of the laser's operation, Dr. Epitropoulos will closely monitor the eye through a surgical microscope; she can pause the process at any time. Once the desired prescription has been achieved, the flap is returned to its original position. The flap will self-adhere and does not typically require sutures. The major advantages of corneal flap creation are that healing is faster and that discomfort is greatly reduced.
The postoperative period after LASIK is just as, if not more, important to the success of the procedure. The best way to help the healing process immediately after LASIK is to go directly home and sleep (or at least keep your eyes closed) for about four hours. Your eyelids will help the corneal flap to continue the bonding process. After this time period, it is essential that you keep your eyes lubricated with the drops provided by Dr. Epitropoulos and follow all of her postoperative instructions.
Most people find that they can resume normal activities shortly after undergoing LASIK and return to work within a couple of days. Dr. Epitropoulos will make specific recommendations to you during your follow-up exams.
Call Refractive Line (Lasik, PRK) 614.887.2020
We will discuss the benefits, risks and costs. As always, Dr Epitropoulos strives to provide the latest proven solutions to protect and restore vision for you and your loved ones.
Dr. Epitropoulos has been recognized as one of America's Best Doctors.
Dr. Epitropoulos has been voted as one of the top refractive surgeons by fellow physicians in the Central Ohio.
