4109 N. Midland Dr. Midland, TX 79707 // [email protected]

Ways To Pay For LASIK

Ways To Pay For LASIK

Ways To Pay For LASIK

Unfortunately, LASIK is considered an elective procedure by (most) insurance companies. While it’s important to be able to see clearly, a life of contacts and glasses isn’t for everyone. Today, we’re sharing some ways to pay for LASIK so you’re able to enjoy more freedom.

First Things First

Before making any decision regarding financial arrangements, we recommend scheduling your complimentary consultation. Not only does it help us to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for LASIK, it helps you to understand the financial obligations. Part of the consultation goes over those requirements so there are no surprises on the day of the procedure.

Save Up

This is the simplest way…and sometimes the most difficult. EyeLASIK accepts cash and credit cards. Some people have been saving for a while and have liquid funds to pay for LASIK upfront. However, if you don’t have enough saved up, don’t get discouraged. There are other ways to pay for LASIK.

We Offer Financing!

EyeLASIK works with CareCredit, a reputable medical financing company. CareCredit offers affordable financing rates and allows patients to pay over time. However, please be advised that they are completely independent of EyeLASIK. Their offers are subject to credit approval. For additional information about CareCredit, please click here.

Other Loans

Though it’s inadvisable to ask for loans from family members, it might be a feasible option for some patients. Additionally, qualified candidates may consider talking to their personal banker regarding a personal loan.

Health Savings Accounts

As per the 2017 guidelines, many flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) insurance plans consider LASIK an allowable procedure. However, be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm this. It’s a great way to utilize those insurance savings accounts.

Are you still interested in finding out more about LASIK? Our consultations won’t make a dent in your savings account. They’re completely free of charge. Schedule yours today!

Ways To Pay For LASIK

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Questions To Ask Before LASIK

Questions To Ask Before LASIK

Congratulations! You’ve finally made the step to move forward with LASIK! You’ve booked your consultation appointment…and now you’re drawing a blank on what to ask. Sometimes, medical consultations can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s a procedure you’re excited about. However, we’re here to fill you in on questions to ask before LASIK during your consultation

(1) Who Will Be Performing My Procedure?

EyeLASIK works with two surgeons, Dr. Tschoepe and Dr. Walters. They both have extensive experience and have performed thousands of LASIK procedures. Our surgeons are on a rotating schedule, so it’s dependent on when your surgery date is scheduled.

(2) Who Takes Care Of Post-Op Follow-Up?

Your current optometrist will be your primary point of contact after your procedure. However, if you experience any post-op issues, please contact us.

(3) What Results Can I Reasonably Expect?

Our goal is to have you seeing clearly without the need for glasses or contacts. According to Duke Health, the success rate is approximately 98%.

(4) Do Any Other Medications I’m Taking Interfere With My Healing Time?

Obviously, this varies on a case-by-case basis. If you take regular prescription medications, please let us know. It’s doubtful that these prescriptions will interfere with healing time, but it’s important to let us know beforehand.

(5) What Type Of Laser Surgery Is Right For Me?

That’s one of the main reasons we require a consultation. Our staff coordinator and clinic director review your eye history, including the type(s) of refractive errors you experience. If you’re interested in finding out more about the types of procedures offered at EyeLASIK, find out more by clicking here.

(6) Does My Medical History Affect My Ability To Get LASIK?

Unfortunately, certain illnesses can disqualify a person from becoming a candidate for LASIK. While we will discuss this more in depth during your complimentary consultation, feel free to contact us ahead of time to confirm.

(7) How Long Do My Eyes Need To Be “Stable” Before I’m A Candidate?

The longer, the better! We generally find that candidates over the age of 21 who are out of school and have stable vision for over one year are more likely to see prolonged success.

Still have more questions that we didn’t cover? Write them down and be sure to bring them to your consultation. We’re happy to help answer them!

 

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4th Of July Safety Tips

4th Of July Safety Tips

Happy Independence Day from EyeLASIK! America’s birthday is a wonderful holiday. Luckily, this year, it falls on a Tuesday, allowing for a four-day weekend. However, it’s important to know that even with the most fun holidays, there are certain precautions to take. We’ve got several 4th of July safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe the holiday weekend.

Stay Shady…In A Good Way

While being outside on sunny days is amazing, Texas heat in July can be brutal. It’s important to make sure that guests have access to shade. Whether this is under trees or created with canopies or tents, the coolness of the shade can help people to avoid heat exhaustion. Additionally, it helps to prevent sunburns.

Other shade(s) we need to mention? Sunshades! If you’re enjoying the 4th outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection in the lenses. Not only do they protect your eyes from sunburn (yes, eye sunburns are a thing), they keep you from squinting. And we all know that squinting causes wrinkles.

Lather Up

Just like sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, frequent applications of sunscreen can protect your skin. It’s important to follow manufacturer’s instructions on reapplication, especially when you’re sweating or swimming. Additionally, we recommend using SPF around your eyes, too. Not only does it help to prevent certain cancers, it can help you avoid crows’ feet.

Watch Out For The Mist

Sounds like a summer horror B-movie, right? Not at all! We simply mean to be cautious of what might get into your eyes. These include bug sprays, sunscreen, water (from swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, or oceans, and activities such as water balloon or water gun fights

Take A Sip

Outdoor activities usually mean that the body will sweat more. This indicates that your body is losing water, so it’s important to replenish. Staying hydrated during the 4th of July (and all summer long) is important.

However, we caution those indulging in adult beverages to alternate each drink or two with a bottle of water. This prevents dehydration and *hopefully* and hangovers. If you’re interested in how alcohol can affect your vision, check out one of our other blogs by clicking here.

Be Wary Of Anything With Fire

We’re talking barbecue grills, bonfires, fire pits, and, of course, fireworks. Embers, sparks, smoke, and fumes can cause eye irritation. In some extreme cases, fireworks have been known to blind people. When using any kind of spark or open flame, we recommend using eye protection of some sort.

If you’re interested in finding out more about firework safety, please visit The National Council on Fireworks Safety or The American Pyrotechnics Association.

We will be closed July 3rd and, July 4th. However, feel free to fill out an online consultation request form. We will get back to you when we re-open on July 5th.

EyeLASIK wishes everyone a very safe and happy 4th of July!

 

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June Is Cataract Awareness Month

June Is Cataract Awareness Month

June means lemonade, sunshine, and weekend road trips. However, June is Cataract Awareness Month, too. As eye healthcare providers, we wanted to take an opportunity to explain a bit of information about this common eye condition.

What Is A Cataract?

Simply put, cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s lens. A good analogy would be to think of fog on a mirror or smudging on a camera lens. According to All About Vision, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world and the most widespread cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40.

There are three types of cataracts:

  • Corticular cataracts begin in the peripheral area of the lens. Known for its “wagon-wheel” type pattern, the spokes move towards the eye’s center.
  • Subcapsular cataracts usually occur in patients who suffer from diabetes or take steroid medications. These cataracts occur at the back of the eye’s lens.
  • Nuclear cataracts are directly in the center of the ocular lens. This type of cataract is often found in older patients.

 

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Like many diseases, patients are usually the first to discover an issue due to their symptoms. Patients may notice blurred vision, dulling of colors, or might see light as a starburst-like pattern. However, cataracts can only be properly diagnosed by a professional optometrist.

What Are The Treatment Options?

Often, doctors will try to treat the blurred vision with bifocal lenses and proper lighting. However, after these non-invasive treatment options stop working, patients have the choice to undergo cataract surgery. The surgeon removes the patient’s clouded lens and it replaces it with a clear plastic lens. The surgical option is considered quite effective. However, we recommend discussing all possible treatment options with your eye health provider.

How Can I Prevent Cataracts?

Even with modern technology, healthcare professions still cannot determine a definitive underlying cause of cataracts. There are many factors, including exposure to UV rays, diabetes, and nutrition that impact a patient’s likelihood of developing cataracts. However, there are ways to prevent them:

  • Eat a healthy diet based rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and lutein. In fact, you can read our blog about eye-healthy foods here.
  • Protect your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses at all times.
  • Stay healthy! Smokers, those with diabetes, and patients who take steroid treatments have an increased risk.
  • See your eye doctor for regular annual examinations. Cataracts are easy to diagnose and treat when caught early.
Eye-Healthy Memorial Day Recipes

Eye-Healthy Memorial Day Recipes

It’s almost Memorial Day weekend! Can you believe it? Unhealthy food doesn’t have to be a big part of the holiday festivities. Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite eye-healthy Memorial Day recipes.

Simple Grilled Salmon

Certain fishes, like salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help to prevent conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and even dry eyes.

  • 1 pound salmon, cut into 4 equal portions
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sugar/syrup, water, garlic, and red pepper. Place salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour liquid over them. Seal the bag and allow to marinate for 2-3 hours.

Heat grill to medium. Line a grill basket or small cookie sheet with foil and mist with nonstick cooking spray. Place salmon on sheet, skin-side down. Discard remaining marinade and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on the grill for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish begins to flake easily with a fork.

Berry-Licious Trifle

Berries offer a big boost of Vitamin C, which is great for preventing several eye-related diseases.

  • 1 pint each fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 1 jar reduced sugar mixed berry jam
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1 prepared angel food cake, broken into pieces

 

In a large bowl, carefully fold the berries and jam together, being careful not to smash any of the berries. Set aside

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Carefully fold in the whipped topping until mixed.

Cut the angel food cake into small, bite-sized pieces. Layer 1/2 of the cake at the bottom of a large glass serving bowl. Spoon a 1/2 of the berries on top of the cake, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Garnish with any leftover berries.

All of us at EyeLASIK Midland want to wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. Thank you to all of our troops and their families, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are the land of the free because of the brave. Happy Memorial Day!