LASIK Eye Surgery at Sanford Health
LASIK eye surgery can correct conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. After surgery, you may no longer depend on glasses or contacts and their daily annoyances. Wake up to clearer vision every day with LASIK.
No referral needed. Schedule a free consultation to find out if LASIK is right for you.
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What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a common surgery that can correct a wide range of vision problems.
For people who can’t see clearly without glasses or contact lenses, light doesn’t focus on the right spot inside the eye. LASIK reshapes the cornea, the clear tissue on the front of the eye, so that the light is focused more appropriately.
Benefits include:
- Minimal discomfort and quick visual recovery
- Less dependence on glasses or contacts
- Little chance of corneal scarring
- High precision
- Short procedure
LASIK takes less than 30 minutes. It’s a safe procedure that you’ll recover from quickly. Most patients go back to work within a day or two of the operation.
After the surgery, you’ll see results immediately and your vision will continue to improve over time.
Why choose Sanford Health for LASIK?
If you choose LASIK eye surgery at Sanford Health, you’ll benefit from our personalized approach to eye care. We tailor your care to your personal and medical background to find the treatment that’s right for you.
Often with LASIK, you may meet your surgeon only on the day of surgery and never see them after. At Sanford Health, we build a relationship with you before surgery and follow you closely afterward. We’ll check in frequently to monitor your vision progress.
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LASIK Prices
We offer LASIK eye surgery using the latest technology to restore your vision at an affordable cost. At $5,000, our pricing includes preoperative appointments, the procedure on both eyes and an entire year of postoperative checkups.
LASIK Alternatives
If you don’t qualify for LASIK, other options such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and refractive lens exchange (RLE) are available. We can help you determine your best option.
LASIK FAQ
What can I expect before laser eye surgery?
Free Consultation
We’ll help you identify the best laser eye surgery option for your needs during a free consultation. If LASIK is right for you, the next step is a full eye exam with an ophthalmologist.
If LASIK is not recommended for you, we’ll work with you to find the best method for your vision correction. Other options may include PRK, RLE or cataract surgery.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
If you’re interested in LASIK, you’ll meet with Dr. Andrew Ollerton, an ophthalmologist and laser eye surgeon at Sanford Health. He will provide a comprehensive eye exam, review your medical and ocular history, discuss your vision goals and take a variety of eye measurements. This appointment takes about two hours and rules out reasons that would prevent you from safely having laser vision correction.
Once your outpatient surgery is scheduled, you’ll complete LASIK at Sanford USD Medical Center.
What happens during LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct vision issues. You’ll receive medication to help you relax during surgery and drops to numb your eye.
Your doctor will reshape your cornea with a computer-controlled laser.
Does LASIK hurt?
LASIK is safe, quick and painless. During the procedure, your eye is numbed with topical drops. The laser is done in less than 15 seconds, and the entire procedure is done in less than 30 minutes.
You may experience discomfort in your eye for the first 24 hours of recovery, but your surgeon will help you manage the pain.
How much does LASIK cost at Sanford Health?
At $5,000, our pricing includes preoperative appointments, the procedure on both eyes and an entire year of postoperative checkups.
Is LASIK covered by insurance?
Since LASIK is considered an elective procedure, the full cost of your surgery may not be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider to learn what your vision benefits cover.
How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
Recovery from LASIK eye surgery is quick. You can expect to go back to work within a day or two. Typically, you’ll see your vision improve within days, and it continues to improve over time while your eye recovers.
Where can I get LASIK?
Sanford Eye Center and Optical in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers both optometry and ophthalmology services, including LASIK eye surgery.
Your eye care consultations and exams will be at our clinic, while your surgery will be at Sanford USD Medical Center.
Are there alternatives to LASIK?
Yes. There are other options for vision correction surgery if LASIK is not recommended for you.
PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy)
This procedure is another type of laser surgery that removes the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium). The underlying corneal tissue is then reshaped to correct your vision.
RLE (Refractive lens exchange)
This procedure replaces your natural lens with an artificial lens
"Dr. Ollerton was a fantastic surgeon. I had absolutely no pain at all. Every one on the care team made me feel comfortable the whole time. As this was my first eye surgery I was very nervous. They made sure I was very comfortable .I would like to thank everyone from the time I entered to the time I left. You guys are the very best."
"Dr. Ollerton always takes time to explain things clearly before, during and after surgery and appointments. He is kind and considerate to both the patient and the staff working with him. I would highly recommend his services!"
"Nurses, Crystal and Rosemary, were outstanding. They were very experienced and knowledgeable. Dr. Ollerton did a great job on my eye surgery."
"Dr. Ollerton was fantastic. Very patient with me and my anxiety. Explained the procedure thoroughly."
Meet Andrew Ollerton, MD
Dr. Ollerton is a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in cornea care. He treats diseases of the cornea and performs eye surgery, including LASIK and cataract surgery.