Laser Eye Surgery Del Mar The First Step to Better Vision
- Precise Candidacy Assessment for LASIK, PRK, and More
- We Work With the Area's Best Surgeons
- Serving Del Mar, La Jolla, and beyond
Types of Laser Eye Surgery Our Optometrists Can Coordinate For You
For San Diego County patients who want to improve their quality of life by reducing their dependence on glasses or contacts, Wink Optometry & Eyewear coordinates procedures such as LASIK and PRK with the area's best surgeons. We can discuss your laser vision correction options during a consultation at our Del Mar or La Jolla office.
Both IntraLase® and iLASIK™ are bladeless techniques for LASIK. Traditional LASIK uses a microkeratome, or surgical blade, to create the corneal flap. These alternative methods utilize a laser, which allows for a thinner flap.
PRK was one of the first laser eye surgeries developed and is still widely used today. As with LASIK, the procedure is quick and virtually painless. It is often recommended as a viable alternative for patients who do not qualify for LASIK.
While blade-free methods offer greater accuracy, minimal discomfort, and even shorter recovery periods, they are not the right techniques for patients with certain conditions. Our doctors can help you determine which type of LASIK procedure is right for you during your initial consultation.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Optometrists
to Learn About Your Laser Eye Surgery Options
Dr. Gordon G. Wong and Dr. Wildon C. Wong are members of the American Optometric Association and are trained to provide a safe, comfortable experience. When you visit us for a consultation, our skilled optometrists can determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery and, if so, refer you to one of the area's best surgeons.
Our offices in Del Mar and La Jolla serve communities throughout the Carmel Valley and San Diego County. We’re excited to meet you! Schedule an appointment today to get started.
“Really great experience!”– Laurent Benchimol
Candidates for Laser Eye Surgery Do You Qualify?
Ocular Health
Good ocular health is crucial before undergoing laser eye surgery. Patients should be free of diseases, injuries, and infections before considering laser eye surgery.
Stable Prescription
Patients must have a stable corrective eyewear prescription to undergo laser eye surgery. Patients who have had to change their prescription within the last year have refractive instability, which can increase the risks of surgery.
Age
Patients must be 18 years of age or older to undergo laser eye surgery. Typically, ocular maturity happens between the ages of 18 and 21. The FDA recommends that patients be over 18, but some clinics require their patients to be over 21.
Overall Health
For any surgical procedure, overall good health is recommended. Certain health conditions can interrupt the healing process after eye surgery. Share your complete medical history before surgery to ensure a safe and effective procedure.
Corneal Shape and Thickness
Patients that wish to undergo LASIK need to have a thick enough cornea for surgery. Since LASIK involves peeling back the corneal flap, the thickness of the cornea needs to be able to sustain this process. Patients with a thin cornea may be better suited for PRK.
LASIK vs. PRK Surgery
LASIK
LASIK involves the creation of a flap on the corneal surface, which is folded so doctors can reshape the cornea with a laser. Once the cornea has been treated, the flap is placed back into position and will heal on its own without the need for sutures or bandages.
PRK
The primary difference between LASIK and PRK is that no corneal flap is created in PRK. Instead, the cornea's outermost layer (the epithelium) is removed. The laser then reshapes the cornea to correct your vision. The epithelium heals and grows back within about a week.
Learn More About Your Options Request a Consultation Today
If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, laser eye surgery can improve your vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
If you want to learn more about laser eye surgery and which option may be right for you, request a consultation with the eye doctors at our La Jolla or Del Mar, CA, offices today. Our dedicated optometrists serving Carmel Valley and beyond can determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery and discuss your options to help you make an educated decision. Fill out our online form or give us a call at:
(858) 755-9465
La Jolla Gives Us 5 Stars
"Great place for thorough eye exams. Mallory is outstanding, very professional and hospitable She exceeded my expectations. Also kudos to Dr Wong extremely knowledgeable and very thorough. I have to say this is my go to place five stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️"
Alan Kowalczuk
The Laser Eye Surgery Process
Implantable Contact Lenses
An implantable contact lens, or ICL, is another vision correction procedure we can discuss during your office visit. The lens is inserted between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. Unlike PRK and LASIK surgery, there is no reshaping of the cornea required to achieve improved vision.
After determining your prescription and placing anesthetic drops to numb the eye, a small incision is made at the edge of your cornea. The lenses are folded precisely to allow them to be inserted through the small incision and will unfold once in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Eye Surgery
Q. Does laser eye surgery hurt?
A. No. Whether you choose LASIK or PKR, you can rest assured that laser eye surgery itself does not hurt. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but most patients tolerate this procedure well. Your eye doctor will begin with numbing drops to ensure you are comfortable during your procedure.
Q. Does insurance cover laser eye surgery?
A. Because LASIK and PKR are widely considered elective, insurance plans do not typically cover them. However, this may vary based on your plan or provider. We can verify your insurance coverage so you can accurately plan and budget. We accept most insurance plans.
Q. How long will the results of my laser eye surgery last?
A. Most patients will enjoy the results of their laser eye surgery for years. Some patients may require a touch-up surgery as they age, but the results of LASIK and PKR are considered long-lasting.
Q. Are there risks associated with laser eye surgery?
A. Though considered safe, there are always potential risks as with any medical procedure. The most common side effect of laser eye surgery is dry eyes. We provide treatment for dry eye and can help manage the effects if you do suffer from dry eyes after eye surgery. Other possible side effects and risks include glare, halos, double vision, and over- or under-correction.
Have more questions about laser eye surgery?
More 5-Star Reviews From Patients
in San Diego County
"Dr. Wong is awesome! I had lasik done 6 years ago and he was my pre/post op doctor. My vision is better than 20/20 now. Highly recommend him."
Jessica Kostoff
