Laser Eye Surgery Reviews: Lasik Vision Institue Burlington

I had my surgery on 4/18/08, today is 4 days later. When I was researching Lasik Vision Institute Burlington MA, I was surprised at what limited information/reviews were available on the Internet. I did some searches, and only came up with one (fairly negative) review. So, I am going to give a detailed review and description of my experience.

I chose to contact LVI because I heard their ad on the radio. They make is sound like Lasik is now very affordable. (I don't remember if the $299 per eye price was mentioned, but I am sure that "affordable" and "financing options" were mentioned.) I first contacted them in 2007, but I did not go for the exam when I found out that I had to be out of my contacts for 2 weeks. When I contacted them again in 2008, I was told that I did not have to be out of my contacts, so I made the appointment. I think that they then tried to get a hold of me to tell me that I *did* have to be out of my contacts, but I didn't get the message, so I showed up and had more of an "initial consultation" where they read my prescription and outlined the procedure, then outlined the pricing options.

No doubt about it, this place is a "bait and switch". All the material that they send you has "Lasik for as low as $299 an eye) all over it, but the pricing sheet starts with $599 per eye for the lowest prescription (-1.25). From there, it goes up in increments of $400 ($999 for -1.50 to -2.00 and $1399 for -2.25 and up). For an additional $200, you can get lifetime coverage for enhancements (vs the one year you get with the basic plan). In addition, they offer a "custom" lasik (which is the wavefront technology that you may have heard/read about), and it is offered for $1899 (additional $100 for lifetime enhancements). The difference of $1700 per eye for the majority of their patients seems excessive to me, but when I did some research, it seemed like a competitive rate. The thing is, they tell you that they can do the procedure MUCH cheaper than other doctors and facilities because they own their equipment, that's all they do, blah, blah, blah - but it's no less expensive than your usual eye shop.

So, I make the appointment to come back for the full exam, and set the date to get out of my contacts. I go away to contemplate spending $4k on my eyes when I don't have any good reason to do so. I could have a really nice Caribbean vacation for $4k. My insurance will pay none of it. I have a health care reimbursement account, but I didn't anticipate $4k, so it only has $2k in it, so I'll lose over $2k of benefits (because I'll use the $2k in the account regardless of the lasik). It was very hard for me to justify spending this amount of money because I don't have any problems wearing my contacts except that I wear them too much. The two weeks of wearing my glasses convinced me that I did not want to wear glasses full time. Ever.

The full exam wasn't too bad. I waited a while before they started, then I went through a series of exams - none of which were too taxing. They inform you before you make the appointment that they will dilate your eyes. At the end, I was pronounced an "excellent" candidate for the surgery, and especially the custom lasik because I have a strong astigmatism in my left eye. I believe I could have made a date for the surgery for the following week, but I had travel plans, so I had to postpone it. I eventually settled on the 18th mainly because they were offering a special of $250 off each eye (I have a feeling that these specials aren't too special at all, but I wasn't going to risk it).

Ok, so now to the surgery. I wasn't nervous about the actual surgery. The release that they have you sign does make you think about all the horrible things that could happen, but I mostly believe that they know what they are doing and they do hundreds a week - and I hope for the best. My appointment was at 9:15 on a Friday. They perform the surgeries on Thursdays and Fridays. When you check in, they hand you a kit with some drops, sunglasses, and eye shield. They also give you a slip of paper with your instructions (more about that later).

I waited over an hour to be called to pay. After that, it was another 20 minutes or so when I was called to the other waiting area where you don a hair cap and booties on your shoes. Here they have you sit in a room with about 6 other people. They ask/confirm what surgery you are having for which eyes, and if you have any allergies. I don't know if they have to conform to HIPPA laws, but if so - they don't. Everyone in that room now knows your name, what kind of surgery you are having, and your allergies if any. Not a big deal, I guess, but for example, the woman next to me was having an enhancement in one eye. I was now curious and I asked her about it - maybe you don't want people asking you questions about your health.

From there it was another wait while one by one we were called out into the next waiting seat. Finally it was my turn. I got on the table, and they positioned me. The doctor came in and had me hold this stuffed doggie. Then they put drops in my eyes to numb them. Then they immediately started opening my eye. It was probably less than 30 seconds before they started the procedure. There was a pinch that made me flinch. The laser ran for 15 seconds. The first eye was done. They asked me if I was ready for the 2nd eye - well, now that I know what is going to happen, not really! The 2nd eye was actually better. I think the numbing drops had time to take effect.

The next thing I'm out in "recovery" which is a big green easy chair. I can see. It's not like being underwater like they tell you - it's more of a haze or fog over everything. The doctor checks your eyes again, then the nurse comes over and administers your first set of drops. She repeats your instructions again, then, if your ride is there, you can go.

The instructions that they give you tell you that you can swim or scuba dive, no rubbing your eyes, no make up, etc. They all have time frames on them. The big surprise for me was no aerobic activity for 2 weeks. I wish I had known that. I think that when you go for the initial consultation, they do not tell you all this stuff. They tell you that the surgery will take less than 15 min, and then you are required to sleep/keep your eyes closed for 3-5 hours, then when you wake up, you can basically resume your life. That's sort of misleading. It's doesn't put your life on hold, but it is restrictive. I think that they don't want any discouragement for anyone considering the procedure.

My recovery has been great. I went home and slept/rested for 3.5 hours. I had a little discomfort - it felt like when your eyes get super sun sensitive. But, that was momentary. When I woke, my vision was much clearer. I went out to dinner, kept up with all my drops, and had a good night's rest. The next day I went for my follow up. The ophthalmologist saw a hair on my right eye. She couldn't believe that I couldn't feel it. They got it out and said I was doing great.

I go back in 2 weeks for another follow up, but every day I feel like my vision is getting better. It is always great for 5' or so - that would have been blurry for me before. Beyond 5', some things that I think should be clear are not, but I am expecting that to get better. Someone told me that it was due to the drops. Another person told me that it was because my eyes are dry. My eyes do not feel dry. I have to remind myself to use the drops, or I would not feel that I needed them.

Speaking of drops, they only give you this tiny sample of artificial tears, but they tell you to use them every hour. They come in 1 use vials. If you are going to have the surgery, I suggest that you buy the tears in advance. I found that the .04ml ones I was wasting a lot of the fluid. I bought Walgreens brand (they must be preservative free) - 70 vials for $15. It was a good buy, and they are only .02ml, and I still throw some of it away.

All in all, I have been happy with my experience at Lasik Vision Institute. I have a ways to go before I can give it 100%, but I'm at 90% for now.