LASIK

Experience Matters!

At Whitten Laser Eye, we have performed more than 250,000 LASIK procedures and we are a national leader in LASIK surgery. In fact, our very own Dr. Mark Whitten was one of the first surgeons in the country to perform the groundbreaking procedure.

Though LASIK vision correction is a widely performed procedure, it is still surgery. It is vital to choose a highly experienced surgeon for the best possible outcomes, which improve dramatically with the experience of the surgeon.

We are committed to offering patients the most advanced laser vision correction procedures and technology with a personalized approach and great vision results.

Optimized LASIK & Leading Edge Technology

Optimized LASIK is the next generation of laser vision correction that uses the newest diagnostic equipment and information from millions of successful LASIK procedures to optimize your results.

Your eyes are as unique and personal as your fingerprints. We create a customized “map” of your eyes and our numerous diagnostic techniques confirm your test results. All of this helps us develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique vision imperfections.

Whitten Laser Eye has been at the forefront of LASIK technology since its inception in the 1980s. We believe that staying up on the latest industry trends is paramount to ensuring the best results possible for our patients.

Honesty

Whitten Laser Eye will advise you on the best way to improve your vision and explain your options in detail – including all associated costs. We value transparency and honesty and keep each patient’s best interest central to our care.

Convenient Locations

We offer convenient locations in Charlotte Hall, Chevy Chase and Richmond.

The entire LASIK surgery takes under 30 minutes. The surgeon first applies anesthetic drops to the eye, then uses a laser or surgical instrument to create a protective flap. This flap is gently lifted as the surgeon applies computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light to the inner layers of the cornea. The surgeon uses the laser to reshape the inner corneal layer according to the patient's unique vision needs and customized eye "map."

Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours following the procedure, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest. Most patients will experience a 50 percent improvement by the evening, a 70 percent improvement by the next day, and can return to regular daily activity within 24 hours.

Most patients should continue to see improvements as their eyes heal and adjust to their new shape, with fully restored vision in one to four days.

Generally, LASIK is appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria: 

• At least 18 years old
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Are in good general health
• Have a stable prescription
• Have no eye diseases

The best way to determine if LASIK is right for you is with a FREE LASIK Consultation. It is fast and comprehensive. You may also appreciate our online LASIK Self-Test.

At Whitten Laser Eye, we leverage the latest technology to provide a customized approach to LASIK for our patients. And, as a leader in laser vision correction, he works closely with equipment manufacturers and are among the first to receive the newest upgrades.

You can trust our team to always select the best technology that optimizes your visual outcome. That’s the kind of experience that comes from performing over 200,000 laser vision correction procedures.

Our laser systems allow us to meet the varying needs of patients including:

• The ability to treat patients with large pupils.
• A built-in eye tracker to respond to movement in only 6 milliseconds, so patients don’t have to worry as much about moving their eye during the procedure.
• Various methods to create the “flap” during your LASIK procedure, making LASIK an option for patients with thin corneas or previous corneal surgery.

Our Laser Systems

• Wavelight Allegretto EX500 Excimer Laser
• Zeimer Z4 Femto
• Wavelight FS200 Femtosecond
• Moria Microkeratome

Our Diagnostic and Imaging Technology

• Oculus Pentacam
• Acutarget HD

If you are considering LASIK, you may hear or read some terminology that is new to you. At Whitten Laser Eye, we believe patient information is a key to helping you to make the right decision about you vision and LASIK.

Ablation zone: This is the area of tissue that will be removed during the LASIK procedure.

Acuity: The clearness of your vision.

Astigmatism: This is a refractive error that results in the distortion of the image on the retina.

Cornea: This is the clear, front portion of your eye. This is the first part of the eye that bends light and provides most of the focusing power.

Diopter: This is the measurement of refractive error, and is something you may encounter when reading your prescription. A negative value will indicate nearsightedness, while a positive value will indicate farsightedness.

Dry Eye Syndrome: This is a common condition that will occur should your eyes not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist.

Excimer laser: This is a cool beam, ultraviolet laser that is used to remove corneal tissue.

Glare: This describes the scatter from bright light that hinders your vision.

Halos: This describes rings surrounding light that is caused by imperfection in or in front of your eye.

High order aberrations: These are refractive errors other than nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. High order aberrations cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts.

Hyperopia: This is also called farsightedness. It is the inability to see near objects clearly.

Laser keratome: This is a laser device used in LASIK and other laser eye procedures to create a flap in the eye’s cornea.

LASIK: This may also be called Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. “In Situ” is latin for in place, or not removed; this refers to the cornea’s position. Keratomileusis is the carving or reshaping of the cornea.

Microkeratome: This is a mechanical surgical device that is sometimes used to create a flap in the cornea.

Myopia: This is also called nearsightedness. This describes the inability to see distant objects clearly.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): PRK is an alternative to standard LASIK. This type of laser vision correction surgery is used for the correction of astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia.

Refractive Errors: This term describes imperfections affecting the eye’s focusing power. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Visian ICL (Implantable Contact Lens): Visian ICL is a potential alternative option for those who are not a candidate for LASIK. It is an advanced soft-material lens composed of 100% biocompatible collagen copolymer. It provides UV protection and permanent vision correction, while giving patients a quality of vision that is sharper and clearer than many can achieve with glasses or contacts. 

Wavefront: Wavefront technology measures your eye’s total refractive errors, producing a map of your eye’s imperfections. This technology allows the LASIK procedure to be customized to your unique needs.

Having the best surgeon does not have to cost the most! At Whitten Laser Eye, our pricing is always competitive when compared to other providers in the region, especially considering our advanced technology and unmatched experience.

LASIK is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance; however, it may be tax deductible depending on your filing status. In addition, many patients choose to pay for their procedure using their tax refund. We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Many employers and banks offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Whitten Laser Eye is pleased to offer up to 24 months’ special financing for LASIK and reading vision correction procedures, as well as premium cataract lenses, with approved credit through CareCredit.
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Our financing relationships offer an array of monthly payment options, allowing you to move forward today without delay. Subject to approved credit.

• CareCredit
• Wells Fargo
• ALPHAEON CREDIT card

Talk with the Whitten Laser Eye staff about the best financing options for you.

Ask a question about financing options or call us at 301-895-2020 (Charlotte Hall), 301-825-5755 (Chevy Chase) or 804-527-1963 (Richmond). You can also use our Affordability Calculator to get an idea of the costs associated with this procedure.

It’s normal to feel both excited and nervous as you prepare for your procedure. Ask questions. Read about the procedure. Talk to former patients. Rest assured; your eyes are in good hands with Whitten Laser Eye.

Before Your Procedure

Before your LASIK procedure you will have a thorough consultation and vision evaluation. During the consultation, we will:

• Answer all of your questions.
• Review your vision history and perform several diagnostic tests to measure your prescription, corneal thickness and pupil size.
• Create a map of your specific vision imperfections.
• Develop a personalized treatment plan to help us tailor your laser eye surgery for optimal results.

Your Procedure Day

The procedure itself will last less than 30 minutes. During this time we will:

• Take final measurements of your eyes.
• Clean your eyelids and lashes.
• Administer a mild sedative, if you choose. However, most patients experience little to no discomfort.
• Apply anesthetic drops to the eye, to completely numb the eye for comfort.
• Place a lid and lid holder to keep your eyelids open.
• Your surgeon will create a small flap in the outer protective tissue of the cornea and gently fold it back. This protective flap helps to minimize discomfort following the LASIK procedure.
• Using a computer controlled excimer laser, pre-programmed with information from your extensive testing, your surgeon will direct cool pulses of light to the inner layers of your cornea, reshaping it to match your contact lens or eye glasses prescription.
• The flap will be returned to its original position to start the healing process.

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

Patients generally return to their daily routine the day after surgery with no complications…and no glasses or contacts! You will receive very specific instructions for your post-procedure care.

• You should experience immediate improvement in your vision after laser eye surgery. Your vision will continue to improve over the next few weeks as your eyes heal.
• Though you will be able to see immediately, you should plan to have someone drive you home for safety reasons.
• Your eyes may feel irritated and may tear or water for a few hours. Most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap while wearing protective eye shields to prevent you from rubbing your eyes.
• Drops are prescribed to prevent infection and assist with any dryness.

You will have several follow-up visits with our team or your local eye doctor in the weeks or months after your procedure. These are short appointments to ensure your eyes continue healing. And, of course, don’t forget your annual eye health exam with your local eye doctor.

HOW LONG DOES LASIK TAKE?

The procedure itself is very quick! The actual laser time for each eye is only about 15 seconds, and your time at the laser center will generally be under 15-30 minutes. At Whitten Laser Eye, we spend the most time up front analyzing your vision testing results and planning the best treatment for your customized LASIK.

DOES LASIK HURT?

Prior to your LASIK procedure, we’ll administer anesthetic drops to numb the eye. Most patients say there is no pain during the procedure, but some report feeling mild pressure or vibration. You may feel a slight irritation for a few hours after LASIK. We recommend that you take a short nap and rest your eyes. The majority of patients are back to their normal activities the following day.

AT WHAT AGE CAN SOMEONE HAVE LASIK?

A good candidate for LASIK is at least 18 years old with a stable prescription for at least one year. Many parents, having already experienced their own life changing vision surgery, are giving the procedure as a gift to their children for birthdays, graduations and holidays. Patients under 30 years old are the fastest growing group of LASIK patients.

HOW LONG DOES LASIK LAST?

A recent survey of patients who had LASIK beginning in 1995 showed that the majority believed that LASIK improved their overall quality of life and would recommend the procedure to others. The overall results of your procedure can last a lifetime!

WILL I EVER NEED A TOUCH UP OR ENHANCEMENT PROCEDURE?

Your chances of needing an enhancement are greatly reduced when you choose a skilled surgeon with extensive experience like ours. Less than 2 percent of our patients have needed an enhancement and almost all have occurred during the first year after their procedure. There is no charge for any enhancements needed during your first year.

WHAT IF I AM NOT A CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?

Whitten Laser Eye is a pioneer in LASIK vision correction and a leader in refractive surgery. As technology evolves, so does Whitten Laser Eye. For example, we are now offering the next generation in advanced vision correction with the Visian ICL (implantable contact lens). At Whitten Laser Eye we have a refractive option for every patient that wants to get out of glasses or contacts. If you have been told you were not a candidate for LASIK, come see what our team can do for you.