Mitchell’s life just got a whole lot clearer—literally. As the lucky winner of free LASIK at the Vikings Training Camp, he no longer has to rely on glasses or contact lenses to enjoy the things he loves most. Whether it’s catching every detail of a Vikings game, hitting the slopes, or taking a relaxing vacation, Mitchell now experiences it all with the freedom and clarity LASIK provides.

For years, Mitchell had struggled with the hassle of glasses fogging up in the cold Minnesota winters and the expense of constantly replacing contacts. LASIK not only solved those frustrations but also gave him a fresh perspective on life. Now, he’s free to enjoy every moment—whether it’s playing sports, traveling, or simply waking up to a world that’s clear.

This life-changing procedure is more than just about vision; it’s about gaining freedom, confidence, and convenience. Mitchell no longer worries about packing extra contact lenses or losing a pair of glasses. And with the money he’ll save, he can focus on creating new memories—like cheering on the Vikings in crystal-clear detail.

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Vikings to help people like Mitchell see the world as it was meant to be seen. Are you ready to trade the hassle of glasses and contacts for a life of clarity and freedom? Request a LASIK consultation today by calling us at (952) 888-5800 or using the link below to start your journey to better vision.

The post How LASIK Transformed My Vision and My Life appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)  

LASIK is designed to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted so an excimer laser can reshape the cornea’s underlying tissue. This reshaping allows light to be properly focused on the retina, resulting in clearer vision. Individuals with moderate refractive errors, healthy eyes, and sufficient corneal thickness are a great candidate for the procedure. With most patients experiencing significant improvement in vision within 24 to 48 hours, it’s ideal for those seeking quick recovery and minimal discomfort. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients can return to their normal activities the next day. LASIK offers long-lasting results, though enhancements or additional correction may be needed with age. LASIK is just one of the many vision correction options available at Minnesota Eye Consultants, and your surgeon will work with you to determine the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. To find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, take our LASIK self-test.  

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)  

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery option that is similar to LASIK but with some key differences. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surface cells of the cornea are gently removed, and the cornea is then treated with a laser to correct vision errors. The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye, and a bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea for five to seven days to protect it as it heals.  

While PRK and LASIK provide the same visual effects and long-term outcomes, the visual results following PRK take longer to achieve. Due to the removal of the corneal surface cells, PRK patients may experience a bit more discomfort. However, most patients return to work and normal activities within a few days. PRK is highly effective for those with moderate levels of refractive errors, thinner corneas, and those who engage in activities where there’s a high risk of eye injury.  

Phakic Intraocular Lens (Phakic IOL) 

Phakic IOLs are artificial lens implants used to correct high degrees of myopia or hyperopia, especially for patients with thin corneas or strong eyeglass prescriptions. Phakic IOLs involve making a small incision and placing a lens inside the eye without removing the natural lens, preserving its functionality. The procedure is an outpatient surgery that requires a local or topical anesthetic and takes about 20-30 minutes. Improved vision may be noticed soon after the procedure, but full visual benefits are reached after about six to eight weeks. Physicians at Minnesota Eye Consultants have been implanting these lenses since 1998 as part of the multi-center, national research studies.  

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)  

Another alternative to LASIK is Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) or natural lens replacement. RLE involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed to correct refractive errors rather than to remove a cataract. RLE is particularly beneficial for patients with high refractive errors outside the treatable range for LASIK or PRK, or for those who have early signs of cataracts. It’s also an option for those looking to correct presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) and reduce their dependence on reading glasses. The procedure is done one eye at a time, typically with a few weeks between surgeries. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye, and recovery is generally quick, with most patients noticing improved vision within a few days. The type of IOL used can be customized based on the patient’s vision goals, offering options like multifocal lenses for distance and near vision. 

What is Right for You?  

Choosing the right refractive surgery is a personal decision that depends on your unique eye anatomy, lifestyle, and vision goals. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, our team of experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your options and take the first step towards clearer vision. Call (952) 888-5800 or request an appointment online.  

The post LASIK vs. Other Refractive Surgeries: Making the Right Choice for You  appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, has revolutionized vision correction, offering a life-changing solution for millions of glasses and contact wearers worldwide. Yet, depside its proven efficacy and widespread success, myths and misconceptions are often spread that can deter individuals from exploring this transformative procedure. As the first practice to perform LASIK in Minnesota in 1994, Minnesota Eye Consultants is dedicated to dispelling these myths and providing accurate information to individuals interested in LASIK.  

Myth #1: LASIK is Painful  

Fact #1: In reality, LASIK is essentially painless. Patient knowledge and comfort is an important part of the LASIK journey. Before surgery, patients may be offered a mild sedative medication to calm anxiety in addition to numbing eye drops to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Most patients report feeling nothing more than slight pressure during the surgery, and any discomfort experienced afterward is typically mild and short-lived.  

Myth #2: LASIK is Not Safe  

Fact #2: LASIK’s safety and efficacy is well-documented by a vast body of scientific literature – more than 7,000 studies have been conducted. This research includes clinical trials from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as independent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Our surgeons at Minnesota Eye Consultants are leaders in the field of ophthalmology with years of experience and a commitment to adhering to strict safety protocols. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and conduct thorough preoperative evaluations to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.  

Myth #3: Recovery is Slow  

Truth #3: LASIK is an outpatient procedure meaning no overnight stay is required. A typical LASIK surgery lasts less than 15 minutes. After the procedure, the patient will return home to recover with no driving or strenuous activity. With the cornea being the fastest healing tissue in the human body, the recovery period is typically 12-24 hours.  

Myth #4: LASIK Can Damage Your Eyes  

Truth #4: While every medical procedure carries risk, complications from LASIK are very rare and sight threatening complications are less than 1%. In fact, roughly 91% of LASIK patients report no complications at any time, while 98% say they have no complications, or the issues are seldom problematic. Overall, nearly all side-effects from LASIK are resolved within a few weeks of the procedure.  

Myth #5: Doctors Recommend LASIK for Everyone    

Truth #5: Our providers at Minnesota Eye Consultants perform detailed consultations before LASIK surgery is scheduled. They check for stable vision, corneal thickness and shape, tear production, pupil size, and more. The goal of these tests is to determine whether your eyes are healthy and to rule out possible problems like dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and other disorders. At the end of the consultation, you’ll know if you are a good candidate and meet LASIK requirements.  

If you are not a good candidate, your doctor may discuss other options to help you see clearly. With an array of LASIK alternatives offered at our practice, our doctors will help you find a way towards clear vision. 

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their LASIK journey. Don’t let myths hold you back from experiencing the life-changing benefits of LASIK with Minnesota Eye Consultants! Take the next step towards clear vision today by either taking our LASIK self-test or calling 952-888-5800 to schedule a consultation. You can also request an appointment online through our website here. 

The post Seeing Clearly: Dispelling LASIK Myths  appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, with the trees budding, the birds singing, and tax refunds being deposited! As we emerge from the cocoon of winter and warm up to summer, it’s an ideal time to invest in your vision health. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re passionate about helping you seize this opportunity to enhance your quality of life through vision correction procedures and treatments. Discover how your tax refund can pave the way for clearer vision and a brighter future.  

LASIK: Say goodbye to glasses and contacts with LASIK surgery. This popular procedure can correct refractive errors, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses. Not a candidate for LASIK? We’ve got you covered! Our doctors offer an array of vision correction treatment options to help you achieve your vision goals. Pair your tax refund with Minnesota Eye Consultants’ exclusive LASIK discount running now until June 30, 2024. For a limited time, we’re offering $300 OFF per eye on LASIK if you have the procedure by June 30, 2024! Enjoy the freedom of clear vision this summer with LASIK.  

Cataract Surgery: If cataracts are clouding your vision and impacting your quality of life, cataract surgery can help. Using advanced technology, our surgeons remove the cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses, restoring clear vision and improving your overall well-being. Some people will further their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery and opt for one of our premium vision correction packages  . These packages offer the use of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), and/or innovative technologies and techniques to help improve vision post-surgery. You can learn more about the vision correction packages by clicking here. By using your tax refund to invest in cataract surgery and premium lenses, you can regain the clarity of vision you deserve.  

Dry Eye Services: As an accredited Dry Eye Center, our dry eye services can provide relief and improve your comfort, allowing you to see clearly and enjoy greater overall eye health. From advanced diagnostic testing to personalized treatment plans, we’re here to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms.

Oculoplastic Services: Your eyes are not only essential for vision but may also play a significant role in your self-confidence. Our oculoplastic services focus on enhancing both the aesthetics and function of the eyelids and surrounding facial areas. Whether you’re interested in blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or brow and forehead lifts, our skilled oculoplastic surgeons can help you achieve natural-looking results while maintaining eye function and feeling more confident in your appearance. 

Cosmetic &Aesthetic Services: Looking to refresh your appearance and enhance your natural beauty? With our cosmetic and aesthetic services, you can address common concerns like crow’s feet, under-eye bags, and facial expression lines. Using minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology, our providers can help you achieve a more youthful and vibrant look, all while maintaining the health and integrity of your eyes. 

Financing Options: At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we understand that investing in your vision is essential, but we also recognize the importance of making it financially manageable. CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit offer flexible payment plans with low monthly payments. These financing options can help make your eye care goals more affordable, so you can have the treatment done now, and pay over time  

Tax refunds provide an opportunity to invest in vision health and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re interested in LASIK, cataract surgery, dry eye services, oculoplastic procedures, or cosmetic/aesthetic treatments, Minnesota Eye Consultants is here to help. Our team of specialized eye care providers is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and life-changing results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your spring vision goals. Call to schedule at 952-888-5800 or request an appointment here.  

The post Maximize Your Tax Return: Invest in Clearer Vision appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon: Factors to Consider for Successful Vision Correction

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Kertomileusis) has revolutionized vision correction, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses for millions of people with myopia (nearsightedness). Although a short procedure, LASIK effectively corrects refractive errors with technology and technique from your LASIK surgeon. With numerous LASIK surgeons available, how do you know which one is the right one for you and your eyes?

As the first practice to perform LASIK in Minnesota in 1994, Minnesota Eye Consultants stays at the forefront of refractive technology and innovation. We make sure you receive individualized care and answers every step of the way through your vision correction journey. In this blog, we’ll review key factors to consider when choosing a LASIK surgeon and how our team at Minnesota Eye Consultants is here to help.

Research Credentials and Expertise:

Start by researching the credentials and experience of potential LASIK surgeons. Look for a provider who is board-certified and has extensive experience performing LASIK procedures.

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re more than just LASIK surgeons. We have continually been at the forefront of refractive technology and innovation; our physicians are experts in their fields with a comprehensive understanding of the whole health and function of the eye. Our surgeons are also subspecialty fellowship-trained, meaning they have extensive training over and above the requirements. Several of our surgeons even hold patents for innovations in eye surgery technology.

In addition to credentials, it’s important to feel comfortable with your surgeon. Meet our LASIK surgeons by clicking the links below and checking out their bio videos!

• Dr. Thomas Samuelson
• Dr. David Hardten
• Dr. Elizabeth Davis
• Dr. Patrick Riedel
• Dr. Sherman Reeves
• Dr. Mark Hansen

Evaluate Technology and Equipment:

Advancements in technology have revolutionized LASIK surgery, making it safer and more precise than ever before. When choosing a LASIK surgeon, inquire about the technology they use for the procedure. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, our surgeons use two lasers: a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser. We also have WaveScan Wavefront system mapping which creates a 3-D map of your cornea, providing the doctor with essentially the ‘fingerprint’ of your eye. This provides detailed information on the exact shape of your cornea to assist in developing a personalized treatment plan.

Patient Satisfaction and Reviews:

Previous patient and family eye doctor reviews and testimonials are a great way to gain comfort and confidence in your surgeon. Testimonials can provide further insight on the LASIK process from the consultation to the procedure to the actual outcomes, such as those below from LASIK patients at Minnesota Eye Consultants.

• “I had LASIK at Minnesota Eye Consultants a month ago and it was a great experience. They were professionals, had me covered every step of the way and answered any and all questions I had.”

• “Dr. Davis did my LASIK and I couldn’t be more pleased. She was thorough, precise, and kind. I will recommend her to my friends and family.”

• “Dr. Hansen made my entire LASIK process seamless. The entire team at Minnesota Eye Consultants was incredible. I could not have asked for a better place to seek out my optical needs. Highly recommend.”

The Minnesota Eye Consultants Difference:

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we understand the importance of choosing the right LASIK surgeon. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists specialize in refractive surgery and are dedicated to providing personalized care and exceptional outcomes for each patient.

We utilize state-of-the-art LASIK technology to ensure the highest level of safety and precision. Our commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in our numerous positive reviews and testimonials from our LASIK patients.

If you’re ready to experience the freedom and convenience of life without glasses or contacts, schedule a consultation with Minnesota Eye Consultants today. Our team will evaluate your candidacy for LASIK and create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your vision goals.

Take the first step towards clearer vision and contact us at (952) 888-5800 to book your LASIK consultation today!

The post Choosing a LASIK Surgeon appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Season’s greetings.
Fogged glasses, though certainly an annoyance, aren’t the sole reason this is the right time for LASIK. Many of our patients find recovery easier during the FALL. Clinically speaking, any season is the right time for LASIK, but patients undergoing LASIK in the summer months will find activities such as swimming temporarily limited for up to two weeks after surgery. It’s hard to be sidelined. Generally, we find patients welcome a lazy weekend as the temperatures cool and there is no fear of missing out on water fun. And there is even more good news, having LASIK now might make your winter festivities a bit more joyous! Remember the fogged glasses? Downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and ice skating are just around the corner, and you guessed it – participation can be greatly impacted by foggy, bothersome glasses. Schedule your appointment today and experience the beauty of winter without the hassle of wearing glasses! Need a few more reasons to try LASIK? Read on!

Staying in.
Sometimes social distancing can be a drag, but LASIK patients might welcome the break from being out and about. Post-operation, patients are encouraged to refrain from using eye make-up for a few weeks. Going bare-faced can be a challenge under normal circumstances, but with so many of us already abandoning our commutes and work slacks for extra sleep and sweatpants, it’s easy to give yourself a break in the cosmetic department. Plus, one might argue that Zoom’s “touch up appearance” feature was made just for this purpose.

Tick-tock, tick-tock.
The closer we get to the end of the year, the closer we draw to the dreaded expiration of flex card funds. You’ve been carefully putting this money aside for months to ensure the health and wellbeing of yourself and your family, so why let it go to waste? LASIK surgery is eligible for flex spending, so schedule a consultation today and make a plan to put your hard-earned money to good use.

Why Minnesota Eye Consultants?
That leaves one big question: Why pursue treatment with us? To begin with, our doctors are not just LASIK surgeons. Our physicians are international experts in their fields with a comprehensive understanding of the whole health and function of the eye. They maintain the highest standard of care and will suggest treatment based only on what is best for each individual patient. If that happens not to be LASIK, they can offer an array of other treatment options to obtain your desired outcome.

That being said, our surgeons are also world-class when it comes to LASIK. We were the first practice in Minnesota to perform the procedure, back in 1994, and we’ve continually been on the forefront of refractive technology and innovation since then. We have the most advanced equipment available to ensure our doctors achieve the most accurate and precise results. We also own our equipment, which means we never have a patient quota and will only make decisions based on your best interests.

What next?
If your interest has been piqued, call us today at (952) 888-5800 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online. We hope to see you soon!

The post No Better Time for LASIK appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

1. No more worrying about your glasses or contacts on vacation

Most families take at least one big vacation every summer. Remember your last vacation when you had to worry about packing enough contacts?

If you’re going somewhere for some fun, it’s the last thing you want to think about! If you time it right, you could get LASIK and recover before your big vacation this summer.

Just imagine it: a family vacation with one less thing to stress out about! Trust us, it’s possible, and it can be a reality thanks to LASIK.

2. You’re always up for whatever and don’t need to take off your glasses

If you have little kids, you know they have an attention second that lasts about a minute if you’re lucky! LASIK can help you keep up with your kids when they are bouncing from activity to activity.

Wear contacts every day? It’s hard to keep an eye on your kids when you’re trying to get your contacts in your eyes! What about glasses?

If you’re at the pool with your kids, keeping them in your sights is never easy. But if you wear glasses, you’re not as prepared as you could be. If one of your kid wants to go in the pool and you wear glasses, they have to wait for you to take them off.

Then, you have to put on prescription sunglasses, which means rifling around in your bag. From start to finish, this could take five minutes or longer.

Most kids aren’t going to wait that long! To keep your kids as safe as possible, it makes much more sense to get LASIK. The recovery period is short, too. Most LASIK patients are able to go back to work the next day!

After that, you should avoid pools and other bodies of water for about a month. But after that point, your eyes are almost completely healed!

Honestly, LASIK, when you’ve had kids and know you won’t have anymore, is just a smart idea!

3. You can get out the door faster because you don’t have contacts

No matter why you’re running out the door, you’ve got somewhere important to be. What if you could finally stop wearing contacts?

It’s possible if you’re a candidate for LASIK! Putting in contacts is one of those tiny little tasks that take up your precious time.

Most parents don’t exactly think of the time they spend putting in contacts as a good use of it. How many times have you overslept and then cursed the fact that you still have to put in your contacts?

Or you get up on time but your kids follow you into the bathroom. Some mornings it can be like a hurricane hit your home.

Do you really want to leave your contacts out while you try to corral your kids out of the bathroom? Save time and some of your sanity by getting LASIK instead!

4. You no longer have to stress about the costs of glasses or contacts

Even if both partners work, it can feel like there’s never enough money to go around when you have kids. What if we told you that you could save money if you get LASIK?

Here’s how. With LASIK, you can cut out the costs of glasses, contacts, solution, and accessories. Did you know that for people that wear glasses and contacts, LASIK can save them an average of $500 per year?

Another thing that a lot of people don’t consider is financing for a procedure like LASIK. Since it’s an elective procedure, your insurance company isn’t going to foot the bill.

But financing options at Minnesota Eye Consultants can make LASIK affordable! What’s more, after a few years, the cost of LASIK can actually start paying for itself.

After all, LASIK is a permanent procedure. So every year after LASIK, you could have an extra $500 (or more) in your pocket. Think of the possibilities!

5. Getting LASIK can make you happier

The number one reason you should consider LASIK is because it’s for you. Being a parent, it’s hard to take time for yourself, but you have to when you get LASIK.

Of course, the results make it worth it by default, since you can finally say goodbye to glasses or contacts! Many people who wear contacts leave them in for longer than they should.

And if you wear contacts, you know that leads to irritation among other things. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to stumble to the bathroom to ensure you don’t sleep in your contacts?

Or if you fell asleep reading a book without freaking out about your glasses? All this and more can be your new reality after LASIK!

Sure, saving money can make you happy, but we think LASIK makes people happier because they can see. You can wake up every morning and see your alarm.

If your kids crawl into bed on a Saturday morning, there’s no wondering where you put your glasses last night. You can see!

6. You’re safer in emergency situations

Anyone who is on the fence about getting LASIK as a parent needs to remember one thing: you’re safer in an emergency. All the what-if scenarios that run through your head?

You’re a lot more prepared if you can see without glasses or contacts!

What If:

• your house is on fire in the middle of the night? After LASIK, you can get out of bed and to your kids faster
• one of your kids falls into the pool and can’t swim? If you get LASIK, you can let your instincts kick in and jump in after them.
• a gas main leaks in your house? Thanks to LASIK, you won’t have to worry if your glasses fog up while you herd your family out the door

We all know that every second counts when you’re in the middle of an emergency! It can be the difference between life and death. Being able to see means you’re the most prepared you can be.

Want to find out if LASIK could be right for you? Contact Minnesota Eye Consultants in Minneapolis, MN to schedule a LASIK consultation today!

The post 6 Ways Getting LASIK Helps Your Family appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

If you live in Bloomington, then you already know how great our city is! We’ve got culture, farmers markets, a great brewery scene, and a booming downtown.

Summer is right around the corner and the perfect time to consider LASIK! Keep reading for 7 reasons you should get LASIK in Bloomington this summer!

1. Enjoy Bush Lake Beach without contacts

Summer is all about enjoying the warm weather, great outdoors, and of course, the beach! But contacts and the beautiful Bush Lake Beach don’t exactly mix.

Sand, sun, and pain? It’s possible that while you’re frolicking in the sand, you could get some sand in your eyes. If you’re wearing contacts, this is a recipe for disaster!

You could end up irritating your eye and losing your contact. Or your eyes could get too dry and cut your day of fun in the sun short.

With LASIK, you don’t have to worry about this anymore. No more contacts or glasses…it sounds almost too good to be true, right? It doesn’t have to be if you’re a candidate for LASIK!

2. Pull a few late nights without worrying about breaking your glasses

Whether you’re a few credits short or trying to get ahead, summer school is often a necessary evil. Summer is all about taking advantage of every fleeting moment, which means you may pull a few late nights.

If you wear glasses, this can be dangerous! Glasses aren’t meant to be slept in, and can easily break. So if you accidentally fall asleep with them on, it could mean they get damaged. Repairing your lenses or frames isn’t cheap!

Summer is a great time to get LASIK because it leaves you prepared for the fall semester. With a quick recovery and instant results, why wouldn’t you want visual freedom?

3. Go rock climbing at Vertical Endeavors

The midwest isn’t exactly known for tall mountains or great places to go rock climbing. That’s why Vertical Endeavors in Bloomington is awesome!

But do you really want to deal with indoor rock climbing while wearing glasses? It’s not a fun time when all you’re thinking about is how to keep your glasses from sliding off your face and dropping!

If you consider yourself active, you owe it to yourself to find out more about LASIK. No more running and hoping your dry eye doesn’t slow you down. No more expensive prescription sunglasses or goggles for your hobbies! Doesn’t it sound amazing?

4. Buy your new favorite sunglasses at the Mall of America

Okay, we know there’s a ton to do at the Mall of America besides shopping. You can visit the theme park and roller coasters and even a hotel!

But yes, the Mall of America also has some great shopping. Summer is a time for cute sunglasses. What’s not cute is being stuck with the same prescription sunglasses every day.

How many times a day do you have to switch between your glasses and prescription sunglasses? When it’s sunny and you’re driving, you could switch between them at least five times in one trip!

Or you decide to wear your contacts but you forget your normal sunglasses. Now you’re stuck with the prescription sunglasses that you can’t see out of.

It’s frustrating, right?

It’s easier (and more fun) to have LASIK and then the world is your oyster. Well, when it comes to sunglasses anyway!

Whether you’re eyeing the new Kate Spade cat eye sunglasses or some gold aviator Ray Bans, you can wear them all. Getting LASIK in Bloomington is life changing in so many ways!

5. Watch TV in bed while binge-watching your favorite shows

Okay, no matter how busy you may be, your summer is going to include some down time as well.

How many times have you stayed up too late watching your favorite show and fallen asleep in contacts? Probably more times than you’d like to admit!

When you wake up the next morning, it’s like your eyes have been glued shut. Then you look in the mirror and they’re irritated, red, and itchy.

You could have avoided this uncomfortable scenario by having LASIK instead. LASIK has a quick recovery period, meaning you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time!

And yes, LASIK means you can finally watch TV in bed without worrying about your eyes. Fall asleep with the lights on and the TV going, you rebel. Your eyes will be totally safe!

6. Float down the lazy river at Great Wolf Lodge

Want to get away? We’re pretty partial to a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge. More specifically, we love the lazy river! Now, we all know that lazy rivers and glasses or contacts aren’t great together.

The chlorine in the water isn’t safe for contact lens wearers, or those wearing glasses. Even if you’re super careful, you’ll get at least a little bit of water in your eyes.

Chlorine may cause your eyes to burn or get itchy. Avoid this and get LASIK before your next Great Wolf Lodge outing!

Anyone who wears contacts or glasses knows that chlorine in the summer is the worst. And after LASIK, you can wear all the fun sunglasses you want! We’d say that’s living the life!

7. Summer bonfires are more fun without glasses

Summer in Bloomington means it’s the best time for bonfires! Weenies on the fire and marshmallows on sticks make for the best memories.

But if you suffer from dry or sensitive eyes, your glasses or contacts aren’t helping you. Contact lens wearers are most familiar with that stinging sensation in your eyes.

If you’re prepared, you’ll know to have a spare pair of contacts on you. But summer is all about spontaneity and living in the moment!

Always needing to have spare contacts, glasses, solution or other accessories is annoying. When you’re encumbered by these things, it can be harder to enjoy moments as they happen. This is why LASIK makes a difference.

Want to make this summer in Bloomington your best one yet? You owe it to yourself to contact Minnesota Eye Consultants in Bloomington, MN! We’ll help you set up a LASIK consultation with one of our expert surgeons so you can get back to your summer!

The post 7 Reasons To Get LASIK In Bloomington This Summer! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Tired of glasses and contacts? If you’re ready to trade the cost and upkeep of glasses and contacts for LASIK, now is the time!

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK may not be right for you. The only way to know if you are a LASIK candidate is to have a LASIK consultation. Keep reading to learn why there’s no better time to say yes to LASIK!

1. LASIK Treats Three Types of Refractive Errors

That’s right! Whether you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism, LASIK has you covered. During your consultation, your LASIK surgeon will thoroughly examine your eyes.

This allows them to understand the severity of your refractive errors. Part of the factors that go into LASIK candidacy is the strength of your prescription.

A good LASIK candidate needs a strong prescription but not too strong. If your prescription is too poor, you may qualify for a different procedure like PRK.

There are various factors that go into LASIK candidacy. Having a strong enough and stable prescription for at least a year is an important factor for LASIK.

2. LASIK Is A Proven Procedure

LASIK became FDA approved in the 1990s. Since then, it has become one of the most popular elective procedures. In the United States alone, a million LASIK procedures are performed every year!

Even more remarkable is the fact that LASIK has a 96% success rate with patients who have undergone it. This is an unprecedented success rate when compared to other procedures!

As LASIK has become popular, the procedure has evolved thanks to state-of-the-art technology.

3. LASIK Uses Space Technology

This is one of the coolest LASIK facts there is to share! Custom LASIK involves the same space technology used for the Hubble Space Telescope.

This technology is what lead to advances like tracking eye movement during LASIK. This is also why people with severe refractive errors can now qualify for LASIK.

If you think you’re not a LASIK candidate, think again! Because of LASIK’s state-of-the-art technology advances, more people than ever before qualify.

4. Glasses and Contact Lenses Cost More than LASIK

One of the most frustrating parts of wearing glasses and contacts is dealing with the upkeep. In this case, we’re not talking about keeping them in one piece, although that is important! No, we’re talking about the expenses associated with glasses and contacts.

The cost of LASIK may seem like a lot, especially up front. But how much are you paying for glasses and contacts right now?

Glasses may not need replacing every year, but every few years, you could be spending almost $1000 on them.

If you wear contacts, things get expensive! Wearing contacts requires you to replace them on a regular basis. Contact solution, contact lens holders…the list goes on and on.

If you wear contacts on a daily basis, you may need to wear new ones each month. How many times have you worn your contacts and then forgot to order the next months?

It’s these little expenses that sneak up on you that make wearing contacts annoying on a good day. With LASIK, you can actually say that the procedure pays for itself.

After a few years, think of what you could be doing with an extra $500-$1000 in your pocket, every year. All this and more is possible thanks to LASIK!

Want to find out if you could be a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation with Minnesota Eye Consultants in Blaine, MN today!

The post There’s No Better Time For LASIK Than Now! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

You’re thinking about it. You know a few people that have had LASIK and are secretly envious. You’re not even sure why you’re hesitating. You figured out how to cover your LASIK cost and found a reputable LASIK surgeon!

No worries, though. LASIK, after all, is a surgical procedure, which can make people nervous.

Whatever your reasons for holding off on LASIK, we’ve got a few reassuring LASIK facts to share!

1. Millions Have Gone Before You

No, seriously. This isn’t a cheesy sci-fi script, either. We are talking cold, hard, reassuring numbers. Since LASIK became FDA approved in the 1990s, millions have had it.

What’s more, LASIK has an insane 96% success rate! What other elective procedure can say that?

2. Risk of Complications is Incredibly Low

Laser vision correction surgeries like LASIK are safe and reliable procedures! You’ve got the benefit of time and knowledge on your side.

Since its introduction, LASIK has become safer and can treat a wider array of vision problems. It’s also proven itself to have a very low level of risk and side effects.

The procedure is now completely bladeless, meaning there are no blades used at all. Instead, LASIK uses two lasers: a microkeratome laser and an excimer laser. This cuts down on the rate of human error possibly occurring.

Still nervous? Don’t be!

3. You Won’t Feel Any Pain

You may not believe us, but you won’t feel any pain during LASIK. How is this possible? Before LASIK, your surgeon will put numbing drops in your eyes.

The most you may feel is some slight pressure for a few seconds. LASIK takes about 15 minutes per eye to fully complete. That’s it: 30 minutes!

After the procedure, the numbing eye drops may start wearing off. If that happens, you can take some ibuprofen for any discomfort you may feel. Slight discomfort is a small price to pay for clear vision!

4. What About Your Nerves?

No worries! It’s completely normal to have some nerves before LASIK. Besides, your surgeon will give you a medication for your nerves before the procedure.

This will allow you to relax and calm down before LASIK. During LASIK, all you have to do is lay back and listen to your surgeon.

They’ll tell you everything they are going to do before starting the procedure. Knowing what to expect before undergoing LASIK makes a difference if you’re nervous!

5. You’ve Been Approved For A Reason

It’s no small feat to be an approved LASIK candidate! Although millions of people get LASIK, it doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. If you’ve already gotten approved for LASIK, it means your LASIK surgeon knows it’s safe for you.

During your LASIK consultation, make sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have. Whether it’s about the procedure or what to expect, knowing more always helps! In the end, LASIK is your gateway to clear vision and visual freedom!

Ready to make your LASIK dreams a reality? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Minnesota Eye Consultants in Blaine, MN today!

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