Black Hills Regional Eye Institute Laser Vision Center

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK is determined by several variables, but two factors are generally recognized as the most important including 1) the technology utilized in treatment and 2) the training & experience of the surgeon.  Discount laser centers typically utilize older or less advanced technology.   At the Eye Institute, the price ranges from $1695/eye to $2595/eye depending on what is judged appropriate for you and your eyes.  Excellent interest free financing plans are available.
Does LASIK hurt?
Typically you experience little to no pain during the procedure as the eyes are completely anesthetized with numbing drops prior to treatment.
How long is the recovery after LASIK?
Most people can return to normal functioning the next day after LASIK.  Those who undergo PRK will typically return to normal functioning 3-7 days after treatment; however there is more variability with PRK than LASIK in healing time. 
Will I need to have LASIK surgery done again?
Ten year data on LASIK and PRK indicates excellent vision stability over time.  Those with stable vision prior to surgery are less likely to require additional surgery in the future.  A small percentage of patients will require additional treatment.
What are the risks of LASIK?
Any surgical procedure will have risks.  One reason for LASIK’s popularity is the low risk for complications such as loss of vision and the high probability of excellent vision.  Our LASIK team will work to do an excellent job making sure you understand the potential risks, benefits & alternatives prior to surgery and that all of your questions are answered.
Why should I trust the Black Hills Regional Eye Institute?
The Eye Institute is the leading & most experienced provider of LASIK in the region.  Dr. Khachikian is the region’s only fellowship trained refractive surgeon and Dr. Zimmerman is the most experienced refractive surgeon in the area.  As technology is crucial for an excellent the result, the Eye Institute utilizes bladeless iLASIK technologies.  It was this exact set of technologies that established LASIK as being safe and effective for military and NASA pilots.  Finally, the Eye Institute offers a Lifetime Vision Agreement with its most advanced technologies.
Can I see my local optometrist for any of my care?
We work with all eye care providers in the area and this often helps facilitate your care so you have less travel.  We do ask you to come to our team of doctors for the surgery and the one-day follow up visit.  All other appointments can typically be done with your local eye doctor.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
We ask you to plan on being at our clinic for 2 hours on the day of surgery.  The surgery itself takes only 10-20 minutes and the laser time is typically between 15-60 seconds. 
Will I need reading glasses after LASIK?
At a certain age (usually starting between age 40-50), if we correct both eyes for distance or far vision, than non-prescription reading glasses will be necessary for near vision.  An alternative to this approach is monovision.  Many of our patients desiring less dependence on reading glasses have success with monovision, which is a “blended” vision approach where one eye sees better for reading and one eye sees better for far vision.  We have several methods of demonstrating this approach so you can “test drive” it prior to any surgery.
What does a LASIK exam cost?
The consultation to determine if you qualify for iLASIK is free!