No, all exams are by appointment only.
Yes - Existing patients only. If you are an existing patient with an eye emergency call our clinic for instructions. If you are having an eye emergency outside of our clinic hours visit Beaumont/Corewell Royal Oak; they have Ophthalmology services available 24/7.
We participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Medicare, United Health Care, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Humana, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Vision, EyeMed, VSP, Heritage.
Coverage may vary by network plan. Contact our clinic to verify coverage.
No, the minimum age for all patients is 18.
Schedule online by taping the patient care link at the top of your screen, then select Schedule An Appointment. Schedule by phone by calling 248-680-7400.
Yes, Beaumont/Corewell Hospital and Detroit Medical Center.
Most adults age 18 and older with healthy eyes and a stable prescription are good candidates. LASIK and PRK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. SMILE can treat nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. The best way to know for sure is through a laser vision correction consultation with a qualified refractive surgeon.
LASIK is approved for individuals 18 and older, with a stable prescription for 1-2 years.. Many patients have LASIK in their 20s or 30s, though people in their 40s and beyond can still be excellent candidates. Additional options such as Monovision and refractive lens exchange are preferred options for patients over the age of 50.
Yes. Modern LASIK, SMILE and PRK technology is designed to treat astigmatism.
If your vision has been changing frequently, it’s best to wait until it stabilizes. Doing LASIK too early could mean you still need glasses or another treatment later.
All laser vision correction (LASIK, SMILE, and PRK) uses a cool gentle laser to reshape the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). This allows light to focus properly on your retina, giving you clear vision without glasses or contacts.
No. Numbing drops are used so you don’t feel pain. You may feel slight pressure for a few seconds, but most patients say the procedure is surprisingly quick and comfortable.
The LASIK laser treatment itself takes less than 30 seconds per eye. SMILE is even faster at around 10 seconds of laser treatment. The entire visit for the procedure is usually around an hour.
LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and reshaping the tissue beneath.
PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap (often used for thinner corneas).
SMILE uses a newer laser to remove a tiny disc of corneal tissue through a small incision.
Each vision correction procedure has it's benefits. During your consultation we will review all treatment options and suggest the best available treatment for your unique eyes.
Modern laser vision correction is extremely precise and very safe. Laser technology has improved greatly over the years making modern laser vision correction extremely precise and very safe.
At Laser Eye Institute we utilize two of the newest laser platforms available: ZEISS VisuMax 800 and Alcon EX500. Below is a list of all available lasers as well as their FDA approval date.
VISX Star S4 - March 27, 1996
Nidek EC-5000 - December 17, 1998
Alcon EX500 - October 7, 2003
ZEISS VisuMax 800 - January 11, 2024
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours. Vision usually continues to sharpen over the first few days to weeks.
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. However, your eyes can still naturally change with age.
Recovery is quick. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. You may have mild dryness or light sensitivity for a short time, but these typically improve with healing.
Yes, but only for a short period. You’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, wearing eye makeup, and heavy exercise for about a week. Patients having a SMILE treatment gain the benefit of no restrictions after surgery.
Most people enjoy excellent vision without glasses for many years. Reading glasses may still be needed later in life due to normal aging of the eyes (presbyopia). However, most patients are able to use over-the-counter reading glasses when necessary.
Yes. LASIK has been performed for over 20 years and has one of the highest safety profiles of any elective surgery. Millions of patients worldwide have had the procedure.
The risk of serious vision loss from LASIK is extremely rare. In fact, complications from contacts (like infections) are statistically more common than serious LASIK issues.
The laser tracks eye movement in real time and automatically pauses if needed. A small device keeps your eyelids comfortably open, so blinking isn’t an issue.
Costs vary depending on the technology, procedure, and surgeon experience. It’s important to compare what’s included (all follow-ups, enhancements, etc.), not just the upfront number.
Some centers advertise low prices but may not include advanced technology, follow-up care, or enhancements. More experienced surgeons tend to cost a little more. Choosing an experienced surgeon with the latest technology usually gives the best long-term value.
Because it’s considered elective, insurance usually doesn’t cover LASIK. However, many people use tax-advantaged accounts (FSA or HSA) to save money on the procedure.
Yes. We offer flexible financing so you can spread payments out over time, including 0% interest options.
The laser changes are permanent, but your eyes can naturally change as you age. If your prescription changes, enhancement procedures may be possible.
Yes. If your corneas are healthy and thick enough, enhancements can be performed years later if needed.
LASIK does not prevent or cause cataracts. If you develop cataracts later, cataract surgery can still be performed normally.