Laser Eye Surgery
Lasik Surgery Information

Chicago Lasik

The estimate of people who have glaucoma in the United States is approximately 4 million. Of these 4 million people, only half know they actually have the eye disorder.

Over 100,000 people are entirely blind from glaucoma. This number accounts for approximately 10% of the cases of blindness in the United States. At least 2% of the population of people from ages 40 to 50 have glaucoma and do not know it. Almost 8% of people over 70 have problems with elevated glaucoma and are actually experiencing the problems with vision loss.

African Americans who eventually go blind usually go blind from glaucoma. It is the leading cause of blindness with the African American population. It is seven times more common in African Americans than in Caucasians. Caucasians in the age group of 45 to 65 have 17 times less of a chance of getting glaucoma than African Americans in the same age group. African Americans usually experience the most common form of glaucoma known as open angle glaucoma. Over 16% of African Americans dont even know what glaucoma even is.

Less than half of the adult population have their eyes examined bi-annually with a dilated eye exam. This is the most effective way to detect glaucoma and many people are not comfortable with the technique. Almost 10% of the Caucasian population in the United States are not familiar with what glaucoma is.

Over 7 million physician visits each year result in a patient that is diagnosed with glaucoma. The U.S. government pays over $1.5 million dollars in expenditures due to glaucoma each year through social security, income tax revenues, health care expenses, and more.

Glaucoma can be found through a routine eye exam. It is important to see an eye doctor every other year and have your eyes checked. Glaucoma is a leading cause for blindness and most people dont even know what it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Chicago Lasik Eye Surgery?
    Can anyone recommend a place to get Lasik in Chicago?

    • ANSWER:
      I've never been to Chicago, but I used my pamphlet from my Laski company in Seattle.

      They recommended looking at this site for information because it has good information.

      http://www.chicagolasikeye.com/

  2. QUESTION:
    LASIK anyone in Chicago? I've been considering Lasik but I'm terrified and don't want to pick the wrong doc?
    I've known people that had Lasik and had bad luck and I'm just afraid to pick the wrong person to do it. I don't want to pick someone just because they have the best website, has anyone had this procedure done with great results? Please recommend.

    • ANSWER:
      There are risks even with the greatest surgeon. To my knowledge, no one has gone blind after Lasik - but there are plenty of cases of extreme dry eye, double vision, spots, etc.

      Personally, I would not risk it. Putting contacts in every morning is not that bad.

      In addition, you have to remember that Lasik is relatively new - no one knows what happens to successful Lasik patients 20, 30, 40 years down the road.

  3. QUESTION:
    How much does it cost lasik without any insurance?
    I really need to do it (lasik) my prescr. is very high but I don t have insurance, how much can cost me?
    I have 00 do u think that s enough?
    Also I don t know where I can go to do it, I live in Chicago and sometimes I saw in tv the commercial with lasik plus, what do u suggest?

    • ANSWER:
      00 is about right for most places. Best thing to do is to call some of your local Ophthalmology clinics, these are practices that have MD's, and may provide surgery options. Many places do free lasik consultations, and will let you know if you are even a candidate. Also, if you wear contacts, they usually want you to wear glasses for several weeks before the surgery with no contact lens wear in order to properly reshape the cornea.

  4. QUESTION:
    Does anyone have percents on the risk for Lasik like blindness and other complications. If not, are the risks?
    high?

    I've researched and found 2 centers I think are the best in Chicago. Tiger Woods has even gone there to get Lasik.

    I'm in 8th grade with a -1.75
    When I;m about 20 I plan on getting Lasik

    • ANSWER:
      Actually, you probably want LASEK instead of LASIK, since LASEK is newer and creates a smaller flap in the cornea (which is less damaging). And there's a new type being developed called "Wavefront LASEK," which can theoretically give you better vision than any glasses currently could. As far as risks, LASEK has complications very rarely, usually increased glare or blurriness, but since the procedure is performed on the cornea rather than the retina, the risk of going blind is practically zero.

  5. QUESTION:
    Does Leg Hair Loss occur from Sleep Apnea & Leg Edema?
    38 YEAR OLD MALE,SOUTHSIDE IRISH = CHICAGO= I was recently diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea..Im on Lasik water pill for Leg Edema (fluid retention) resulting from sleep apnea (doctor says overweight caused leg edema) and I lost major hair on each of my shins & calves ..is this from leg edema? Also my weight shot up from normal 240 to 330!!! I have been on new CPAP & water pill for 3 weeks...My weight dropped to 315..and is staying there!! HELP!!

    WILL LEG EDEMA GO AWAY & WIL WEIGHT DROP ON CPAP?

    I HAVE BEEN CLEARED OF NO HEART PROBLEMS VIA ECHOCARDIOGRAM

    • ANSWER:
      Edema is often caused becuase of the CO2 retention. ARe you using CPAP or bipap. My edema went down after being treated with bipap. Doing great with bipap, it has been 7 years. Just had sleep study number 8. Lost over 100 pounds. Still need the bipap but I feel great. My obstruction appears to be anatomic and not related to weight. As I have lost a lot of weight and still have apnea.

      I would recommend visiting www.sleepnet.com. I found it very helpful intially. Email me if you have any questions. Best wishes.