Bring life into focus with LASIK at Sanford Health

This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.

Many suffer from the inconveniences of unclear vision. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, you know the struggle of dry contacts, damaged glasses and the always-real risk of forgetting one or both on a trip out of town.

If you’re tired of these struggles, LASIK can help. And now, thanks to Sanford Health, you have options for LASIK in Sioux Falls.

How do the eyes work to produce clear vision?

In properly functioning eyes, light from your environment hits the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye — which bends, or refracts, the light. The refracted light then passes through the pupil before hitting the lens, which helps focus the light onto the retina. Finally, the retina changes the refracted light into electrical signals that the brain interprets to produce your field of vision.

What are some common vision problems, and why do they occur?

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are three of the most common vision dysfunctions.

One of two things occur in nearsightedness and farsightedness: either the eye is longer than normal, making you nearsighted, or shorter, making you farsighted, or the cornea is more curved than normal, making you nearsighted, or flatter, making you farsighted. With astigmatism, the cornea has a misshapen curve.

These minor deformities result in refractive errors, where light entering the eye is not bent and focused properly onto the back of the eye. The scattered light hits the retina inaccurately, causing blurred vision.

What is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors and blurred vision. It’s a common alternative to glasses and contact lenses.

What can I expect from LASIK?

LASIK is quick and safe with minimal discomfort. Surgeons administer eye-numbing drops as well as a mild sedative to help you relax, and the procedure is done in under 30 minutes. Patients go home the day of the surgery and typically recover within 24 to 48 hours.

Your vision should improve within a few days and will continue getting better as your eyes heal. At Sanford Health, Dr. Andrew Ollerton follows up with his patients one day, one week, one month and three months after surgery to ensure their vision is improving.

Why should I choose Sanford Health for LASIK?

Sanford Health is a proven leader in delivering quality care. If you’re interested in LASIK, you’ll meet with Ollerton for a free consultation at Sanford Eye Center & Optical.

This appointment includes an eye exam, measurements, a review of your medical history and a discussion about your goals and concerns related to your eyesight and LASIK in particular. It’s also a chance to get to know Ollerton, who will perform the surgery.

Because LASIK is considered an elective procedure, your insurance may not cover the full cost. Luckily, Sanford Health offers the surgery at a highly competitive rate: $4,000 for both eyes.

See the difference with LASIK at Sanford Health. Call 605-328-9200, or visit sanfordhealth.org to schedule your free consultation.