LASIK in Monterey, CA
Expert Candidacy Assessment
- Cornea-fellowship expertise
- Safety-first candidacy screening
- IOLs available for non-candidates
- Bilingual staff & four offices
Why Patients Choose Monterey County
Eye Associates for LASIK Evaluations
Trusted Cornea Expertise
Dr. Elaine J. Zhou brings fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. That expertise guides every LASIK candidacy decision our practice makes.
Alternatives Available
Not every eye is right for LASIK, and hearing that should not send you back to square one. Our doctors treat virtually any eye problem, so premium lens implants and other options are available here.
A Lasting Relationship
A thorough LASIK evaluation is where the relationship starts, not where it ends. Whether the right answer turns out to be LASIK, a premium intraocular lens, or another option entirely, the same doctors who mapped your eyes can stay with you, caring for your vision through this decision and the years that follow it.
“Excellent doctors, great staff, a very nice and comfortable facility” – Natalie, 5-Star Review
Clear Answers on Cost
LASIK is elective, meaning insurance does not cover it. If you're a LASIK candidate, your chosen provider can give you a thorough explanation of what you can expect to pay for the procedure. The average cost of LASIK in California ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 per eye.
If you're a better candidate for a different type of refractive surgery provided by our practice, our staff explains what it costs, along with your payment options. We're glad to walk through it in English or Spanish at any of our offices.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery that permanently reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The surgeon creates a thin flap in the corneal tissue, reshapes the tissue beneath it with a computer-guided laser, and repositions the flap. Healing involves no stitches. The procedure itself typically takes only minutes per eye, and many patients notice sharper vision within a day.
For the right candidate, LASIK can greatly reduce, and for many patients eliminate, day-to-day dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Candidacy is where our safety-first approach does its work. We measure your corneas with OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging and other advanced diagnostics before anyone talks about surgery. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are 18 or older with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year
- Have corneas thick enough to reshape safely
- Are free of keratoconus, uncontrolled dry eye, and other active eye disease
- Are in good general eye health, with realistic expectations for the outcome
We can perform a thorough screening during a personal evaluation with an ophthalmologist in Monterey, CA. If the measurements say LASIK is not safe for your eyes, we will tell you plainly and show you what can work instead.
What to Expect at Your
LASIK Evaluation
Your evaluation is a detailed medical exam, not a sales visit, and it is available at our Monterey, Salinas, and King City offices. Your doctor reviews your health history, measures your prescription, maps the shape and thickness of your corneas, and checks for dry eye and other conditions that affect safety. If you wear contact lenses, ask when to stop wearing them before your visit; lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea and skew the measurements.
You will leave with a clear recommendation. If LASIK looks right for you, your doctor can explain the next steps.
We Offer LASIK Alternatives
A no on LASIK is not a no on clearer vision. Because our practice can treat virtually any eye problem, alternatives are part of the same conversation. Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) can correct vision across a wider range of ages and prescriptions, and Dr. Leland H. Rosenblum was the first ophthalmologist in Monterey County to implant several of today's advanced lens designs. Specialty contact lenses remain another strong non-surgical choice. Your doctor will match the approach to your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Do you perform LASIK?
No. We provide the LASIK evaluation (which includes candidacy screening, corneal mapping, and an honest recommendation) then help coordinate your care. If you're a good candidate, we guide you to a trusted surgeon and handle your follow-up here.
Why not just go to a LASIK center?
Many dedicated LASIK centers do excellent work. The difference: because we don't perform the surgery, our only job is your eyes, not a booking. Our cornea specialist gives you an independent read, then helps you choose the best option, whether that is LASIK or another procedure.
What if I'm not a good LASIK candidate?
That's not a dead end. In fact, it's why starting here matters. We treat virtually any eye condition, so options like premium IOLs or specialty contacts come up in the same visit, with doctors who already know your eyes.
Am I too old for LASIK?
There's no strict upper age limit; eye health matters more than age. But after 40, natural changes in the lens can limit what LASIK achieves, and a premium lens implant may serve you better. An evaluation here settles the question.
