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The Kraff Eye Institute is the nation's leading LASIK eye surgery center, located in Chicago, IL. With a focus on using the most state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced treatment techniques, Dr. Colman Kraff, the top LASIK surgeon in Chicago, delivers exceptional results for his patients, improving their vision, and quality of life for years.
If you're looking to improve your vision and decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, LASIK surgery in Chicago may be just what you're looking for. This safe and effective procedure permanently reduces or eliminates your need for corrective eyewear.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular laser vision correction procedure. Approved by the FDA in 1997, LASIK is a safe and effective alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses.
By reshaping the cornea — the clear front part of the eye — LASIK allows light entering the eye to properly focus onto the retina, thereby delivering clearer vision. It's the most commonly performed laser eye surgery at Kraff Eye Institute because the procedure is minimally invasive, typically pain-free, and boasts a quick recovery time.
This laser eye surgery procedure is designed to treat myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), presbyopic, and astigmatic patients. More recent advancements in custom wavefront-optimized LASIK technology now allow us to treat patients with high levels of astigmatism. Although every patient has a unique LASIK journey, the results of improved vision remain the same.
Our Chicago vision center uses the latest, customized iDesign advanced diagnostic equipment, allowing patients at the Kraff Eye Institute to achieve highly accurate, highly successful results that lead to clearer vision.
LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery best known for its ability to treat a variety of refractive errors. It helps improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Millions of people have benefited from this laser vision correction procedure, enhancing their vision and allowing them to enjoy clearer sight. Here are the conditions that the LASIK procedure can treat:
LASIK surgery can improve the vision of patients with various refractive errors. At Kraff Eye Institute, our LASIK providers will determine if the patient qualifies for the LASIK procedure.
Learn more about our vision correction procedures below and schedule a LASIK consultation to see if you are a good candidate.
Choose LASIK for improved vision without using glasses or contacts. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow while experiencing exceptional patient care!
312-444-1111
Laser eye surgery is typically an effective and permanent form of vision correction for most patients. However, although laser eye surgery effects are long-lasting, it cannot stop age-related eyesight changes like presbyopia from happening. So, while the effects are enduring, they might not be lifelong for all aspects of vision.
The only way to determine if you're a good LASIK candidate is to have our experienced and knowledgeable doctors assess your eyes. Our LASIK physicians at the Kraff Eye Institute will provide you with the best possible options for laser vision correction and answer any questions you may have.
In general, a good candidate for LASIK:
While LASIK can be transformative for many patients, certain medical or eye conditions can make individuals ineligible for the procedure. Approximately 20% of LASIK hopefuls encounter these disqualifiers:
If LASIK isn't recommended, we may suggest an alternative vision correction procedure, such as PRK, RLE, or EVO ICL.
Take our quiz or schedule a free LASIK consultation today to find out if you're eligible for LASIK surgery.
312-444-1111
On the day of your procedure, you'll want to plan to be at the Kraff Eye Institute for approximately 2 hours. The entire LASIK procedure takes about 30 minutes, with the actual laser treatment being only a matter of seconds.
At your consultation visit, we will check your current vision with and without your glasses or contacts. During the comprehensive eye examination, we will measure the thickness of your cornea to ensure sufficient corneal thickness. We will also take a topography of your eyes (map of the front surface of the eye), and check the overall health of your eyes.
One of our refractive counselors will go over the procedure in detail with you and answer any questions you might have regarding the surgery. Our refractive counselors will also guide you through the scheduling process, and payment options. Personalized care is essential to a successful outcome and patient satisfaction.
You'll then have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Kraff, who will let you know if you're a good candidate for laser vision correction, based on the measurements taken, and answer any additional questions you may have.
Depending on whether you wear contact lenses and the type of lenses you use, the time between your initial consultation and surgery can range from 1 to 2 weeks. If you have specialty lenses, Dr. Kraff will tell you how long you should go without wearing them before your surgery. If you don't wear contact lenses, we'll arrange a date and time that suits your schedule.
It's important to be aware of any potential risks and side effects and to discuss these with your LASIK provider. You should also have realistic expectations of the outcome and be prepared to follow your doctor's instructions regarding post-operative care and follow-up visits.
LASIK is a 2-step process:
Step One
Creating the flap takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes. You'll be given several numbing drops to ensure you don't experience any pain. It's normal during this step to feel a small amount of pressure, this sensation only lasts for about 30 seconds for each eye.
Dr. Kraff will talk to you throughout the process so you know what to expect during this life-changing procedure.
Step Two
The second step usually takes about 10 minutes to complete. Additional numbing drops will keep you comfortable during this step. The treatment is done one eye at a time and takes approximately 5 minutes for each eye. Dr. Kraff will use a small instrument to gently hold the eyelids open.
Dr. Kraff will use a specialized surgical instrument to lift the flap created in Step 1. Next, Dr. Kraff will use the laser to reshape the cornea. This step is quick, usually less than 1 minute, and you will feel NO discomfort during this time. Once completed, Dr. Kraff will put the flap back down, and realign the flap, smoothing any wrinkles or creases. He will then begin the exact process for the other eye.
You'll be awake during LASIK, but the procedure is usually painless due to numbing eye drops. The surgeon will guide you through the LASIK experience, there won't be any surprises.
A typical LASIK procedure, from start to finish, takes about 15-30 minutes. The laser portion to correct your vision takes less than 1-minute.
After your LASIK procedure, you'll be taken to our recovery room, where your post-operative instructions are explained in detail. Dr. Kraff will examine your eyes one final time before you leave, and answer any follow-up questions you might have. You'll need to have someone with you to assist you in getting home following your LASIK surgery in downtown Chicago.
When you arrive home, you should plan on sleeping for 4-6 hours, during which a lot of healing will occur. You may experience mild discomfort (watery eyes, stinging, light sensitivity) during this time, and we recommend you keep your eyes closed as much as possible to aid in your recovery.
The day after your LASIK surgery, you'll return to the office for a postoperative examination of 15 minutes to see how your healing is progressing. Dr. Kraff will assess your progress, answer any follow-up questions you might have, and review the use of your eye drops. 90% of refractive eye surgery patients return to normal daily activities within 24 hours of their procedure.
Our LASIK eye surgery center in the Chicago area can help you achieve your visual goals. Schedule a free consultation with our professional staff today!
312-444-1111Schedule ConsultationLASIK surgery offers a transformative experience for those seeking better vision and visual freedom. One standout advantage is the likelihood of achieving sharp, unaided vision, with around 96% of recipients expressing satisfaction post-procedure. A remarkable 99% of patients attain at least 20/40 vision post-surgery, meeting most driving license requirements, while an impressive majority surpass this, achieving the coveted 20/20 vision. Despite these statistics, it's important that suitable candidates still manage their expectations. While LASIK dramatically reduces dependency on corrective lenses, perfect vision isn't guaranteed. Consulting with an ophthalmologist helps set realistic expectations.During a no-cost consultation, our team will explain the differences between what we offer and our competitors. They will go over the cost of the LASIK surgery, what services and exams are included, and what payment options are available. Additionally, patients should know they can use HSA and FSA funds for their surgery.
LASIK surgery, while highly effective, can have some side effects, especially during the initial postoperative period. Most of these symptoms are temporary and diminish as the eyes heal. However, it's essential to be aware of them so you can make an informed decision:
Always consult with an ophthalmologist at a qualified LASIK vision institute to discuss potential risks and benefits tailored to individual circumstances.
LASIK eye surgery, backed by extensive research and clinical trials, has a well-established safety record. From 1993 to 2005, over 9,000 participants in U.S. clinical trials attested to its efficacy and safety. More than 98 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery results. Further bolstering its reputation, more than 7,000 research studies underscore LASIK's trustworthiness. Thanks to evolving technology, complication rates are below 1%. However, like all medical procedures, LASIK isn't free of risks. You'll want to consult an ophthalmologist to understand the surgery's suitability, as certain medical conditions might render LASIK inadvisable. Patient safety should always be prioritized.
As long as patients meet the criteria for being eligible for LASIK treatment and the right LASIK eye surgeon performs the procedure, the procedure is very safe and effective.
Experience life without visual constraints. Don't miss out on clear vision – take the first step with a LASIK evaluation today!
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
At Kraff Eye Institute, we understand that cost is a major factor when deciding to undergo an elective procedure. Words like “cheap” and “discount” can be attractive, but you'll want to ensure that you understand what's included in the cost of the procedure. During a no-cost consultation, we'll explain the differences between what we offer and our competitors. We will go over the cost of the LASIK surgery, what services are included, and what payment options are available.We've researched the best financing options and are pleased to partner with CareCredit, America's premier patient payment program. CareCredit enables you to start your vision care procedure immediately and pay for it over a determined period of time, with low monthly payments that are convenient and easy to fit into your budget.
At the Kraff Eye Institute, one of the nation's top LASIK eye surgery centers, our team of professionals is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and safest treatments available.
By utilizing the iDesign technology - the most advanced LASIK technology available - Dr. Kraff can customize each procedure and consider every minor aberration. Our all-laser system ensures the LASIK treatments are as safe as possible. At our LASIK eye surgery center in Chicago, our highly experienced team of top LASIK surgeons is committed to ensuring that each patient has a comfortable and successful experience during their LASIK journey.
Dr. Colman Kraff is one of the best LASIK surgeons in Chicago, he has been involved in LASER eye surgery since its inception, having performed over 70,000 procedures.
He partners with industry leaders as a consultant and principal investigator, participating in the latest FDA trials to ensure the best and most advanced technology is accessible to patients.
With a proven track record of successful procedures, Dr. Kraff is dedicated to providing precise and personalized eye care in Chicago, IL, ensuring patients achieve optimal visual outcomes with confidence.
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If you're ready to experience the freedom of life without glasses or contacts, call us today to book your consultation for LASIK eye surgery in Chicago, IL!
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
During the procedure, the patient is given multiple sets of numbing drops. These drops help create a painless procedure for the patient. Post-operatively, patients are given oral pain medication to help minimize any discomfort. Rest assured that any discomfort is temporary and usually only lasts a couple of hours.
If a patient falls within treatable perimeters and requires an enhancement, a second procedure can be performed. The enhancement procedure varies slightly from the initial procedure as it isn't necessary to recreate a flap. Depending on when the primary procedure was first performed, Dr. Kraff may recommend doing PRK for the enhancement.
LASIK is a widely preferred laser eye surgery due to its proven effectiveness, rapid recovery, and minimal discomfort. However, your individual eye conditions will determine your suitability. Consulting an experienced eye specialist will determine the most suitable option for optimal results.
Laser eye surgery doesn't stop the eye's natural aging process (presbyopia). Patients treated for Myopia or Hyperopia should understand that they will still need reading glasses when they're in their late 40s or early 50s. If a patient is currently wearing reading glasses, then Dr. Kraff may recommend a procedure called Monovision. Monovision will be discussed when you are in the office for your consultation.
Most medical insurance doesn't cover laser eye surgery. However, contact your health insurance provider to determine if your individual policy covers LASIK surgery and if there are any restrictions or requirements.
Yes, typically, LASIK surgery is performed on both eyes simultaneously. It's important to discuss this option with your doctor before making any decisions.
After LASIK, you may need to limit strenuous activities temporarily to ensure proper healing. You will need to avoid swimming and diving during the initial healing process. Your eye doctor will provide guidelines to safeguard your eyes during the initial recovery phase, which will maximize the procedure's success.
