Are you tired of your glasses? Do you dream of getting free of them forever? LASIK eye surgery at Benjamin Eye Institute is a quick and painless solution to your vision problems. If you are looking to improve your vision, then set your sights on the professional and compassionate team at Benjamin Eye Institute. Your improved vision could be just weeks away. Patients often say that LASIK is the best decision they have ever made.
LASIK is an FDA approved procedure that is painless, fast, and effective. In most cases, it only takes a few seconds per eye. In total, the surgical appointment is about an hour from start to finish. LASIK the world’s most popular refractive procedure.
Tens of millions of patients are enjoying excellent vision and improved lifestyle without having to resort to glasses or contacts. Modern All-Laser Wavefront Optimized LASIK may even help patients achieve better vision than possible with glasses or contacts.
Have you ever had a contact lens fall out only to exhaustively search for it? Have you found yourself searching for contact solution late at night when you forgot to pack it for trips? Do you feel burdened by eye glasses or contact lenses during sports or other common outdoor activities? Have your questions answered by our team at Benjamin Eye Institute.
Dr. Benjamin has performed thousands of LASIK surgeries in Los Angeles, and he can speak to the benefits of LASIK. Not only does he perform the procedure on patients daily, but he has also experiences the benefits of LASIK in his own vision. Dr. Benjamin, as a patient, experienced the Modern All-Laser Wavefront Optimized LASIK on his own eyes – read more about Dr. Benjamin’s LASIK Experience.
Almost a million LASIK surgeries are performed each year, correcting vision for Americans suffering with nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatic vision. Our vision experts at Benjamin Eye Institute will work with you to answer all of your questions if you are interested in learning more about LASIK eye surgery.
Patients may be ineligible for LASIK if they suffer from any of the following conditions:
For patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK, Dr. Arthur Benjamin, MD offers alternatives for patients seeking better vision.
Monovision is a strategy for eliminating the need for bifocals or reading glasses. The goal of the treatment is to achieve spectacle freedom while performing everyday visual tasks. Monovision can be achieved through the use of contact lenses or LASIK. As a result of treatment, one eye, usually the dominant one, is focused at distance. The fellow non-dominant eye is focused at near. With both eyes open, the brain automatically picks the image that is best in focus.
For example, when looking at objects that are at near, such as a watch, cell phone or a price tag, the “near” eye is doing most of the work. While performing tasks that require distance vision, such as driving or watching TV, the “distance” eye does most of the work.
This strategy is well tolerated by most people but is not for everyone. For this to be successful, careful pre-operative planning must be done which includes:
Although the basic steps listed above comprise the general nature of the procedure, all LASIK surgeries are not the same. The results will depend on a multitude of factors such as:
Remove your contacts. This is extremely important to both maximize the health of your eyes and assure good results.
There are generally no restrictions on eating or taking medication before or on your surgery day, however, please advise us of any medications you are taking. We recommend avoiding alcohol several hours before and after your procedure, as this tends to dehydrate the tissues. You will be given prescriptions for post-operative eye drops that must be filled prior to your procedure.
Payment is due before the surgery day so that you can focus on your procedure and getting well, rather than the hassles of payment and financing. Please review and sign the consent form prior to your procedure. Please arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.
With Benjamin Eye Institute’s modern All-Laser Wavefront Optimized LASIK, our patients enjoy the most cutting-edge technology available. Wavefront offers the latest technological advancements, creating a computerized “map” of the eye, allowing for more precise correction with the Excimer laser.
You can eat lightly prior to the procedure; however, do not consume caffeine (soda, chocolate, and coffee), alcohol or tobacco. Do not wear any facial make-up, eye make-up or any skin creams, lotions or moisturizers. Do not wear any scented products (i.e. perfume or cologne) or use hair products that contain alcohol (such as hair spray or mousse). The aromatic and alcohol vapors can impair the laser beam.
Wear comfortable clothing. The laser room temperature is cool so you may want to wear a sweatshirt or a sweater. Avoid wearing clothes made of materials such as wool that may generate lint in the surgical suite. Do not wear any jewelry, e.g. earrings, necklaces, and chains. To ensure safety of your jewelry, please leave it at home.
In consideration of others, and to make certain your visit is as comfortable as possible, please do not bring children with you on the day of your surgery. Turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices prior to entering the laser room.
Duration of your visit will be approximately 1 1/2 hours.
LASIK in Los Angeles is performed on each eye separately, with each procedure taking only about five minutes. First, Dr. Benjamin uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea. The flap is then folded back to access the underlying cornea (stoma) and Dr. Benjamin eliminates some corneal tissue using another laser called an Excimer laser.
This highly specialized Excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it, refocusing light entering the eye for improved vision. For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea. For farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. For astigmatism, the Excimer laser works by smoothing an unbalanced cornea into a more normal shape. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. The cornea is then allowed to heal naturally.
Please be advised that your follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure.
You are required to come to our office within the first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure for your first post-operative appointment.
Continue using your eye medications.
You may take a shower the day after surgery, but keep your eyes closed. Do not allow water to spray directly into your face. Avoid soap or shampoo in your eyes for one week.
Do not submerge in any bodies of water such as pools, Jacuzzis, oceans, rivers, or lakes for two weeks after your surgery.
Mascara should not be used for one week. It is okay to use eye shadow and other make-up.
Do not rub your eyes for six weeks following your treatment. If your eyes itch, notify your eye doctor and an anti-itch medication can be prescribed.
Use sunglasses when outdoors for the first four weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust.
Wear your eye shield at bedtime for one week (two weeks if you sleep on your stomach) to keep from rubbing your eyes while asleep.
Light exercise is okay, but avoid excessive workouts for five days.
It is always recommended that you wear protective eyewear for racquet and contact sports and safety goggles for jobs/hobbies that require them.
Do not swim; use a sauna or hot tub for two weeks following surgery.
You may fly two days after surgery.
Please use your antibiotic eye medication every even hour (e.g. 12PM, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM, 8PM) and your steroid medication every odd hour (1PM, 3PM, 5PM, etc.)
No scuba diving for three weeks.
...when choosing a practice for your LASIK procedure, it’s important to thoroughly interview the surgeon and ensure that you have a full understanding of the costs involved. To begin, you want to assess your surgeon’s expertise. Where did he go to medical school? Did he complete any fellowships? How many LASIK procedures has he performed in the past? Try to gauge his level of skill. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from other patients.
...once you’re comfortable with the surgeon, inquire about the facility where your procedure will be performed and the technology that will be used. Does he leverage the latest advancements in the field, or is the technology a bit dated? What can he tell you about his facility that conveys its safety?
If you like both the surgeon and the facility, you’ll next want to take a closer look at the quote provided. We recommend asking the following questions to make sure there are no surprises when you receive the final bill:
...once you have answers to all of those questions for a couple of different practices, review your findings and make an informed decision based on the information you’ve gathered and who you feel is most qualified to perform your procedure.
"A blessed miracle! I've worn glasses since the age of 8 and after my Lasik procedure with Dr. Benjamin, and his Superior, Informative, Attentive and Excellent staff, I can experience life without the crutch of always reaching for glasses to simply see. My vision is crisp, clear and so welcome. Thank you Dr. Benjamin, Mayka and the entire staff at Benjamin eye Institute. I could not be more satisfied. You've changed my life."
- C.M.
Read MoreWe will thoroughly examine your eyes, evaluate your visual needs and design and recommend a treatment that’s best for you. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK, but don’t worry—we offer a complete range of refractive services, including PRK, ICL, CLR and Premium Cataract Surgery. If you are not a good candidate for one of the procedures we offer, we’ll tell you.
Modern refractive surgery will give you great vision for years to come. However, your eyes and your visual needs may change over time. With our Lifetime Commitment Policy, we will be here every step of the way. Here at the Benjamin Eye Institute, we view your visit with us as the start of what we hope will be a positive, life-long relationship.
The ambient humidity and temperature greatly affect not only the laser performance, but most importantly how your eyes respond to the treatment. That’s why at BEI we have a unique, autonomous climate-control system in our laser suite. The air in the suite is conditioned independently from the building’s air conditioning system.
The air passes through a series of HEPA filters, which prevent bacteria from contaminating the surgical environment. The air is constantly maintained at a certain humidity and temperature level. This system, unique to our suite, is quite costly, but we think you are worth it!
Of course, modern, well-maintained and calibrated laser equipment, an experienced surgeon, meticulous pre-operative evaluation, experienced and well-trained laser technicians are crucial to the success of the procedure. However, one important factor is frequently overlooked–the operating room environment.
State of the art technology is at the heart of every successful LASIK procedure. At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we are at the forefront of LASIK technology, employing only the latest technologies and advancements for laser vision correction.
State-of-the-art technology is at the heart of every successful LASIK procedure. At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we are at the forefront, employing only the latest technologies and advancements for laser vision correction. The Wavelight Allegretto Eye-Q 400 excimer laser and Intralase FS2 60 KHz femtosecond laser represent the latest laser vision correction technology.
The combination of these advanced surgical lasers allows us to deliver safety, precision and remarkable vision correction outcomes. We have a unique, brand new climate-controlled laser suite and advanced diagnostic equipment, such as the Pentacam HR, to add an extra margin of safety and precision.
The price of LASIK eye surgery varies quite a bit, depending on where you have the procedure done and which LASIK surgeon performs the surgery. The following factors make a substantial difference when determining the final cost of LASIK surgery:
The level of vision correction required. The cost of your procedure will depend on how poor your eyesight is. If your vision is very poor, you will pay more than someone with a milder problem.
The technology. The newer and more advanced the technology used during your procedure, the most expensive it will be. At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we leverage the latest advancements in the field to ensure our patients have access to the highest-quality version of the procedure available. When evaluating practices for LASIK surgery, be sure to request a breakdown of the technologies used and how they impact your final cost.
The surgeon’s skill. The final factor that plays a large part in determining the cost of your procedure is the skill level of your surgeon. If you select a very experienced surgeon, (which we recommend), you can expect to pay for that expertise.
Because the factors that contribute to the cost of your procedure will also impact its effectiveness and safety, we strongly advise against looking for a heavily discounted version of LASIK. The procedure involves eliminating tissue and cannot be undone, so it’s critical that you choose an experienced surgeon with a high level of expertise, along with a safe and well-regarded facility. Selecting a practice for your procedure is an extremely important decision, one in which quality – not cost – should be the primary deciding factor
No two sets of eyes are the same, so pricing for LASIK eye surgery cost may vary slightly between patients. If more advanced treatment is needed, there may be a higher cost involved. Conversely, if you only require a slight improvement in your vision to obtain freedom from glasses and contacts, your procedure may be more affordable. During your initial consultation at the Benjamin Eye Institute, we will thoroughly explain the treatment options required for your eyes and make sure you understand your anticipated investment so there are no surprises.
Apply NowWe understand that the cost of LASIK can be daunting. However, we urge you to remember that this is your vision and you need to take optimal care of it. Though we cannot deliver discount surgeries, we do offer 0% interest financing for two years through Care Credit, to make it easier for our patients to pay for their procedures. Apply today to find out if you’re a candidate for this offer.
Arthur Benjamin, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 12 years of experience in surgical vision correction procedures in Southern California. He has performed thousands of refractive surgeries, including:
As the first ophthalmologist to perform the innovative AcrySof ReSTOR IOL procedure, he is a recognized and respected specialist in vision correction.
Dr. Benjamin earned his undergraduate degree cum laude at Cornell University and his medical degree from the prestigious Duke University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center and acquired his ophthalmology training at the world-renowned Jules Stein Eye Institute at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he now serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, sharing his expertise with the next generation of refractive surgeons.
Dr. Benjamin is on the Refractive Care Committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS). Perhaps the most impressive endorsements of Dr. Benjamin’s services come from his own peers. More than 400 medical doctors and optometrists have trusted their patients to Dr. Benjamin for surgical care, and the referrals just keep coming.
Dr. Pamela Golchet specializes in ophthalmology, treating and diagnosing a variety of eye diseases for patients of the Benjamin Eye Institute, including vision loss, detached retinas, glaucoma and more. She also possesses a high degree of expertise in performing complex eye surgeries. Dr. Golchet achieved her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and completed her residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, we use two of the most advanced lasers on the market, along with the latest diagnostic technologies available. These tools represent the latest in vision correction technology, allowing Dr. Benjamin to perform laser eye surgery, with safe, precise and remarkable vision correction outcomes.
Wavefront Technology:Because We Live in a “High-Definition” World
Because everyone’s eyes are unique, Dr. Benjamin utilizes Wavefront™ Optimized technology to diagnose and later treat your eyes. Wavefront optimization takes into account the three-dimensional map of your eyes prior to treatment and is the most accurate technology available to treat visual distortions, including lower and higher order aberrations. The difference between traditional LASIK and LASIK using Wavefront Optimized technology is like the difference between regular and hi-definition television.
IntraLase Technology:The No-Blade Method
The IntraLase is a precise, all laser, 100% blade free technique for creating the corneal flap – the first step in the laser vision correction procedure. Dr. Benjamin uses IntraLase to eliminate many of the potential complications associated with the microkeratome blade, an older technique for creation of corneal flap.
The IntraLase method uses pulses of laser light instead of a blade to create tiny bubbles at an exact predetermined depth. When these bubbles coalesce, a perfect flap is formed that is customized to your vision needs. Once this corneal flap has been created and reflected back, the next step of your LASIK treatment can begin.
Pentacam HR: A highly sophisticated diagnostic tool
The Pentacam HR is equipped with a slit illumination system and a Scheimpflug camera, which rotates around the eye creating a precise topographic map of the eye’s anterior segment. Another camera takes images of the pupil to track any possible eye movement. As a result, Pentacam collects and analyzes information that may be very important for diagnostic purposes. In laser vision correction, Pentacam is used in determining candidacy for a refractive procedure. The Benjamin Eye Institute is one of the few practices in California to have access to this technological marvel.
LASIK eye surgery is a safe, effective and stable procedure. While there may be a million reasons to have LASIK, there may be some conditions that exclude some people. At Benjamin Eye Institute, patients will be thoroughly screened for conditions that may affect their LASIK candidacy. If any of these conditions are found, Dr. Benjamin will recommend one of many effective LASIK alternatives. LASIK alternatives are determined by each individual patient’s unique vision needs. We don’t just treat your vision issues, we treat you.
Alternatives to LASIK come in many different forms. Here are some of the most popular treatment options offered at Benjamin Eye Institute
VISIAN ICL ICLd, or implantable Contact Lens, are also known as permanent contact lenses. This surgery option is very different from LASIK, which involves laser removal of microscopic pieces of corneal tissue. ICLs are devices that work with your eyes natural lens to yield clear vision at all distances. A small incision is created in the eye, and then the ICL is placed to work in congress with your existing lens. Depending on the type of lens that is implanted, the incision may be allowed to self-heal or it will be closed with dissolvable sutures. Patients that undergo ICL surgery typically achieve improved vision within a day
VISIAN ICLPRK PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is similar to LASIK in that the same type of excimer laser is used, but a corneal flap is not created. Instead, a laser beam is applied directly to the surface of the eye to reshape the cornea. PRK is used less frequently due to the development of LASIK, but in some individual cases PRK may still be the procedure of choice. The primary healing may take several days longer than that of LASIK, but the long term effects are the same.
PRKCLEAR LENS REPLACEMENT (CLR) Clear Lens Replacement surgery is typically suggested for individuals experiencing presbyopia or extreme farsightedness (hyperopia), for whom LASIK or PRK are not suitable. If you have both presbyopia and moderate to severe hyperopia, a clear lens replacement may be the only viable option for clear vision and nominal reliance on glasses following your refractive surgery.
Clear (refractive) lens exchange surgery also can correct myopia (nearsightedness), but generally it is not recommended when LASIK or PRK are still viable options.
CLRNo. Many of the discount LASIK centers want you to believe that LASIK should be purchased like a “commodity.” In fact, the following aspects of LASIK matter just as much as the surgery itself:
Laser vision correction will affect the way you see for the rest of your life. You should make your decision to have laser vision carefully, not quickly or based on lowest price. We understand financial concerns that are tied to the cost of LASIK, but our commitment to providing as many Los Angeles residents with 20/20 vision is important to us, that's why we offer zero interest financing for the first 24 months. Be sure to contact our office to learn more about our financing specials and cost breakdown.
The goal of any refractive procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses). However, we cannot guarantee you will have 20/20 vision as a result. Our commitment to you is that we will not perform laser vision correction on you or anyone we feel does not have a good possibility of achieving independence from glasses or contacts.
There are possible risks with any surgical procedure. Serious complications with LASIK or PRK are extremely rare. The chance of having a vision-reducing complication from LASIK has been documented in clinical studies to be less than one percent. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.
After laser vision correction, you may experience some of the following visual side effects:
These complications are usually mild and most often diminish over a few days to a few weeks, but there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won’t go away completely. If we decide you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. We want to be sure that you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
Prior to beginning your LASIK surgery, Dr. Benjamin will place numbing eye drops into the eye(s) on which he is performing the procedure. Following your surgery, Dr. Benjamin can provide you with prescription pain medication if necessary. Many patients report no discomfort or just very mild discomfort following LASIK in the 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
Yes. We frequently perform LASIK surgery on both eyes at the same time at the Benjamin Eye Institute.
The FDA recognizes LASIK surgery to be a safe and effective method of vision correction. Certain health conditions can increase your risk of developing complications with LASIK surgery. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a compromised immune system, persistent dry eye, herpes simplex of the eye, keratitis, cataracts, or eye lid disorders, among others, all increase your risk of developing complications. You should discuss your complete medical history with Dr. Benjamin in your initial consultation, so he can advise you if LASIK surgery is the right vision correction treatment for you.
Developing side effects as a result of LASIK surgery is uncommon, however, it is still possible. There is a slight risk that your vision will be either over- or under-corrected. LASIK surgery can temporarily inhibit your eye’s ability to produce tears, so they may feel dry for the first four to six months as they heal completely. You may also experience halos or double vision, especially at night. These side effects are usually temporary and should resolve themselves within a few weeks.
LASIK surgery is usually a quick procedure, taking only a few seconds per eye. The actual procedure can be completed in as little as ten minutes per eye, however, you should plan to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes in our office the day of your surgery.
PRK was the first surgical procedure using a laser for the purpose of correcting of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. While it was a predecessor to LASIK surgery, it is still commonly performed and may be more suitable for certain patients. The biggest difference between the two procedures is how the eye is prepared for correction.
In LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea in order to allow the cornea to be reshaped, which is then replaced once the procedure has been completed. In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed and then discarded before reshaping the cornea. This thin outer layer will repair itself in the days following the procedure.
You may resume wearing makeup around the eye area one to three weeks after your LASIK procedure has been completed. It is important, however, that you discard any old eye makeup and purchase new products in order to reduce the risk of contamination or infection.
It is important that you take special care to avoid injury to the eye in the weeks and months following your LASIK procedure, giving your eye ample time to completely heal. You should wait several weeks following LASIK to resume strenuous activities or swimming. Eyes that have been treated with LASIK surgery are more susceptible to injury. For this reason, you should invest in quality safety glasses and sports glasses in order to protect your eyes from injury if you plan on engaging in any activity that could lead to impact.
If you’re interesting in having LASIK at the Benjamin Eye Institute, please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation for LASIK surgery.
During your appointment, either Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet will review your surgical options with you and help you plan for your custom procedure.
Wow! I just had surgery by Dr. Benjamin yesterday. Today I have 20-20, in that eye. Painless & perfect. I had no Idea, what I had been missing.
Wonderful eye institute. Delightful & very efficient & up to date staff. Especially Myka. Treat yourself to good eye sight by the charming Dr. Benjamin. You will be in good hands.
Doe
I have had dry eyes for a quite sometime and had seen several physicians and got eye drops etc but not until I have seen Dr. Benjamin I found how serious problem that it was. I had the most thorough and individual attention by Dr. Benjamin. He explained to me my problem and treatment options available. Dr. Benjamin and His staff are very caring and they spend as much time with you as needed and one feels taken care of. I was given state of the art treatment for my dry eyes and my eyes went from feeling tired , red , scratchy and itchy to brilliantly glowing clear. Office is very serene and staff is attentive, pleasant and smiling. Dr. Benjamin is very down to earth and explains thoroughly that one understands what alis them. I will definitely keep coming back for all my eye issues.
I wish I had come to Dr. Benjamin years ago!!!
I have been hopping around between 3 eye doctors in the last few years complaining of severe eye pain, redness - so bad I haven't been able to wear contacts for a year. Every other doctor made a diagnosis in 2 minutes, prescribed a few things and sent me on my way. Nothing helped and the doctors kept saying my eyes looked fine despite my symptoms. Finally I saw Dr. Benjamin, and he listened to my concerns from top to bottom and did tests the other doctors never did! He made a brand new diagnosis which finally makes sense and fits my symptoms. He spent almost an hour with me which is unbelievable. I am so impressed with this place, even the front desk and other staff were so friendly. I'm so relieved and am looking forward to making a recovery with Dr. Benjamin and eventually getting LASIK.
Life is beautiful. See it clearly.
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9201 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 709
West Hollywood, CA 90069
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