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LASIK

LASIK eye surgery can be truly life-changing for adults who are tired of wearing glasses and contacts.

Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, one of the nation’s most highly respected laser eye surgery specialists, can use LASIK to restore your vision.

Why is Dr. Holzman, with offices in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland, the eye surgeon of choice for pro athletes and other eye doctors?

Dr. Holzman Explains All-Laser LASIK

In this video, Dr. Andrew Holzman explains the advanced, blade-free technique he utilizes at his laser eye centers in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Thanks to the advanced technology in use at all of our offices, LASIK surgery with Dr. Holzman is safe and predictable.

Imagine Your Life after LASIK

a happy PRK treatment patient

No More Corrective Eyewear

After a custom LASIK procedure, many patients are able to completely abandon eyeglasses or contact lenses. Never again will you have to worry about losing or breaking your lenses!

Happy patient and doctor selfie

Lead an Active Lifestyle

Because LASIK expands your field of vision and minimizes the need for glasses, you can more freely enjoy an active lifestyle. Imagine being able to see clearly while on a run, or not having to worry about your glasses falling off on a court.

Precise eye examination room at Holzman Laser Vision

Enjoy Immediate Results

Although your vision will continue to improve for about six months after treatment, you should see an immediate improvement after surgery. Radically improved quality of life could be just one appointment away!

First in the DMV with Wavelight® Plus Technology

Holzman Laser Vision is proud to be the first practice in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to introduce the groundbreaking Wavelight® Plus system. This advanced laser technology allows for a more personalized approach to vision correction, combining speed, precision, and safety features that set a new standard in patient care. By being the first to bring Wavelight® Plus to the DMV, Dr. Holzman and his team continue their tradition of leading with innovation to deliver the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Could LASIK Be Right for You?

If you struggle with impaired vision, LASIK eye surgery with Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland can totally transform your life. After LASIK surgery, most of our patients experience 20/20 vision or better and they are able to end their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

If you are wondering whether laser eye surgery might be the right solution for you, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our renowned eye surgeon at any of our locations. During a consultation, Dr. Holzman will examine your eyes and honestly determine if you qualify for the procedure.

You can request a LASIK consultation with Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, right now by filling out our online form or calling the office location that is most convenient for you.

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, a transparent layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. Like a window, it refracts light onto the lens, which allows us to focus on objects at different distances. Consequently, when the cornea is misshapen, the light is improperly refracted, and vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can result.

LASIK and other surgeries like it correct refractive errors by precisely reshaping corneal tissue with medical lasers. By making your cornea either flatter or more curved, we can address your specific vision problem and help you achieve 20/20 vision.

What Can LASIK Address?

Laser eye surgeries were initially limited to treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Today, however, Dr. Holzman’s advanced techniques allow him to address a wider range of issues.

LASIK surgery can address many of the refractive

errors patients struggle with on a daily basis.

LASIK surgery may be able to improve your vision, giving you 20/20 sight or better, if you suffer from:

Myopia

Better known as nearsightedness, this refractive error is the most common. Sufferers have difficulty focusing on objects in the distance.

Hyperopia

Also known as farsightedness, patients have trouble reading and doing other up-close work, but may have excellent distance vision.

Astigmatism

Abnormally shaped corneas result in astigmatism. Patients typically experience moderately to severely blurry vision at any distance.

Presbyopia

This age-related form of farsightedness makes it more difficult to view objects up close, and sufferers generally must rely on reading glasses.

Higher-Order Aberrations

Dr. Holzman can also use this treatment to address more complex issues such as double vision, halos, glare, and trouble seeing at night.

What to Expect in Your Consultation

When you visit any of our offices in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC for a free consultation, Dr. Holzman’s team of doctors will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This is more intensive than a typical annual eye exam.

During a LASIK consultation, they will perform a routine vision test, as well as:

  • A dilated eye exam, and/or specialized pictures of the inside of your eye
  • Corneal topography tests to measure the curvature of the corneas and create a detailed map of their surfaces
  • Dry eye exam
  • A 3-D mapping of your ocular surface

These tests are quick and involve little to no discomfort. After the team has completed all the necessary tests, Dr. Holzman can recommend LASIK surgery or another procedure.

Complimentary Consultations

If you are curious about LASIK eye surgery, you have nothing to lose from scheduling a consultation with Dr. Andrew E. Holzman, one of the most respected eye surgeons on the east coast. Initial consultations at any of our DC-area offices are completely free of charge and obligation.

How Is LASIK Performed?

A Treatment Timeline

When you schedule a LASIK procedure with Dr. Holzman, you should plan to arrive at your preferred Holzman Laser Vision location at your scheduled time. Please do not be late. Avoid wearing any colognes, perfumes, or scented soaps that day. Once you are checked in, you can expect your eye surgery to proceed according to the following timeline:

1. Preparation

We will offer you a sedative to help you relax. Then, we will prepare you for surgery. We will clean the area around your eyes, and we will administer anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. We do not use injections or needles during a LASIK procedure.

2. Speculum Placement

Once your eye is completely numb, the surgeon will place a device known as a speculum between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking during the procedure.

3. Corneal Flap Creation

The first step of the procedure is to create an ultra thin flap in your cornea. At our high-tech practice, we take a blade-free approach and use a highly precise laser to create the flap. Dr. Holzman will gently fold back the flap as if it is on a hinge to expose the corneal tissue beneath.

4. Laser Reshaping

Now, Dr. Holzman will use our advanced laser to reshape your cornea according to the customized treatment plan developed from your pre-operative diagnostic testing. This process will only take between 10 and 40 seconds, depending on the amount of correction needed.

5. Flap Repositioning

Dr. Holzman will reposition your corneal flap so that your eye will heal on its own. No sutures are necessary.

6. Post-Operative Exam

Immediately after surgery, Dr. Holzman will examine your eyes with a slit lamp microscope. This allows the doctor to examine the epithelium, or the outer layer of the cornea, to make certain that the flap is in a proper position to heal.

7. Improved Vision

You should experience immediately noticeable improvements in your vision, and Dr. Holzman will provide detailed instructions regarding your recovery.

A male runner enjoying an active lifestyle on a scenic road

“The procedure takes me less than 10 minutes.”

A laser eye surgery procedure will take about 10 minutes and will require just a few hours of rest for LASIK patients, or a few days of rest for PRK patients. Dr. Holzman will provide you with detailed instructions for recovery. The need for follow-up procedures is rare, but they are covered with a lifetime commitment by Dr. Holzman for qualifying patients.

Recovering from LASIK Eye Surgery

Patients who receive laser vision correction with Dr. Holzman often experience an improvement in their vision within just 24 hours of their surgery.

Additionally, our patients’ recovery in the following days and weeks is generally straightforward and painless, with very minor side effects that quickly diminish.

All of our patients will experience some blurriness following treatment, so arrangements should be made for a friend or family member to drive you home.

The Day of Your Procedure

You may experience some discomfort while recovering at home, so we recommend that you rest your eyes to reduce irritation. After taking a nap, you may notice that your eyes feel better and your sight is even clearer. Other patients may sleep through the night and wake up to find that they can see well without their glasses.

The Month After Your Procedure

Your vision should stabilize in the weeks after the procedure, and it is common to experience subtle shifts in your sight during this time. While some patients prefer to wear glasses during certain tasks like driving or reading, many are able to enjoy these activities without any dependence on corrective eyewear.

Who Qualifies for LASIK?

To determine if you are a candidate for all-laser LASIK, Dr. Holzman performs diagnostic pre-operative testing and evaluates your overall health. Patients who are not candidates for LASIK surgery may be eligible for other treatments such as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

Important criteria include:

highlighting a procedure with reduced side effects at the clinic

Good Ocular Health

Conditions such as corneal disease, glaucoma, or dry eye can increase your risk of complications.

A happy PRK surgery patient

Over 18 Years Old

Typically, LASIK patients must be 18 years of age or older because most patients’ vision will be stable at this point.

Eye doctor examining a patient's eyes using a slit lamp at Holzman Laser Vision clinic

Normal-Sized Pupils

If you have overly large pupils, you may be at a greater risk of developing issues such as halos or glare after the procedure.

Dr. Holzman smiling with two happy patients who meet the over 18 age requirement to qualify for LASIK at Holzman Laser Vision

Sufficient Corneal Thickness

Patients with especially thin corneas are not candidates for LASIK surgery. PRK may be more appropriate.

A happy patient smiling in an exam room

Good Overall Health

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases may not be candidates due to concerns over proper healing.

Happy patient Taryn Smithson with her surgeon after a successful laser eye surgery at Holzman Laser Vision

Stable Vision

It is recommended that your prescription is stable for at least a year. Unstable vision could require further corrective surgeries.

Conditions that Affect Candidacy

Cataracts

This gradual clouding of the crystalline lens obstructs vision, and should be addressed before undergoing laser eye surgery of the cornea.

Dry Eyes

Patients suffering from persistent dry eyes may not be good candidates unless their condition is treated in advance of the procedure. Dr. Holzman and his team specialize in protocols designed to minimize this condition.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma involves high intraocular pressure (IOP) that can potentially damage the retina and optic nerve. IOP increases momentarily during LASIK.

Fuchs’ Dystrophy

This condition involves the deterioration of the inner surface of the cornea, causing it to become unstable.

Severe Nearsightedness

Patients with severe nearsightedness are not usually considered good candidates for this treatment.

Keratoconus

Patients with keratoconus may not be good candidates for this procedure because of corneal instability.

Still Not Sure If You Qualify?

Come See Us to Know for Sure

The best way to determine your candidacy for laser eye surgery is to visit one of our offices in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia. When you see Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, for a consultation, he will be able to recommend which form of vision correction is right for you.

Request a free consultation now by filling out our online form or calling the office location most convenient for you.

Expect Dramatic Results

A graphic of an eye with a statistic about the Contoura Vision success rate

Ensuring Your Safety

during LASIK Surgery

Many patients are concerned about the safety of refractive surgery. However, when you choose a renowned specialist like Dr. Andrew E. Holzman for your procedure, the risks of laser vision correction are minimal.

Patients can rest assured that LASIK eye surgery at our practice is as safe as possible because of our…

Expert Surgeon

Dr. Holzman has performed more than 95,000 vision correction surgeries and has achieved the prestigious status of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His experience with refractive surgery minimizes risks and ensures that you experience the best possible results of LASIK surgery.

Advanced Techniques

Because Dr. Holzman focuses on providing the highest quality care, we have invested in the safest and most precise equipment available. We're the first practice in the DMV to offer Wavelight® Plus, the most advanced technology for LASIK in the last decade. Our blade-free technique provides a high level of precision and accuracy during treatment and we take every possible measure to avoid over- or under-correction of your condition.

Strict Candidacy Requirements

We also hold our patients to very strict candidacy standards. This procedure is not right for everyone and roughly 20 percent of our patients do not meet the criteria we have outlined to be considered for the surgery. Dr. Holzman is skilled in additional refractive surgery options, like PRK, and if he decides you should not undergo all-laser LASIK, he will work to find a treatment option that works best for you.

Dr. Holzman has spent his entire career working on protocols to improve patient safety and reduce patient fear.

Dr. Holzman on Refractive Surgery Safety

In this video, Dr. Holzman explains the risks and side-effects related to laser eye surgery. By choosing our practice serving the greater Washington DC area, you can further minimize the small chance of complications.

Studies Confirm the Safety Of LASIK

surgical complications

*According to the American Refractive Surgery Council 

Dry eye is the most common side effect, and it usually subsides after the recovery period. According to a large study, 35% of patients suffered from dry eye after LASIK eye surgery, but 32% had a previous history of dry eye.

Possible Side Effects of LASIK

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK surgery involves minor risk of complications. However, choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Andrew E. Holzman in Washington DC greatly reduces the chances of complication. After your procedure, Dr. Holzman will give you detailed instruction on what to do should any of the following side effects occur:

Dry Eyes

The LASIK procedure can cause a decrease in your tear production, resulting in dry eyes. This should improve within six months.

Red Spot on Eye

Subconjunctival hemorrhages result when blood vessels break. They are harmless and disappear within a few weeks.

Flap Complications

If the flap does not adhere properly, this can create tiny wrinkles in the surface of the cornea, which may affect your vision.

Vision Disturbances

You may experience halos, hazy vision, and glare or starbursts in dimmer settings for the first three to six months.

Infection

Infection rarely occurs following LASIK. Dr. Holzman will give you detailed post-operative instructions to minimize your risk.

Why Choose Dr. Holzman for Life-Changing LASIK Surgery

Choose Dr. Holzman

When you choose an experienced, highly trained, well-known eye surgeon like Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, the benefits of a LASIK procedure far outweigh the potential risks. After your refractive surgery, you can achieve 20/20 vision and end your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. As you see the world more clearly, you will be able to live a more convenient, more active, and more fulfilling life.

Take the first step towards restored vision by scheduling a consultation at one of our eye care centers in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia. You can request a consultation right now by filling our our online form or calling your preferred office location.

LASIK Cost

Packages start at $2,625 per eye.

We complete custom LASIK procedures for each patient who visits our DC-area practice. The cost is packaged with a full year of post-operative care and a lifetime commitment.  Preoperative and postoperative exams also are included as well as a postoperative pack of materials which aid in recovery.

LASIK eye surgery at our practice may cost a little more than it does at less advanced practices because of our sophisticated technology and the experience of Dr. Holzman. However, the amazing results we are able to achieve with this treatment make it more than worth the investment.

Paying for LASIK Eye Surgery

Unfortunately, because LASIK is considered an elective surgery, it is not covered by insurance, although some discounts may apply. To help put this life-changing treatment within the budgets of those who need it, we offer competitive pricing and payment plans.

 

There are several considerations which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for corrective eye surgery, such as:

Employer

Some employers, such as airlines and the military, may contribute to your surgery if clearer vision will benefit your work.

FSA or HSA

Both flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for out-of-pocket procedures like LASIK.

Third-Party Financing

Our team would be happy to help you find a third-party lender that offers flexible, low-interest financing plans.

Longterm Results

Custom LASIK treatment with our practice can result in instantly improved vision. Dr. Holzman also conducts each procedure with the goal of producing results that will last as long as possible.

Even though LASIK procedures can radically improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, your vision will continue to change with the effects of the aging process. Results will last for many years, but a small number of patients do require a touch-up procedure.

At Holzman Laser Vision, approximately only one percent of LASIK patients will require a touch-up procedure at some point to restore their 20/20 vision.

More than half of our patients achieve better than 20/20 vision

Conditions that Impact Long-Term Results

Age-related eye conditions and diseases can compromise the effects of laser eye surgery, including:

Presbyopia

Many patients begin to struggle with seeing close-up objects after age 40.

Cataracts

LASIK cannot prevent cataracts. If cataracts develop later in life, they can impair your vision and will require treatment.

Glaucoma

If you develop glaucoma, it can compromise your vision regardless of LASIK surgery. Without proper treatment, the condition can result in blindness.

Maximize Your Benefits

with Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS

Choosing a reputable, technologically advanced practice is the best way to ensure your results last for many years. Our practice combines unparalleled experience (Dr. Holzman has successfully performed more than 95,000 surgeries) with the most innovative techniques and equipment to provide patients with the best possible results.

Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation by contacting one of our offices in the greater DC area.

An Alternative Laser Eye Surgery

PRK

Some patients have corneas that are too thin for LASIK surgery. Those patients may be better suited for PRK, another form of refractive surgery that our board-certified ophthalmologist performs at our offices throughout the tristate area.

Still Have Questions?

Check out our list of frequently asked questions.

Dr. Andrew E. Holzman & Dr. Jonathan Solomon

Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, is one of the most well-respected ophthalmologists in the greater Washington, DC, area. He is regularly sought out by professional athletes, media personalities, and other doctors for laser eye surgery.

Dr. Jonathan Solomon has been acknowledged by GQ Magazine in their “Men of the Year” issue, recognized nationally as one of the “Top Doctors in America” by his peers, and listed as one of Baltimore-Washington’s Super Doctors for 2013.

To schedule a consultation at one of our locations, please fill out our online form or give us a call at (855) 99-LASIK.