Virginia Eye Institute offers both conventional LASIK and custom LASIK with the bladeless IntraLase laser method. LASIK surgery consists of two steps. During step one, the doctor creates a corneal flap. During step two, the doctor gently folds the flap back to perform the laser procedure that corrects your vision. With conventional LASIK, the corneal flap is created using a surgical blade called a mechanical keritome. The bladeless IntraLase Method uses tiny, ultra-precise pulses of laser light to create the corneal flap. One of the advantages of this methodology is that certain patients who were not previously eligible for LASIK may now be eligible using the IntraLase Method. This technology may then be teamed with the precise cornea mapping of the CustomVue Advantage to bring you the very best LASIK technology

The laser is situated at the Huguenot Bridge Surgery Center and is used exclusively for LASIK to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Click here for the free evening seminar schedule and online registration »

Click here for a free online refractive surgery screening »

Read some patient testimonials »
Refractive Surgery describes a group of outpatient surgical procedures used to correct refractive errors known as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The surgical procedures available at VEI include:

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis):
for treatment of hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism

LASIK uses the cool, invisible, high-energy light of the Excimer laser to precisely sculpt the cornea to correct refractive errors.

Often referred to as a modification of another refractive surgery procedure called PRK, LASIK involves the creation of a flap on the cornea before applying the laser. The flap is then repositioned — acting as a natural protective bandage during healing. LASIK, therefore, provides a faster, more comfortable recovery than PRK. Bilateral LASIK surgery (both eyes corrected in one visit) is generally preferred by surgeons and patients. LASIK is effective for patients with mild to high levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK can also correct mild to moderate levels of farsightedness. LASIK was first performed in Virginia on a FDA approved laser by a VEI surgeon in 1996.



Light is focused, or refracted, by the cornea, the clear front window of the eye and the lens within the eye. Your vision is clear if the cornea and the lens focus the image precisely on the retina, a layer of light sensitive cells that line the back of the eye. When images are not focused onto the retina, you have what is called a refractive error. Until recently, glasses and contact lenses have been the only options available to correct refractive errors. Refractive surgery is now an option for most people.

If images are focused in front of the retina, distant objects appear blurry, creating a refractive error called myopia or nearsightedness. If images are focused beyond the retina, nearby and distant objects may appear blurry, creating a refractive error called hyperopia or farsightedness.

If your cornea has unequal curves, images are distorted because light is projected to multiple points on the retina. This refractive error is known as astigmatism.




Surgery of any kind is an important decision and you should become fully informed about the procedure you are considering. Refractive surgery is designed to offer people an alternative to, or lessen dependence upon glasses or contact lenses. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable with your current form of vision correction, surgery may be an option for you. To find out if you are a candidate, a brief screening and evaluation is your first step. VEI offers free refractive surgery screenings and free evening seminars.

If a screening determines eligibility for surgery and you wish to proceed, a complete examination will follow and your doctor wil inform you of your options. During the exam, your eyes will be dilated and your refractive error measured. Your surgeon will also examine your cornea, take computerized measurements (corneal topography) of the shape of the cornea, and measure the thickness of the cornea using an ultrasound probe. If desired, surgery can be scheduled within two to three weeks of your examination.




All refractive surgery procedures require the patient to remain awake. However, your eye is numbed with drops to alleviate any discomfort. Your eyelid is held open with a special instrument and you are instructed to focus on a small light. The surgeon then makes incisions or applies the laser — depending on your procedure — to reshape the cornea. The actual procedure takes approximately 20 minutes per eye.

After treatment, your eye needs time to heal. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, but will clear within a few days. The physician will prescribe an eye drop to alleviate any discomfort, prevent infection, and promote healing. You can expect significant improvement in your vision within the first 24 hours. A follow-up exam is required the day after surgery and regularly over the following 12 months.




Virginia Eye Institute can make your LASIK or other Refactive Surgery procedure affordable with either a 3 or 6 month 0% interest financing plan through Capital One. You can apply quickly and confidentially online at www.capitalone.com free of charge.

We also accept personal checks, cash, MasterCard, or VISA. If paying by any of these methods, payment in full is due 3 days prior to surgery.




Insurance companies consider all LASIK and Refractive Surgery procedures elective and do not cover the cost of surgery, however, some offer discounts. Please contact your insurance carrier about your specific policy to determine any discounted options for your particular procedure.




Flexible Spending Accounts can be used for LASIK Refractive Surgery. Using an FSA to pay for vision correction could save you significantly. Check with your benefits manager to find out if your company offers this option.