At Kirk Eye Center, we understand the importance of clear, crisp vision. Even if you’re lucky enough to have enjoyed perfect eyesight throughout your life, sight deterioration is a natural aspect of growing older. Our laser eye surgery procedures are designed to treat degenerative vision loss and help you see the world in its full clarity.
Dr. John Kirk has been helping Coloradans improve their eyesight for over two decades. His individualized, client-focused eye care services center on finding the right solution for your unique situation.
To learn how Dr. Kirk can help you, please contact Kirk Eye Center today online by going to our contact page or at (970) 669-1107 to schedule an appointment. Our committed and compassionate staff proudly serves Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and neighboring communities throughout Northern Colorado.
What Are the Benefits of Fort Collins Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery can treat several vision problems, including:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): This condition makes your vision blurry when looking at far away objects.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This is the opposite of myopia. It results in your vision being blurry when looking at objects that are close.
- Astigmatism: When the shape of the front of your eye is imperfect, it can cause focusing problems for both near and far objects.
- Glaucoma: Laser eye surgery can help relieve built up pressure in the eye by draining excess intraocular fluid.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can experience diabetic retinopathy, which causes dark, discolored, or spotty vision.
Many patients find that they no longer need to wear contacts or prescription glasses after laser eye surgery. No matter what vision problems you may have, Dr. Kirk can create a custom treatment plan that addresses your needs.
Patient Testimonials:
Reading music and seeing my paintings clearly, makes my day.”
Glaucoma Laser Eye Surgery
Common to older patients, glaucoma is an eye disease that affects millions of Americans. If left untreated, the condition can eventually lead to blindness.
Some instances of glaucoma can be effectively addressed with medications. In other cases, traditional or laser surgery is needed to relieve pressure in the eye. Common laser procedures include:
- Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT): Effective in approximately 75% of cases, ALT is used for individuals with primary open angle glaucoma. In this procedure, fluid drainage is increased by opening the trabecular passages.
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Performed on those with narrow-angle glaucoma, this procedure promotes fluid drainage and increase the angle between the cornea and iris. This is done by using the laser to make a miniscule hole in the iris.
- YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (YAG CP): This treatment is used for patients with significant glaucoma damage. The procedure reduces intraocular fluid by eliminating the ciliary body that produces it.
Retinal Laser Eye Surgery
Lasers can be used to treat a number of medical retinal problems, from tears to diabetic retinopathy. Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP), also known as scatter laser photocoagulation, applies tiny spots of laser energy to the edges of the retina without affecting the retina itself. Focal laser photocoagulation uses a laser to target specific blood vessels, remove damaged eye tissue and eliminate scar tissue.
Dr. Kirk will evaluate your condition to ensure you receive the laser eye surgery that is right for your specific needs. You can rest assured that every procedure performed at Kirk Eye Center will be handled with the highest standards of professionalism and skill.
If you are considering laser eye surgery in the Loveland area, please contact us today at {tel} or complete the form on this page to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Fort Collins, Windsor and throughout Northern Colorado.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
A man holding a trash can and dropping his glasses into itThe ideal candidate for laser eye surgery is those who are at least 18 years of age and haven’t had a stable prescription for at least one year. Consulting with Dr. John D. Kirk will help us determine whether the health of your eye and medical history are eligible for laser eye surgery. However, in general, most patients in overall good health who are looking to free themselves from wearing glasses or contacts can undergo laser eye surgery.
If you have an autoimmune disease or diabetes, are on medication, or are breastfeeding or pregnant, laser treatment may not be recommended for you.
What Does Laser Eye Surgery Feel Like?
Before the procedure, Dr. Kirk will administer eye drops that numb your eyes. Afterwards, he will use a suction tool to create a flap. You may feel mild pressure during this process. Once the laser hits your eye, you won’t feel anything.
How Long Does a Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Take?
An entire laser eye procedure usually lasts anywhere from 20-30 minutes. However, the amount of time that the laser is applied to your eye varies depending on the severity of your condition. For most patients, the laser treatment is only 1-2 minutes per eye.
How Can I Prepare for My Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a safe procedure, but it can go even more smoothly when patients prepare ahead of time for their treatment. From stopping the use of contacts to taking additional vitamins, the following actions may help your eyes and body have an easier recovery following your treatment:
- Avoid contacts and wear glasses a few weeks before your surgery
- Avoid makeup and lotions near the eye area a few days before your surgery
- Do not wear makeup on the day of your surgery
- Shower and cleanse your face the morning of your surgery
- Avoid hair cuts or hair treatments a few days before your surgery to avoid any hair or debris entering the eye
- Organize your transportation to and from your surgery appointment
- Consume Vitamin D a week before your surgery and six weeks after to help with healing (or as Dr. Kirk advises)
How Long After Laser Eye Surgery Can You Drive?
Most patients will be able to drive within a couple of days after their laser eye surgery. Following the procedure, you will need someone to drive you to and from your follow-up appointments until the doctor tells you that you have recovered enough. For some individuals, recovery could take up to a week. Dr. Kirk will schedule a follow-up the day after your surgery to make sure that your eyes are healing properly.
Are There Risks of Laser Eye Surgery?
While laser eye surgery has a very high success rate, there are some risks involved in the procedure, including:
- Dry eye
- Glare or halos
- Under or overcorrections
- Astigmatism
- Regression
- Unwanted vision changes
However, most of these complications can be avoided by having an experienced ophthalmologist carefully examine your medical history. With more than 30 years of experience as a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Kirk is one of Northern Colorado’s most skilled eye surgeons.
What is Recovery After Laser Eye Surgery Like?
Recovery after laser eye surgery is often not difficult. However, it does require a lot of precautions to avoid complications when your eyes are healing.
Following your procedure, it is recommended that most patients go to sleep to allow their eyes to rest, heal, and adjust to their laser treatment. Upon waking, most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision. The following day, their vision will be clearer. In the first week of healing, patients may experience soreness, light sensitivity, and tiredness in the eyes, which is completely normal. Within seven days, these side effects will subside. Most patients return to work within one week after surgery.
It can take a full three to six months for your eyes to completely adjust to your new and improved vision. Within that time period, it’s important to be cautious of the following:
- Be gentle with your eye area when cleansing your face, washing your hair, or showering
- Avoid non-sterile waters
- Avoid soap in the eyes
- Avoid swimming in pools, the ocean, or lakes
- Avoid eye-rubbing for at least four weeks
- Consume the vitamins and use eye drops as recommended by Dr. Kirk
- Wear eye shields while you sleep
- Avoid eye makeup for your first week in recovery
- Avoid high-intensity exercise
- Wear dark, protective sunglasses whenever you are out in the sun
Are Laser Eye Surgery Results Permanent?
Most patients experience results that last around 10-12 years. As you age, your vision may change due to presbyopia, which causes the lens of the eye to harden over time. This condition happens to everyone as they get older and will make some close objects seem unfocused. In addition, the underlying issue which caused your vision loss can progress. To help extend the results of your laser eye surgery, make sure to protect your eyes from sunlight and avoid staring at a computer or phone screen for too long.
What Follow-up Care Is Required After Laser Eye Surgery?
After laser eye surgery, proper follow-up care is crucial for optimal healing and vision results. You’ll typically have an initial follow-up visit scheduled within 24-48 hours post-surgery. Dr. Kirk will examine your eyes during this appointment and monitor your recovery.
Additional follow-ups are usually booked at intervals over the next few weeks to months to continue tracking your progress.
Throughout this period, it’s essential to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infections and reduce inflammation. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes. Report any concerns, like discomfort or vision changes, immediately.
How Soon After Surgery Will I Notice an Improvement in My Vision?
A close-up shot of a blue eyeMost patients experience an improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours after laser eye surgery. However, it’s common for vision to be blurry or fluctuate for the first few days as your eyes adjust to the changes.
Patients’ clarity of vision typically continues to improve over the next several weeks. Full stabilization of vision may take up to three months. The timeline depends on the individual and the specific type of laser eye surgery performed.
How Long Should I Wait To Resume Activities Like Swimming or Exercising After Laser Eye Surgery?
Give your eyes adequate time to heal before resuming activities like swimming or exercising.
Generally, you should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and bodies of water for at least two weeks to prevent potential infections. A waiting period of about a week is recommended for vigorous physical activities or contact sports. The exact amount of time may vary based on your doctor’s advice.
Always wear protective eyewear if engaging in sports to prevent accidental injury to your healing eyes.
Are There Age Restrictions for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is generally recommended for adults over 18. Younger patients’ eyes are still developing, which could affect the surgery’s outcomes.
There is no upper age limit to this procedure. However, candidates over 40 may still require reading glasses due to presbyopia, a normal age-related change in vision.
A thorough eye examination is always necessary to determine if a person’s eyes are healthy enough for surgery, regardless of age.
What Financing Options Are Available for Laser Eye Surgery?
Kirk Eye Center offers payment plans through CareCredit® Healthcare Financing.
With CareCredit, you can access various payment plan types, including interest-free plans for purchases of $200 or more. You also don’t have to worry about any pre-payment penalties.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center?
Kirk Eye Center has been a trusted provider of comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services in Northern Colorado since 1991. Led by Dr. John Kirk, a Colorado native, the facility offers state-of-the-art treatments, particularly for serious medical eye conditions.
Dr. Kirk’s commitment to adopting the latest advancements in eye care ensures patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. Choosing Kirk Eye Center means benefiting from decades of expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to the local community’s well-being.
Schedule Your Fort Collins Laser Eye Surgery Consultation
Interested in learning more about Laser Eye Surgery? Call (970) 669 – 1107 to book a personalized appointment with Dr. John Kirk today! You can also fill out the form in our contact page, and our staff will help you set up your consultation. Our practice serves Loveland all nearby areas of Colorado.
