The Omaha Eye and Laser Institute was founded in 1985, and became in 2001. OELI founders Sao J. “John” Liu MD and Sao C. “James” Liu recognized that a new era of laser innovation in the field of eye care had arrived and worked to devote Omaha Eye & Laser Institute’s full efforts to bringing the most advanced laser technology in the field of eye care to the state of Nebraska. In 2003, Omaha Eye & Laser Institute was the first to provide blade-free iLASIK in Nebraska, and was the first to provide blade-free laser cataract surgery in the state. Our goal at Omaha Eye & Laser Institute is to provide our patients with tomorrow’s surgical and laser technology today! We know that with the best LASIK technology and unparalleled surgeon experience, our patients will have the best possible results and care.
What is iLASIK?
The Omaha Eye & Laser Institute offers the ultimate laser vision correction procedure known as iLASIK. iLASIK is a revolutionary procedure that combines the advanced iDesign-guided laser vision correction technology of the Abbott Medical Optics Customvue laser with the safety and precision of the Intralase iFS laser. The resulting iLASIK is unmatched in both precision and safety.
iLASIK is an all-laser procedure, involving zero blades. Because iLASIK is truly iDesign-guided, it can provide sharper vision by treating your higher-order aberrations. These are visual errors that glasses, contacts, and other forms of wavefront “optimized” lasers cannot treat. We are proud to be the first and only vision center in Nebraska to offer the iFS and iDesign. Because the iFS is nearly three times faster than the previous 60Khz Intralase lasers, our patients experience quicker treatment times and much less discomfort. The iFS laser can create flaps with much smoother stromal beds in a record-low ten seconds, with the entire iLASIK procedure taking only ten minutes.
Eye Doctors in Omaha, NE
Drs. Sao J. “John” Liu, Sao C. “James” Liu, Jessica Liu and Mark Young are Nebraska’s most accomplished all-laser LASIK team. Each surgeon at Omaha Eye & Laser Institute is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, with decades of experience performing LASIK procedures; our OELI surgeons have helped countless patients in Nebraska achieve crisp, clear vision without the aid of glasses or contacts.
In 2011, OELI introduced blade-free cataract surgery and today is the most experienced, proficient, blade-free laser cataract surgery center in the state. OELI surgeons are also among the most knowledgeable toric and multifocal intraocular lens implants surgeons in the Midwest. These advanced lenses provide much sharper vision after cataract surgery without the use of glasses or contacts.
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LASIK FAQs
Q. What is LASIK?
A. LASIK is a procedure that improves vision by changing the shape of the cornea with a laser and is a very effective treatment for a wide range of vision problems. LASIK eye surgery continues to grow in popularity and is the number one elective surgery in the country.
Q: Are there patient financing companies available? (or: Are there patient financing companies available to help pay for my purchase over time?)
A: We offer financing with Alphaeon Credit. There are a number of special financing promotions available. Please contact us for details.
Q: Is LASIK painful?
A: Most patients experience NO pain but some experience a mild discomfort just after the procedure. Within 24 hours and solid rest, most LASIK patients feel no pain.
Q. Why do people have LASIK surgery?
A. Research has shown that there are four main reasons that people choose to have LASIK. They are:
- Life simplification: No longer having to deal with glasses or contacts
- Independence: Freedom from dependence on glasses and/or contacts
- Performance: Ability to perform better in sports-related activities
- Ability to see 24/7 when it counts: Better vision for all occasions (e.g., at a play, evening out, playing golf)
Q. What results can a person hope to achieve?
A. LASIK has proven overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Clinical studies show that most LASIK patients (with mild to moderate prescriptions) have the potential to achieve 20/20 vision or near 20/20 vision. Generally, this means they no longer need or have reduced their dependence on glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, or participate in careers requiring excellent vision.
Q. Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
A. LASIK can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The best way to determine who is a good candidate is with a thorough eye exam. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older, in good general health, and have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Q. How long will the LASIK procedure take?
A. The LASIK laser vision correction procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes in the operating room. The actual laser time is approximately 1 minute.
Q. Are there any risks associated with LASIK?
A. Some potential complications include conditions such as dryness, night glare, under or over-correction and loss of best-corrected vision. The risks of surgery should be discussed fully with the doctor prior to the procedure. Additionally, proper post-operative care helps to identify and address any potential healing complications.
Q. Can I go swimming or get in a hot tub?
A. Avoid any pool or hot tub water in your eyes for at least 2 weeks. You can shower, but try not to get water in your eyes. Some people hold a washcloth over their eyes to block streams of water when showering. Lake water should be avoided for about 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. Can I wear make-up?
A. We recommend not wearing eye makeup for up to 1 week after surgery. Be gently removing any eye makeup you decide to use.
Q. What can I do during the day leading up to surgery?
A. Please do not wear mascara or eyeliner, cologne, or perfume on the day of surgery
Q. Can I work the day after surgery?
A. Yes, but only if the doctor says that your vision is okay.
Q. Can I go to the gym or work out?
A. Try to avoid any strenuous exercise and weightlifting for 7 days after surgery. If you have to do anything that involves perspiring, please wear a headband.
Q. What if I work in a dusty environment?
A. Always wear protective eyewear if you are in a situation where you may get something in your eyes. If you do get something in your eyes during the first postoperative week, try to flush the eyes with preservative-free tears. Also, use UV protective sunglasses for your outdoor activities.
Q. Can I drive right after surgery?
A. NO! You will need a driver the day of surgery. On your one day post-op you may drive yourself.
