Frequently Asked Questions

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular, highly effective laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. By correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, LASIK allows light entering the eye to focus properly on the retina, giving you clear vision with reduced or no dependence on glasses or contacts.

An ideal LASIK candidate generally meets the following criteria:

    Is at least 18 years old

    Has had a stable vision prescription for at least one year

    Has adequate corneal thickness and overall healthy eyes

    Is free from eye conditions like severe dry eye, uncontrolled glaucoma, or active infections

    Is not currently pregnant or nursing

We perform a comprehensive LASIK evaluation in our Treasure Valley offices to measure your corneal shape, thickness, and overall eye health to confirm candidacy.

No. LASIK is a virtually painless outpatient procedure. Before the treatment begins, numbing eye drops are administered to ensure you do not feel pain. You may feel a slight, temporary sensation of pressure on your eye during the brief laser application, which lasts only a few seconds per eye.

The laser treatment itself takes under 10 minutes per eye, and the entire appointment usually lasts less than an hour. Most patients notice dramatic visual improvements within 24 hours. Recovery is fast, with many patients returning to work and driving the very next day.

Vision Quest Medical Center utilizes state-of-the-art, custom wavefront-guided and bladeless laser technology. Bladeless LASIK uses a ultra-precise femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap rather than a traditional mechanical blade, offering enhanced accuracy, safety, and customized visual outcomes tailored to the unique contours of your eyes.

Both LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshape the cornea using laser technology. In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the corneal surface and replaced after reshaping. In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is gently removed and allowed to naturally regenerate over a few days. PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or specific lifestyle demands. Your surgeon will recommend the safest option for your eyes.

LASIK permanently alters the shape of your cornea to correct your existing vision prescription. However, LASIK does not prevent age-related vision changes such as presbyopia (the natural loss of close-up focus that typically starts in your 40s) or cataracts later in life.

LASIK is an investment in your quality of life. Because LASIK is an elective procedure, it is typically not covered by standard health insurance. However, Vision Quest Medical Center offers competitive pricing, transparent cost structures, and flexible financing options to make clear vision accessible.

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition caused by a buildup of fluid pressure (intraocular pressure) inside the eye that damages the optic nerve over time. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or total blindness. Because vision loss cannot be reversed, early detection and continuous management are critical to protecting your sight.

While eye drops are traditional treatments, they often cause uncomfortable side effects, and managing daily compliance can be difficult. At Vision Quest Medical Center, we focus on advanced, drop-free or drop-reducing techniques—including state-of-the-art implants and laser procedures—that lower eye pressure and protect your vision with less reliance on daily medications.

iDose TR is a revolutionary, FDA-approved micro-implant designed to deliver a continuous dose of glaucoma medication directly inside the eye for an extended period. Vision Quest was the first eye care practice in Idaho to implant iDose TR. This breakthrough treatment eliminates or drastically reduces the need for daily daily prescription eye drops.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) uses micro-scale equipment to open clogged drainage pathways or improve fluid flow in the eye with a significantly higher safety profile than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS procedures can often be performed on their own or conveniently combined with cataract surgery.

We provide a full range of modern laser and micro-surgical options tailored to your specific condition, including:

• iDose TR: A long-acting, medication-releasing intraocular implant.
• iStent®: A tiny micro-stent inserted during cataract surgery to lower eye pressure.
• ABiC (Ab-Interno Canaloplasty): A micro-catheter procedure that restores the eye’s natural drainage system without leaving a permanent implant.
• SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty): A quick, 5-minute in-office laser procedure that helps fluid drain more efficiently.

Yes. For patients who have both cataracts and glaucoma, our surgeons can perform combined procedures—such as cataract extraction alongside iStent placement or MIGS—allowing you to treat both conditions in a single procedure and potentially reduce your dependence on both glasses and eye drops.

Generally, yes. Most advanced glaucoma procedures and MIGS devices are covered by Medicare and major private health insurance plans. Our financial counseling team at Vision Quest Medical Center works closely with you to verify your insurance benefits and discuss coverage before your procedure.