What Hoopes Vision Does

Hoopes Vision is a LASIK and refractive surgery center based in Draper, Utah. They perform laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you arrived here from a LASIK overview, Hoopes Vision is one specific provider you might encounter when researching where to have the procedure done.

The center uses laser technology to reshape the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina. Like other LASIK providers, they offer consultations to determine whether your eyes are a good fit for surgery, and they handle the procedure itself and follow-up care.

Key Takeaways

  • Hoopes Vision is a surgery center in Utah that performs LASIK and other refractive procedures to correct vision problems.
  • They offer a consultation first, where doctors test your eyes and explain whether surgery is right for you.
  • The actual LASIK procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye and uses a laser to reshape the cornea.
  • You will need someone to drive you home after surgery because your eyes will be dilated and your vision will be temporarily blurry.
  • Follow-up appointments happen over several months to monitor healing and make sure your vision is improving as expected.

The Consultation Process

Before any surgery happens, Hoopes Vision schedules a consultation appointment. During this visit, the doctor performs tests to map the shape of your cornea, measure your eye pressure, and check your overall eye health. They also review your medical history and any medications you take.

The doctor will explain what LASIK can and cannot do for your specific vision problem. Not everyone is a candidate — for example, if your cornea is too thin, if you have certain eye diseases, or if your prescription is outside the range the laser can correct, surgery may not be recommended. The consultation is also when you ask questions and decide whether you want to move forward.

What Happens During the LASIK Procedure

On surgery day, you arrive at the Hoopes Vision center and receive numbing eye drops. The surgeon uses a device called a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the outer layer of your cornea. This flap is folded back to expose the tissue underneath.

The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea based on measurements taken during your consultation. The entire process takes roughly 15 minutes per eye. You will see a red light during the procedure — this is normal and helps you keep your eye still. Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is folded back into place and begins to heal naturally without stitches.

Recovery and What to Expect when ready After

Your vision will be blurry right after surgery, which is why you must arrange for someone else to drive you home. You cannot drive yourself. Your eyes may feel scratchy or uncomfortable for the first few days, and you may experience glare or halos around lights, especially at night.

Hoopes Vision will give you antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use at home. You will need to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for at least a week. Dust, smoke, and chlorine can irritate healing eyes, so protecting them during this period is important.

Follow-Up Appointments and Healing Timeline

You will return to Hoopes Vision for check-ups at scheduled intervals — typically the day after surgery, one week later, one month later, and three months later. During these visits, the doctor checks how your cornea is healing and measures your vision to see if it is improving.

Most people notice significant vision improvement within the first week, though the eyes continue to heal for several months. Some people experience minor fluctuations in vision during this time, which is normal. By three to six months, most people reach their final vision outcome. If you need a small adjustment, a procedure called an enhancement can be performed, though this is not may provide to be covered by insurance.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure, which means most health insurance plans do not cover it. Hoopes Vision offers financing options and payment plans to make surgery more affordable. The total cost varies depending on the technology used and the complexity of your prescription.

Some employers offer vision benefits or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that allow you to set aside pre-tax money for vision procedures. Check your plan documents or call your benefits administrator to see whether any of your LASIK costs could be paid with pre-tax dollars. Hoopes Vision's billing team can also discuss pricing and payment options during your consultation.

Risks and Complications to Understand

LASIK is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risk. Possible complications include dry eyes (the most common), undercorrection or overcorrection of vision, astigmatism, glare, halos, or difficulty seeing at night. In rare cases, infection or corneal scarring can occur.

Some people experience chronic dry eye after LASIK, which may require ongoing use of artificial tears or prescription eye drops. During your consultation, the doctor will discuss your personal risk factors based on your eye health, prescription strength, and cornea thickness. This is an important conversation to have before deciding to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does LASIK surgery take?

The actual laser time is about one to two minutes per eye. The entire procedure, including preparation and flap creation, takes roughly 15 minutes per eye. You will be at the surgery center for several hours total because of check-in, pre-surgery testing, and post-surgery monitoring.

Will I need glasses or contacts after LASIK?

Most people no longer need glasses or contacts for distance vision after LASIK. However, if you are over 40, you may still need reading glasses for close-up work because of presbyopia, a natural age-related change in the eye. Some people choose monovision LASIK, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, to reduce dependence on reading glasses.

Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Yes. LASIK can correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. The laser reshapes the cornea in a way that accounts for the irregular curvature that causes astigmatism. During your consultation, the doctor will confirm that your astigmatism is within the range that LASIK can safely treat.

What if my vision changes after LASIK?

Your vision can change over time due to aging, hormonal changes, or other factors. If this happens, you may be a candidate for an enhancement procedure, which is a second LASIK surgery to fine-tune your vision. Not all insurance plans cover enhancements, so ask about this during your consultation.

How do I know if Hoopes Vision is right for me?

The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation. The doctor will test your eyes, review your health history, and tell you honestly whether LASIK is a good option for you. You can also read patient reviews, ask about the technology they use, and compare their experience and pricing with other LASIK centers in your area.