Brinton Vision – Lasik St. Louis

LASIK surgery St Louis

If you are considering LASIK in St. Louis, don’t you owe it to yourself to find the best LASIK surgeon St. Louis has to offer?

Not all LASIK is alike.

Dr. Jason P. Brinton is a world-renowned LASIK surgeon and founder of Brinton Vision in St. Louis, Missouri. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Brinton has helped to pioneer new laser eye surgery procedures. He has been at the forefront of LASIK research and advancement, always ensuring that his patients benefit from the latest and best technological advances in diagnostics and laser procedures.

Dr. Brinton has performed LASIK surgery on professional athletes, media celebrities, military pilots, and fellow doctors and surgeons. He believes that every patient, regardless of status or title, deserves the best possible care, and has invested in the education, staff, and technology to provide quality care. Come see the difference at Brinton Vision!

Surgery Suite
Surgery suite

Are you ready to take the next
step in your vision journey?

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK, an acronym for laser in situ keratomileusis, is now one of the most successful surgical treatments of any kind in the world today. Sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK), or “bladeless LASIK,” is the most modern form of this life-changing laser eye surgery, and we are pleased to offer SBK laser eye surgery in St. Louis at Brinton Vision.

SBK is used to treat farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), presbyopia, and astigmatism (click here to learn more about astigmatism). Combined with wavefront technology used to map the surface and interior of the entire eye, it is more precise than ever. Many patients who were told they were too young, too old, or have astigmatism can now have LASIK in St. Louis.

What is SBK technology?

Just a few short years ago, LASIK utilized a mechanically controlled metal blade called a microkeratome. It was a good procedure; it was safe and it helped a lot of people, but it was not quite as precise as many ophthalmologists would have liked.

Then along came SBK. SBK utilizes what’s called a femtosecond laser. Not only do many patients have even better vision afterward, but their results are more predictable.  What’s more, many patients who were once excluded from LASIK eye surgery have now been able to enjoy the visual freedom that SBK LASIK can provide.

What is Wavefront technology?

The latest technology in LASIK includes wavefront-optimized, wavefront-guided, and topography-guided LASIK procedures. Collectively, these are referred to as “custom” treatments. Brinton Vision’s expertise includes the use of a variety of custom and conventional approaches accomplished with five state-of-the-art treatment lasers — more than any other LASIK eye surgeon in St. Louis.

I’m So Glad

I’m so glad that I decided to go with Brinton Vision instead of one of the more budget lasik locations in St. Louis

Mary D

One of the Best in the World

I figured that if i was going to do [LASIK] I should get it done by one of the best in the world

Logan

A company that still has the customer’s best interest at heart

Went here to see if I was a candidate for lasik. …they told me that in a few years I would be an excellent candidate.  I was surprised because most companies would just want my money, thank God there are companies that still have the customers best interest at heart

Neil J.

My only regret is that I didn’t get this done sooner!

I decided to look into Lasik surgery. I heard that Brinton Vision was the absolute best, and it is definitely true. I could not be happier with the results – my only regret is that I didn’t get this done sooner!

Kari H.

I now enjoy a quality of life I thought I’d never have

After careful research, I decided to have Lasik surgery. I had several visits to offices around the area, and I was about to “just wear glasses” when I decided to see what Brinton Vision was all about. They did not disappoint. I cannot say enough about the professional staff and doctors and attention to detail they all display. From the moment you walk in the door you know your in the right place. Your concerns and needs are heard here. All of this AND 20/20 vision… I couldn’t be more thankful and I couldn’t recommend Brinton Vision more.. I now enjoy a quality of life I thought I’d never have

Tami S.

With wavefront-guided LASIK, Dr. Brinton uses detailed maps of the cornea, almost like topography maps in geography, to provide an enhanced view into the tiniest complexities of the eye. Wavefront-optimized treatments preserve the natural shape of the cornea in ways never before possible. The wavefront-optimized laser system Dr. Brinton uses was the first to be certified by the FDA to improve nighttime halo and glare, commonly experienced by glasses and contacts wearers, but also among the common side effects of traditional LASIK procedures.

How can I pay for LASIK?

When determining whether LASIK or any of the six modern LASIK alternatives is best for you, quality care and outcome should be your top priority. Still, we recognize that vision correction must fit into your budget. We take all standard forms of payment (cash, check, credit card, etc.), and we are able to work with health savings accounts (HSAs) and medical savings accounts (MSAs). Most laser vision correction procedures are tax-deductible. We also work with multiple financing companies to provide monthly payment options to fit most budgets. Our most popular monthly payment options are:

Zero down payment & no interest for 24 months

Zero down payment & low monthly payments with fixed interest rate for 60 months

Insurance companies do not cover LASIK. If your insurance does, we will accept their payment. In nearly 15 years of practice, Dr. Brinton has yet to see an insurance company pay for LASIK.

We sometimes hear of insurance companies claiming to give a 15%, 25%, or $1000 discount on LASIK. This is a sales tactic that most of our patients are smart enough to see through. Patients repeatedly tell us that the “insurance discount price” is the same as the “friends and family price” that the guy before them in line got just for asking. Our patients appreciate the fact that we are not a discount eye surgery center and don’t play these games.

What happens during the LASIK surgery process?

Brinton Vision has invested in the latest laser technologies for the best outcomes. First, Dr. Brinton uses one of the lasers to create a carefully calculated flap in the cornea. Then he uses a different laser to accurately reshape the cornea underneath the flap. Within seconds, the laser procedure is completed and the protective corneal flap is laid back into place to self-heal.

The results of LASIK are so predictable and the procedure is so safe that Dr. Brinton has performed this eye surgery on thousands of patients, including photographers, professional athletes, artists, surgeons, and other eye doctors.

What to expect on the day of your LASIK procedure

On the day of your procedure, plan to be at Brinton Vision for about two hours, though the procedure itself only lasts about 15 minutes for both eyes. You will need a driver to take you home after your procedure.

Just as if you were going to an eye examination, you don’t need to wear special clothes or change your attire while you’re here. The only thing we’ll add to your outfit is a small, blue cap which you’ll wear during the procedure.

Some of the tests conducted during your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis may be repeated to ensure each aspect is checked and double checked prior to your LASIK eye surgery.

When you are ready for the procedure, eye drops will be used to numb your eye, then a small, gentle eyelid holder will be put into place so that you do not need to worry about blinking.

Once the laser vision correction procedure begins, the laser portion typically lasts less than 20 seconds for each eye.

What to expect after LASIK

Following your LASIK, our surgical technicians will provide you with instructions as well as eye shields to wear for the first two nights while you sleep.

See if you're a candidate for LASIK.

LASIK laser eye surgery patients typically experience little if any discomfort during or after the procedure. Your vision may be blurry for two or three hours after you return home, but within a very short time, you should be seeing details of the faces and places around you that you probably had no idea you were missing!

Most patients are able to resume regular activities, including returning to work, the day after surgery. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for the next morning, where one of our vision correction specialists will personally evaluate your progress. At that visit, you will be given the final okay to return to your routine while seeing the world much more clearly — without glasses!

Are there LASIK alternatives if I am not a candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. At Brinton Vision, we utilize seven of the most state-of-the-art technologies to determine the health of your eyes from the inside out. Dr. Jason Brinton and Dr. Morgan Poore use these diagnostics and their years of experience and research to empower you with the information you need to make the best decision for your vision goals. Even if you are not an ideal candidate for LASIK, Brinton Vision is one of only a handful of LASIK providers in the country to offer all six modern LASIK alternatives. These proven treatments provide clear, natural vision to people with high prescriptions, steep astigmatism, thick or thin corneas, or who have age-related vision loss that LASIK does not address. Brinton Vision can even provide solutions for many people who have had earlier versions of LASIK in the past.

The bottom line is that, even if you have been told that you are not a candidate for LASIK by another provider, Brinton Vision may have a solution for you.

LASIK testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what our patients have to say.

Dr. Brinton is one of the best in the country. It was important to me to be able to go to the best. … My vision now is amazing! – Jordan B.

LASIK FAQs

Do insurance companies cover the cost of LASIK?

No, insurance companies do not cover the cost of LASIK or any of its six modern variations. However, there can be tax benefits for getting LASIK, and financing plans with zero down and zero interest can make it affordable.

What percentage of your patients are candidates for LASIK?

LASIK is a great procedure for many people, but it is not the best fit for everyone. About 50 percent of the people who come through our door are good candidates for SBK LASIK; the majority of the remaining people are either candidates for another procedure better suited for their unique eyes, or are not candidates based on their individual medical situation. For context, many LASIK providers have candidacy rates above 90 percent. Brinton Vision is different. We will never offer you a solution that isn’t the optimal choice for your vision goals. Instead, we offer seven of the most state-of-the art solutions and the most comprehensive diagnostics available anywhere in the world to arm you with the information you need to decide for yourself how you want to see the world for the rest of your life.

Will I experience halos and/or glare after my procedure?

Early after a vision correction procedure it is common to see halos and glare, particularly around lights at night. Our patients say that this is prominent at first, then dissipates over time to the point where it either completely goes away or is less noticeable. Glasses and contacts often have this same effect, as does applying artificial tears before driving at night.

Who is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK may be an excellent solution for you if you:

  • are at least 18 years old.
  • have nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism.
  • have had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year.
  • are in good health.

If you have astigmatism, learn more here.

Am I too old or too young for LASIK or any other procedure?

Brinton Vision is a unique practice in that we specialize in LASIK plus all of its modern forms. With that range of tools, we can correct vision in patients ages 18 to 108 years old. We are also different in that we provide a tailored solution for your vision correction needs, rather than just offering one or two blanket treatments to everyone who comes in the door. During your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis, you will learn what the best option is for you and your individual vision goals.

What if I’m not a good candidate for LASIK?

Brinton Vision offers LASIK plus all six of its modern variations — PRK, refractive lens exchange (RLE), SMILEEVO Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO ICL), SBK, and KAMRA® Inlay. Because of the technology, education, and dedication required to provide these treatments, we are one of only a handful of specialty refractive practices in the United States to do so.

We are also one of just a few practices to use seven different in-house, state-of-the-art refractive diagnostic technologies to ensure we have the most accurate analysis possible of your unique eyes. Because of this, we are able to tailor a solution just for you.

Still, there are certain times when laser vision correction is not ideal. Often there are treatments available for conditions that, when addressed, can make you a good candidate for laser eye surgery. In other cases, because of the technology we use, we have been able to diagnose problems that were previously missed, and to help patients establish a course of treatment that ultimately saved their remaining vision. A Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis provides the comprehensive information we need to decide which surgery, if any, is the right option for your unique eyes.

Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?

At Brinton Vision, your surgical technician will administer numbing eye drops to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure. After LASIK, PRK, RLE, SMILE, EVO ICL, SBK or KAMRA® Inlay, most patients experience little or no discomfort. Your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty or watery for a couple of hours. These are temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most patients. The exception to this is PRK, which is an effective procedure for some patients who are not good candidates for LASIK or other LASIK alternatives. If PRK is the best choice for you, Dr. Brinton will discuss what to expect and answer any questions you may have.

Will I have to repeat LASIK surgery years later?

You should not have to repeat LASIK later in life. Your vision correction will be stable about three months after your procedure, and the correction made in your cornea is permanent after that. It is important to note, however, that the lens of your eye is not accessed during LASIK. It is the loss of flexibility in the lens that causes “over 40” vision, and that later leads to cataracts. Vision reduction or loss due to the normal aging process of the lens can still occur. Also, certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma are not prevented by refractive procedures. We test for these prior to surgery, but should you develop them later, your vision will likely be affected.

See more Frequently Asked Questions in our LASIK Questions series.

LASIK eye surgery lasers and diagnostic technology in St. Louis

Refractive laser technology has revolutionized vision correction. In less than a generation, laser science has nearly solved nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts, and many other vision issues that have plagued human beings for millennia.

Are you ready to take the next
step in your vision journey?

At Brinton Vision, we believe vision is one of our most valuable gifts. Our vision is at the heart of how we perceive and connect with the world around us, and it allows us to fully appreciate life’s beauty. That’s why Dr. Jason Brinton has invested in the education, continued training, and technology he needs to provide the very best laser eye surgery options in Missouri—and in the nation.

Brinton Vision is among only a handful of providers in the United States to have the diagnostic tools and lasers under one roof to provide LASIK plus all six of its modern variations. These advanced technologies come from all over the world and are part of his commitment to provide the best possible patient care.

It should be noted that, while laser technology plays a key role, it is your surgeon’s skill and experience — and your suitability as a candidate — that are the most important factors affecting your LASIK outcome.

What kind of diagnostic technology does Brinton Vision utilize?

Every great LASIK outcome begins with proper diagnostics. Brinton Vision patients can — and do — attest to the fact that we invest in the time and technology in making sure they have the proper diagnosis and receive the treatment best-suited for their unique eyes.

Our comprehensive Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis utilizes seven painless state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies under one roof — more than any other laser vision center around.

Acutarget HD

The Acutarget HD, developed by Visiometrics S.L. in Spain, uses double-pass light technology to objectively measure vision quality and light scatter. It guides centration of all seven refractive procedures we perform at Brinton Vision, particularly RLE and Kamra. It also diagnoses early dry eye, stages of dysfunctional lens syndrome, “over-40” vision, and cataracts.

LenStar LS 900 APS

The LenStar LS 900 APS was developed by Haag-Streit AG in Köeniz, Switzerland. It takes 32 highly accurate laser optic measurements of the entire eye. It directs the lens implant power for Tecnis multifocal, Symfony, Tecnis toric, Alcon ReStor, and Crystalens for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). It also measures pupil size and corneal astigmatism.

3D Maestro Fundus & OCT

The 3D Maestro Fundus and Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner was developed by Topcon Corporation in Tokyo, Japan and provides spectral domain, high-resolution optical coherence tomography. The high-definition fundus camera images it provides aid in assessing overall health of the peripheral retina, macula, and optic nerve. It also provides imaging of the back and front of eye for EVO ICL sizing.

CEM-530 specular microscope

Nidek in Gamagori, Japan developed the CEM-530 Specular Microscope to more accurately determine health of corneal cells within the eye. Critical endothelial cells act as water pumps to keep the cornea from swelling, but inappropriate contact lens use can affect corneal endothelium. This technology analyzes corneal health through automated endothelial cell counting of the central and paracentral cornea.

Pentacam HR

The Pentacam HR was developed by Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH in Wetzlar, Germany. It provides high-resolution tomography and images the shape, size, and position of ocular structures involved in LASIK and refractive surgery, and it captures elevation data, curvature, and thickness of the cornea. It is also used for EVO ICL sizing and post-operative examinations.

Visante anterior scanner OCT

Carl Zeiss Meditec in Jena, Germany developed the Visante Anterior Scanner OCT. It produces a high-resolution view of the front portion of the eye, where laser vision correction is performed. It also aids in evaluating complex LASIK cases and shows positioning of KAMRA, and EVO ICL technologies in the eye.

Wavescan Wavefront system

The Wavescan Wavefront system is American technology developed by Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. in Santa Ana, California. It features wavefront optical technology engineered by the same company that manufactured the Hubble II telescope. The Wavescan measures a remarkable 240 data points within the eye and allows Brinton Vision to personalize LASIK treatments according to each eye’s unique characteristics. It also determines eye prescription to 0.01 diopter.

What kind of lasers are used at Brinton Vision?

As the only practice in St. Louis with multiple femtosecond and excimer laser platforms under one roof, we are better equipped to customize treatment options. We utilize the following lasers:

VISX S4 IR

This is one of our two excimer lasers. More LASIK cases have been done on the VISX laser than on any other laser in the world. It is also the laser approved for use in U.S. fighter pilots and NASA astronauts.

See if you are a candidate for LASIK.

Allegretto Wavelight

This is the second of our two excimer lasers used for LASIK. The Allegretto Wavelight laser is the fastest excimer laser in the country. (The Schwind laser is the fastest excimer laser in the world).

Zeiss Visumax — 500 Hz

This is one of our two femtosecond lasers. A femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second. This is our newest laser and is the fastest femtosecond laser in the world, firing at 500Hz. It is also the only laser in the world that can do SMILE, a third-generation laser vision correction procedure. SMILE is a 100 percent femtosecond laser-based procedure.

Yag laser

This is a laser that we can use with Custom Lens Replacement surgery.

Are your lasers and lens implants FDA-approved?

Labeling for each of the lasers approved for LASIK can be found by clicking here. The FDA has available on its website general background and risk information concerning use of lasers for LASIK, which can be found on the FDA LASIK website. Some of these lasers were used for years in Europe and across the world prior to approval in the U.S., and for others, Dr. Brinton was one of the doctors selected to be part of the research team conducting the U.S. FDA clinical trial process that led to laser approval.