LASIK Eye Surgery in Omaha, Nebraska
Fellowship-trained refractive surgery from Dr. Ivey L. Thornton, MD — Board-Certified Ophthalmologist.
LASIK Omaha by Dr. Ivey L. Thornton, MD — fellowship-trained refractive surgery from a board-certified ophthalmologist serving the LASIK Omaha community across Truhlsen Eye Institute and Dunes LASIK Center.
What LASIK actually is — and what it isn’t.
LASIK is laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s one of the most refined elective procedures in modern medicine, but it’s not the right answer for everyone — and a good refractive surgeon spends more time screening candidates than operating.
Dr. Thornton trained in anterior segment surgery at the Cincinnati Eye Institute and is one of four fellowship-trained refractive surgeons at the Truhlsen Eye Institute (Nebraska Medicine). At the Truhlsen Eye Institute in Omaha and the Dunes LASIK Center in Dakota Dunes, she performs six refractive procedures — because no two eyes, and no two lives, are alike.
Refractive procedures offered.
A candid screening determines which (if any) of these procedures is right for your eyes:
LASIK
A thin corneal flap is created; the underlying tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser. Fast recovery, excellent outcomes when the candidate is right.
PRK
Surface laser ablation without a corneal flap — preferred for thinner corneas, higher-activity patients, or certain careers where flap risk is a concern.
SMILE
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Femtosecond laser removes a lenticule through a 3–4mm incision. Less dry eye, fast recovery.
Contoura Vision
Topography-guided LASIK using individual corneal mapping — useful for irregular astigmatism or patients seeking the highest precision customization.
ICL (Implantable Contact Lens)
A lens placed inside the eye (behind the iris, in front of the natural lens). The right answer for very high myopia or thin corneas that rule out laser surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange
For patients over 45 with developing cataracts or high prescriptions — a single procedure that addresses refractive error and future cataract in one step.
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone. And saying so honestly is part of good surgical practice.
Generally good candidates:
- Adults 18 and older with a stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Prescription within treatable range (typically up to -8 diopters myopia, +4 hyperopia, 5 diopters astigmatism)
- Corneal thickness sufficient for flap creation
- Healthy corneas, no active eye disease
- Good general health, well-managed diabetes if applicable
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
Reasons LASIK may not be the right answer:
- Thin corneas or irregular topography (keratoconus screening is mandatory)
- Chronic dry eye syndrome
- Unstable prescription (still changing)
- Pregnancy or recent pregnancy
- Certain autoimmune conditions
- Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) — often better addressed by refractive lens exchange
Dr. Thornton’s screening consultation is thorough. If LASIK isn’t right, she’ll tell you — and often a different refractive procedure (PRK, ICL, or refractive lens exchange) will be the better fit.
What to expect: before, during, after.
Before surgery
A comprehensive screening exam including corneal topography, pachymetry (thickness mapping), wavefront analysis, and tear film evaluation. Soft contact lenses must be out for at least a week, rigid gas-permeable lenses longer. This appointment typically takes 90 minutes.
The surgery itself
LASIK is performed in an outpatient surgical suite. Anesthetic eye drops are applied — no needles or general anesthesia. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes per eye. You’re awake throughout. Most patients describe mild pressure but no pain.
Recovery
Vision is functional within hours and continues improving for several days. Most patients return to work the next day. Full stabilization takes 3–6 months. Follow-up appointments are at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-op.
Cost & Insurance Coverage.
Is LASIK covered by insurance? Generally no — most insurance plans classify LASIK as elective cosmetic surgery and do not cover it. However:
- HSA (Health Savings Accounts) and FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) can typically be used for LASIK
- Some vision plans (VSP, EyeMed) offer discounts at participating providers
- Some employers offer LASIK reimbursement as a benefit
- Financing is available through most refractive surgery centers
LASIK pricing varies by technology and complexity, typically $2,000–$3,500 per eye. The fee at Truhlsen Eye Institute typically includes the pre-op screening, the procedure itself, all follow-up visits for 12 months, and any enhancement procedures that may be needed within that period.
Frequently asked questions.
Is LASIK painful?
No. Numbing eye drops are used throughout. Most patients describe mild pressure during the 10–15 minute procedure and mild grittiness or burning for a few hours after. Prescription eye drops manage any discomfort.
How long does LASIK last?
The corneal reshaping is permanent. However, natural age-related vision changes (presbyopia after age 45, cataracts after age 60) can still develop — LASIK doesn’t prevent those. Some patients may need reading glasses later in life.
Can both eyes be done the same day?
Yes — this is the standard approach for LASIK and SMILE. PRK is sometimes done one eye at a time for high-activity patients.
What if I’m not a LASIK candidate?
Dr. Thornton offers six refractive procedures. If LASIK isn’t right for your eyes, PRK, SMILE, Contoura Vision, ICL, or refractive lens exchange may be. The screening exam determines which is the best fit.
Where is the surgery performed?
LASIK and refractive procedures are performed at the Dunes LASIK Center in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota (just north of Sioux City), and at the Truhlsen Eye Institute in Omaha.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
LASIK creates a thin corneal flap before reshaping the cornea beneath. PRK reshapes the corneal surface directly without creating a flap. PRK recovery is slower (3–5 days of visual blur versus hours for LASIK) but it’s often preferred for thinner corneas, higher-risk professions, or certain activity levels.
How do I know if I’m a LASIK candidate?
A comprehensive refractive surgery consultation is the only way to know. It includes corneal topography, pachymetry, tear film assessment, and a detailed refraction. Dr. Thornton will explain what she sees and recommend the best procedure — or tell you honestly if none of them is right.
About Dr. Thornton as a refractive surgeon.
Dr. Ivey L. Thornton is Board-Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and fellowship-trained in anterior segment surgery at the Cincinnati Eye Institute — one of the country’s preeminent refractive surgery programs. She completed a second fellowship at Harvard in neuro-ophthalmology.
She is a member of the Refractive Surgery Alliance Society and a Physician CEO program graduate of Northwestern Kellogg School of Management (2023). She has performed LASIK in Omaha and the surrounding states since 2011, and is one of four fellowship-trained refractive surgeons named at the Truhlsen Eye Institute — making her among the best LASIK in Omaha options patients have for fellowship-level expertise.
What patients describe, consistently, is how much time she takes explaining. If you don’t understand your eyes, she hasn’t done her job.
Refractive Surgery Locations.
- Dunes LASIK Center — Dakota Dunes, South Dakota (Sioux City area). Primary refractive surgery site.
- Truhlsen Eye Institute — Omaha, Nebraska. Refractive consultations and select surgical procedures.
For practice location details and contact information, see the Contact & Locations page.