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Nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s scenic “chain of lakes” region, Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria offers more than just breathtaking views—we provide world-class LASIK and advanced eye care services designed to help you see life more clearly. Choosing LASIK in Alexandria, MN, means you’re taking a confident step toward a brighter, glasses-free future. Whether you’re struggling with astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, LASIK can transform your vision and simplify your life. With a history of excellence and innovation in ophthalmology, our Alexandria team is ready to guide you through every step of your vision correction journey.
What is LASIK?
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a transformative vision correction procedure designed to address common refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These vision issues occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing blurry or distorted vision. LASIK corrects these issues by reshaping the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye—so light focuses properly, resulting in sharp, clear vision.
At Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria, our skilled surgeons use advanced technology and customized treatment plans to ensure each LASIK procedure is safe, precise, and tailored to your specific vision needs. The procedure is quick, typically lasting about 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within hours.
How Does LASIK Work?
How Does LASIK Work?
The LASIK process begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. This evaluation includes detailed eye exams to assess corneal thickness, map the surface of your cornea, and evaluate your overall eye health. Once you are confirmed as a candidate, the procedure involves the following steps:
The LASIK process begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. This evaluation includes detailed eye exams to assess corneal thickness, map the surface of your cornea, and evaluate your overall eye health. Once you are confirmed as a candidate, the procedure involves the following steps:
Preparation:
Numbing eye drops are applied to ensure a comfortable experience. A special device gently holds your eye open, so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure.Creating the Flap:
A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin, precise flap on the cornea. This flap is carefully lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.Reshaping the Cornea:
An excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue by removing microscopic layers:For nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened to reduce its curvature.
For farsightedness, the corneal curvature is steepened to improve focus.
For astigmatism, irregularities in the corneal shape are smoothed to improve clarity.
Repositioning the Flap:
Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is gently repositioned over the treated area. The flap naturally adheres without the need for stitches, ensuring a smooth and seamless recovery.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
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LASIK Surgeon Alexandria Files
Why Choose LASIK?
Why Choose LASIK?
LASIK offers a wide range of benefits, making it one of the most popular vision correction procedures:
LASIK offers a wide range of benefits, making it one of the most popular vision correction procedures:
Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: LASIK significantly reduces or eliminates the need for corrective eyewear.
Quick Results: Most patients experience noticeable improvements in their vision within hours of the procedure.
Fast Recovery: With minimal downtime, you can typically return to daily activities within a day or two.
Long-Term Cost Savings: LASIK reduces the ongoing expenses associated with glasses, contacts, and their maintenance.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Enjoy clear vision for activities like outdoor adventures, sports, travel, and everyday tasks.
Why Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria?
Why Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria?
At Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria, you’re not just a patient—you’re part of a legacy of care that spans decades. Led by the renowned Dr. Deborah Gess Ristvedt and Dr. Brent Kramer, our team is committed to delivering the highest level of expertise, technology, and personalized attention. Our Alexandria clinic, established in 2020, features state-of-the-art equipment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
At Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria, you’re not just a patient—you’re part of a legacy of care that spans decades. Led by the renowned Dr. Deborah Gess Ristvedt and Dr. Brent Kramer, our team is committed to delivering the highest level of expertise, technology, and personalized attention. Our Alexandria clinic, established in 2020, features state-of-the-art equipment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
What sets us apart? We combine innovative techniques with compassionate care. Our focus on research and continuous improvement means that we’re not only offering the latest advancements in LASIK but are also contributing to the future of eye care. Whether it’s through our clinical trials or our tailored patient education, we’re always striving to provide the best possible outcomes.
What sets us apart? We combine innovative techniques with compassionate care. Our focus on research and continuous improvement means that we’re not only offering the latest advancements in LASIK but are also contributing to the future of eye care. Whether it’s through our clinical trials or our tailored patient education, we’re always striving to provide the best possible outcomes.
The Alexandria Advantage
The Alexandria Advantage
Choosing Vance Thompson Vision in Alexandria means you’ll receive top-tier care in a location that’s convenient and accessible. Situated just off I-94 on Jefferson Street, our clinic is easy to reach and designed with your comfort in mind. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a team that’s dedicated to understanding your needs and answering your questions.
Choosing Vance Thompson Vision in Alexandria means you’ll receive top-tier care in a location that’s convenient and accessible. Situated just off I-94 on Jefferson Street, our clinic is easy to reach and designed with your comfort in mind. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a team that’s dedicated to understanding your needs and answering your questions.
Whether you’re enjoying the picturesque lakes or exploring the vibrant community of Alexandria, clear vision enhances every experience. Let the trusted experts at Vance Thompson Vision help you achieve that clarity with LASIK. Your brighter, clearer future begins here.
Whether you’re enjoying the picturesque lakes or exploring the vibrant community of Alexandria, clear vision enhances every experience. Let the trusted experts at Vance Thompson Vision help you achieve that clarity with LASIK. Your brighter, clearer future begins here.
Your Alexandria LASIK Surgeons
Your Alexandria LASIK Surgeons
Dr. Deborah Gess Ristvedt and Dr. Brent Kramer, board-certified ophthalmologists, work closely their clinical partners, optometrists Mathew Walker and Jason Schmit. Along with the rest of the Alexandria team, they offer patients the best possible care, the latest advancements in technology, and a welcoming atmosphere to share their concerns and questions.
Dr. Gess Ristvedt's family has a respected legacy in the community. Lowell Gess, her grandfather and an ophthalmologist, opened his Alexandria clinic in 1975 when he returned from Sierra Leone, where he used his medical skills to restore vision and to share the gospel. Timothy, Lowell’s son, also became an ophthalmologist, continuing the practice until his daughter, Dr. Gess Ristvedt, joined him. She eventually assumed leadership and guided the practice to continued growth with Vance Thompson Vision.
LASIK FAQs for Alexandria, MN
LASIK FAQs for Alexandria, MN
Is LASIK surgery painful?
Is LASIK surgery painful?
No, LASIK surgery is not painful. At Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria, we use numbing eye drops to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure. While you may feel slight pressure when the corneal flap is created and the laser reshapes your cornea, this sensation is brief and manageable. After surgery, some patients report mild discomfort, such as dryness, itching, or a gritty feeling, but these symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours. Prescribed eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any discomfort during recovery.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
LASIK is a quick and efficient procedure, typically lasting about 15 minutes for both eyes. The laser reshaping process itself takes less than a minute per eye, thanks to advanced technology. Preparation time, which includes administering numbing eye drops and positioning the patient, accounts for the rest. Patients remain awake during the procedure and often find the process to be surprisingly fast and easy. With a short procedure time and rapid recovery, LASIK at our Alexandria clinic is a convenient choice for vision correction.
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
Schedule an Appointment With Us
Schedule an Appointment With Us
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