The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences LASIK Surgery Center recently hosted its Spring 2026 LASIK Continuing Education Dinner, bringing together optometrists and ophthalmologists for an evening focused on advancing refractive care. Held April 28, the event featured expert-led discussions on the latest techniques and clinical decision-making in LASIK, […]
Stephen A. Wexler, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, recently published a study regarding advancements in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The article, titled “Myopic and Astigmatic Laser in situ Keratomileusis Using a Ray Tracing−Based Treatment Algorithm with a Personalized […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, explains LASIK prescription limits and when other vision correction options may be a better fit for patients with high myopia. Many patients with strong glasses or contact lens prescriptions wonder whether laser vision correction is an option for them. In a recent video, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, discusses evolving refractive surgery trends and emerging laser technologies The landscape of corneal refractive surgery continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, driven by advancements in laser technology, expanded treatment options, and shifting procedure volumes. In a recent presentation, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department […]
Hands-on LASIK training prepares the next generation of refractive surgeons At the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, refractive surgery education is built into the core of cornea fellowship training. Through direct supervision and structured surgical experience, fellows at the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center gain valuable, hands-on exposure […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, explains limits of laser vision correction and when alternative options may be recommended Patients often ask how high a prescription can be safely treated with LASIK or PRK. In this video, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, explains the […]
St. Louis, MO — October 13, 2025 — The WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center is proud to announce the arrival of Wavelight® Plus Ray-Tracing Technology, a breakthrough in vision correction now available for qualifying patients following recent FDA approval. Unlike traditional LASIK methods, which rely on averaged measurements, Wavelight® Plus Ray-Tracing builds a personalized model of each […]
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many of us prepare for the cooler months by updating our wardrobes, switching up our skincare routines, and getting cozy. But have you considered that fall might be the perfect time to invest in your vision? LASIK surgery is a life-changing procedure that can […]
Click below to hear Eric Polk, OD from WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center explain why sleeping in your contacts can affect your LASIK candidacy: Why It Matters: Contacts, Sleep, and LASIK Risks Raise your hand if you’ve ever accidentally fallen asleep in your contacts. You’re definitely not alone! But as Eric Polk, OD explains in […]
If you’re tired of the hassle of contact lenses and want the freedom to see clearly from the moment you wake up, you’re not alone. In this video, St. Louis LASIK surgeon Dr. Stephen Wexler explains why LASIK may be a safer, more convenient long-term solution for many patients. Here, he compares LASIK surgery vs. […]
When it comes to laser vision correction, LASIK is often the star of the show. But there’s another safe, effective option you should know about—PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). At WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, we’re not here to upsell one procedure over another. We’re here to help you choose the safest and most successful option for […]
The WashU Medicine Spring 2025 LASIK Optometry Continuing Education Dinner was an outstanding success! Held on April 15, 2025, at Westwood Country Club in St. Louis, brought together a dynamic group of local optometrists for an evening of clinical insight, collegial connection, and of course—great food. Over 60 attendees joined us to earn COPE-approved continuing […]
If you’ve ever considered LASIK surgery, you may have wondered: Does the laser burn my eyes? It’s a common concern, and according to Dr. Stephen Wexler from the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, the answer is no. “One of the things I hear about from patients very often after their LASIK surgery is the smell […]
If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery in St. Louis, you’re probably wondering what the recovery process looks like. The good news? It’s quick and relatively painless! Dr. Stephen Wexler from WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center breaks it down: Immediate Post-LASIK Experience Right after the procedure, expect your vision to be foggy and blurry. You may […]
For many individuals, contact lenses offering a convenient alternative to glasses, come with significant risks, especially when not used as directed. Sleeping in contact lenses, in particular, can expose you to a variety of eye health risks. There are increased chances of infections, corneal hypoxia, and various other complications associated with this habit. Considering these […]
When considering laser eye surgery, it’s natural to have questions—maybe even concerns—about which procedure is right for you. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both highly effective in correcting vision, reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and helping people regain the freedom of clear sight. But while LASIK is well-known […]
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Under normal conditions, the cornea and lens are smooth and uniformly curved, like a ball, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, when astigmatism is present, the cornea or lens […]
One of the most common questions people ask about LASIK is, “Does it last forever?” LASIK has given millions of people the freedom to see clearly without glasses or contacts, but understanding the longevity of LASIK results and the role of aging in vision changes can help set realistic expectations. In this blog, we’ll dive […]
The American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, Academy 2024, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, showcased groundbreaking research and cutting-edge advancements in the field of optometry and vision sciences. Among the distinguished contributors, WashU Medicine faculty members and researchers stood out, bringing innovative ideas to the forefront. One notable session was co-presented by Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, […]
Cataract surgery is a highly effective way to restore clear vision after development of a cataract, but some patients still experience refractive errors after surgery, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. If you’ve had cataract surgery but still find yourself needing glasses or contacts, you may be wondering if LASIK or PRK is an option to […]