The reason the IRS allows this is because Lasik surgery has been deemed as a procedure that promotes proper body function. Hence, breast enlargements and teeth whitening are not deductible, while Lasik surgery is. Clearly, teeth whitening and such kinds of elective procedures don’t enhance body function.

In addition to writing off the laser eye treatment, the IRS allows you to deduct the adjunct expenses connected with the Lasik. Meaning, it is allowed to deduct medical co-pays, prescriptions, and travel-related expenses such as lodging, food, and mileage to and from the clinic. Likewise, the IRS allows one to deduct Lasik surgery and expenses for those you claim as dependents on your tax return.

Medical expenses are deducted using Schedule A, related to the IRS form 1040. As is common with other deductions, the total expenses deducted are only those that exceed 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income.) It is helpful that you can deduct not just the surgery, but the related expenses, to reach beyond the 7.5%.

This deduction shouldn’t be your catalyst to go get unnecessary eye surgery. However, run the numbers of the surgery (and related costs) against the 7.5% of your AGI and if you have contemplated Lasik surgery in the past, this may be the right time and the right motivation to get the surgery done and get a tax write-off.

Having a good tax strategy includes this type of deduction, for example, which is something you may have overlooked in the past.

Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is another surgical method to improve vision. Both LASIK surgery and PRK involve the reshaping of the cornea by using a laser to alter the shape of the deeper layers of the cornea, changing its shape and correcting the patient’s eyesight permanently. PRK removes a layer from the cornea, while LASIK surgery reshapes it; in some cases where the tissue is not strong enough to withstand LASIK procedures, a planned LASIK surgery may be converted to a PRK procedure during the surgery.

Most practitioners require an in-depth eye examination for prospective patients in order to determine whether they are good candidates for the procedure. Patients must also meet several criteria, including:

• Stable vision for at least one year
• No eye injuries or infections for at least one year
• Must not be pregnant
• Must not be suffering from an autoimmune disorder
• Cornea to be treated must be free of scarring
• Eye must not dilate beyond seven millimeters in darkness

The LASIK procedure typically takes less than thirty minutes to complete and is accomplished by using a specialized LASIK machine. First the eye is numbed, and then a speculum is used to hold the eyelids open throughout the process. A small flap is cut in the surface of the cornea using a precise laser or mechanical device, and the interior layer of the cornea is reshaped to exact specifications. Most LASIK providers recommend making arrangements in advance for someone else to drive the patient home after surgery, since vision will be affected for about a week after the surgery is completed.

Patients looking for the best results from San Jose LASIK surgery professionals should consider more than just price when making their selection. Reputable offices require a full pre-screening and a number of post-operation examinations in order to ensure that the healing process proceeds smoothly and that the surgery achieves the desired effect. After all, lasik complications are easier avoided by means of preclusion rather than prescription. A lazer eye surgery is serious business and preliminary precautions should be taken.