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See Summer Clearly: LASIK Success Stories and What to Expect

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Summer is knocking. The lake is waiting. The open road is ready. And as you’re soaking it all in, you might find yourself asking: What if I just didn’t need glasses anymore? If LASIK has ever crossed your mind—seriously or just as a passing thought— this is the season to stop wondering and start knowing. At Vance Thompson Vision, we’ve helped people just like you get to the other side of that question. We’ve seen how clear vision can transform everyday moments, and it never gets old. Here’s everything you need to know about LASIK. What is LASIK? How Does It Work? LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) so that light focuses correctly on the retina. The result is clear, high-quality vision without the constant reach for glasses or contacts. At Vance Thompson Vision, every LASIK procedure is fully customized. The goal is to optimize your vision based on the unique way your eyes see the world. LASIK Corrects: Ne...
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The Uplifting Benefits of Oculoplastics Surgery

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There are often two lanes when it comes to surgery: reconstructive (or functional) procedures focused on treating disease or injuries, and cosmetic procedures designed to enhance physical appearance. Oculoplastics (or  eyelid surgery ) lives in a unique space, as it combines the expertise of ophthalmology with the precision of plastic surgery. In this blog, you’ll gain a better understanding of the field of oculoplastics, the different procedures, as well as the functional and emotional benefits they can bring. Why Eyelid Surgery? A common reason patients inquire about oculoplastics surgery is that they have upper eyelid skin that droops down over or beneath their eyelashes, resulting in a more tired appearance. Additionally, this excess skin—especially in the upper eyelids—can disrupt their field of vision, making everyday tasks more difficult than they need to be. In some cases, eyelid surgery is necessary to address skin lesions or cancerous moles. Whether the concern is fu...
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Don’t Rub Your Eyes: Managing Allergies and Serious Irritations

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You’ve got to love springtime. The air becomes warmer, melting away the snow and making room for the return of fresh green grass, blooming  flowers, and… irritating allergies. Yes, allergies—A common yet unfortunate side effect of the changing seasons for some individuals. Without proper treatments and precautions, allergies can turn your eyes as red as roses,  making it difficult to see and enjoy the beauty of spring. If you’re tired of allergies irritating your springtime fun, read on to learn more about the warning signs,  prevention tips, and when you might need to visit your eye doctor. What Causes Eye Allergies? Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis ) are triggered by a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens that enter your eyes. Examples of allergies include  pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander . While they're more common in the spring and fall, it’s very possible for them to happen year-round. The eyes are exposed and sensitive, making the...
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Dr. John Berdahl Receives 2026 American Glaucoma Society Innovator Award

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We are proud to share that Dr. John Berdahl, MD, of Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls has been named the 2026 recipient of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) Innovator Award. The award was presented at the AGS Annual Meeting held February 19–22, 2026, in Rancho Mirage, California. The Innovator Award is given annually to a glaucoma specialist whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity and meaningful advancement in glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, research, or surgical practice. This national recognition reflects Dr. Berdahl’s ongoing commitment to advancing clinical care and pioneering innovative procedures and approaches that continue to shape how glaucoma is understood and treated. His work aligns directly with the purpose of the Innovator Award: celebrating specialists whose ideas and leadership move the field forward in measurable and lasting ways. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the American Glaucoma Society,” said Dr. Berdahl. “Glaucoma care continues to ...
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Dr. John Berdahl Receives 2026 American Glaucoma Society Innovator Award

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We are proud to share that Dr. John Berdahl, MD, of Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls has been named the 2026 recipient of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) Innovator Award. The award was presented at the AGS Annual Meeting held February 19–22, 2026, in Rancho Mirage, California. The Innovator Award is given annually to a glaucoma specialist whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity and meaningful advancement in glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, research, or surgical practice. This national recognition reflects Dr. Berdahl’s ongoing commitment to advancing clinical care and pioneering innovative procedures and approaches that continue to shape how glaucoma is understood and treated. His work aligns directly with the purpose of the Innovator Award: celebrating specialists whose ideas and leadership move the field forward in measurable and lasting ways. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the American Glaucoma Society,” said Dr. Berdahl. “Glaucoma care continues to ...
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Love Your Vision: What to Expect After Your Vision Correction Procedure

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Before going into any surgery, it’s common to wonder about what will happen  after . “How long will it take before I can live my life normally again?” One of the biggest benefits of LASIK and other vision correction procedures is that recovery is typically quick. In this blog, we’ll break down the average recovery time of patients, as well as things to be mindful of during this short journey on the way to clearer vision. The LASIK Procedure For the vision correction procedure, the surgeon uses a precise laser to gently reshape the cornea. This allows light rays to focus more directly on the  retina, ultimately reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure is performed in-office and typically lasts only a few minutes per eye. For a LASIK procedure, the surgeon creates a thin protective flap in the cornea with a femtosecond laser. They fold the flap back and then gently reshape the cornea with an excimer laser. The flap is positioned back in place, where i...
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Love Your Vision: What to Expect After Your Vision Correction Procedure

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Before going into any surgery, it’s common to wonder about what will happen  after . “How long will it take before I can live my life normally again?” One of the biggest benefits of LASIK and other vision correction procedures is that recovery is typically quick. In this blog, we’ll break down the average recovery time of patients, as well as things to be mindful of during this short journey on the way to clearer vision. The LASIK Procedure For the vision correction procedure, the surgeon uses a precise laser to gently reshape the cornea. This allows light rays to focus more directly on the  retina, ultimately reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure is performed in-office and typically lasts only a few minutes per eye. For a LASIK procedure, the surgeon creates a thin protective flap in the cornea with a femtosecond laser. They fold the flap back and then gently reshape the cornea with an excimer laser. The flap is positioned back in place, where i...
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