If you’ve been contemplating LASIK surgery, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide have successfully opted for LASIK as a life-changing solution to ditch their glasses and/or contact lenses. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is still the most commonly performed type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While LASIK has been widely embraced since 1998 in the US for its effectiveness and quick recovery, it’s natural to have questions and concerns before taking the plunge.

This blog post covers everything you need to know about LASIK, from how it works to what you should expect before, during, and after the procedure. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of LASIK basics, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your vision correction needs.

Understanding LASIK: How Does It Work?

LASIK surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye. Vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism are often due to the shape of the cornea. LASIK corrects these refractive errors by creating a more accurate corneal shape, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.

The procedure itself is straightforward:

1. Preparation: The surgeon will numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops.
2. Corneal Flap Creation: A precise laser or (rarely used since the mid-2000s) a small blade (microkeratome) creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. At SHARPEVISION, we use the industry best Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser to create the flap, and I personally have done over 70,000 LASIK procedures with the femtosecond laser. Prior to that, I had done an additional 30,000 procedures with the bladed keratome, and I will never go back to using the blade- the laser is worlds better.
3. Laser Reshaping: Another laser, called an excimer laser, reshapes the cornea beneath the flap to correct your vision. At SHARPEVISION, we use the Nidek Quest, with the world best topography driven customized ablation treatment profiles. This allows the laser to create an ablation pattern that maximizes your visual quality and clarity.
4. Flap Replacement: The flap is repositioned and goes right back where it came from. It quickly seals down so the recovery of your vision is about 6 hours until you could read or drive.

The entire surgery typically takes around 7 minutes, and most people report little to no discomfort. Thanks to advancements in technology, modern LASIK surgeries are safe and effective, with 99% success rates and high satisfaction among patients.

Is LASIK Right for You?

LASIK is designed to correct specific refractive errors, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Age: Most surgeons recommend LASIK for individuals over 18, as vision can continue to change in younger people. Many LASIK candidates are between 20 and 40 years old. I always recommend doing LASIK sooner rather than later, because:

1. You enjoy it longer.
2. You’ll heal more quickly.
3. You won’t need reading glasses. (typically 45 and older need reading glasses)
4. It pays for itself many times over! (see our pricing calculator)
5. You won’t have dry eyes as much or as long when you’re younger.

• Stable Vision: Ideal LASIK candidates should have a stable vision prescription for at least one year before surgery: It’s been my experience that virtually everyone thinks that their eyes are changing, but it’s very rare after age 18-22. If we checked your prescription every month for a year, we would likely find small variations that don’t represent true long-term changes, but daily fluctuations. So do LASIK now, because tomorrow you’ll be older.
• Corneal Shape and Thickness: LASIK requires a certain level of corneal thickness, but we also assess the shape for a safe LASIK procedure. A pre-surgery assessment will help determine if your cornea has any signs of ectasia- a weakness that could disqualify someone from laser vision correction. However, the same patient could be an EVO ICL (implantable contact lens) candidate, which we’ve covered in previous posts.
• Overall Eye Health: Conditions like severe dry eye or keratoconus (a thinning of the cornea) may prevent you from being a good candidate for LASIK, but you still may be a candidate for EVO ICL.

It’s essential to discuss your medical and eye history with your ophthalmologist. The SHARPEVISION team will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine if LASIK, or another procedure, is the right choice for you and to rule out any conditions that might complicate the surgery. Things like previous corneal infections, scratches, contact lens intolerance, dry eyes, and eye trauma can all influence your procedure recommendation.

Common Concerns About LASIK Surgery

As with any surgery, it’s normal to have some concerns about LASIK. Here are answers to some common questions:

• Will it hurt?

The good news is that LASIK is virtually painless. Numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you won’t feel anything beyond pressure on the eye during the surgery itself. The first few hours after the procedure, your eye may burn a bit, so we recommend using a cold compress on them or taking a long nap. Some patients may experience minor discomfort, like dryness, during the recovery period, but this typically subsides within a few weeks to a few months

• How long does the recovery take?

One of the advantages of LASIK is its quick recovery time. Most patients notice an improvement in vision within 24 hours and are usually able to return to normal activities within a day or two. You may return to exercise, screen time, and bathing the next day. As long as you don’t get poked directly in your eye, the LASIK flap won’t move.

• What are the risks?

LASIK is considered a safe procedure, with a complication rate of less than 1%. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks. Common side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and temporary visual disturbances, most of which resolve over time. Your surgeon will go over these risks and how they relate to your individual anatomy, age, prescription etc.

• Can LASIK “wear off” over time?

LASIK is intended to provide a permanent correction of your current prescription. A small percentage of people experience some slight regression, and notice that road signs have gotten a little blurry, or they are squinting like they have in the past from an old pair of glasses. LASIK enhancement may be necessary if that is the case. That risk is about 1% per year for the first 10 years. However, the natural aging process, specifically presbyopia, will noticeably affect your vision at about age 45 and older. This is NOT due to LASIK but rather the eye’s natural changes with age. Everyone (after LASIK or just those who are born with perfect distance vision) will require reading glasses to address these age-related changes. Later, typically in our 60s or 70s, cataracts gradually progress. Often the progression is so gradual that when the cataract is finally removed, people are astounded at how much better they see, and how much brighter colors appear.

“Although it’s a significant decision and requires careful consideration, the high satisfaction rate among LASIK patients speaks for itself.”

Preparing for Your LASIK Surgery

Once you and your doctor have decided that LASIK is the right choice, you’ll need to prepare for the procedure:

• Stop Wearing Contact Lenses: Hard contacts, usually called RGP (rigid gas permeable) can alter the shape of your cornea. At SHARPEVISION, we still want you to come in for the evaluation, even if you’re wearing your contacts. Soft contacts, which nearly 99% of people who wear contacts have, don’t seem to change the prescription. With RGP lenses, we can still assess your candidacy, and then recheck as needed when you’re out of your RGP lenses for a period. Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines on how long to stop RGP lens wear.
• Avoid Makeup and Creams: On the day of surgery, avoid using makeup- especially foundation, as it can get in your eyes like paint and get under the flap. Also good to avoid: lotions, perfumes, or creams, as these can introduce particles into the eye. It’s best to arrive with a freshly washed face and hair.
• Arrange Transportation: Since your vision will be blurry immediately after surgery, and most people take the oral sedative we offer, arrange for someone to drive you home. It’s also helpful, but not necessary, to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first few hours afterward.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

The entire visit for your LASIK procedure takes under 90 minutes. Here’s a brief rundown of what to expect:

• Check-In: You’ll arrive at the clinic, check in, discuss the surgical process, sign the informed consent, and take the Valium- which makes you feel relaxed and relieves some anxiety.
• Numbing Drops: The surgeon will administer lots of numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort.
• The Procedure: The actual procedure is astonishingly quick- about 3 minutes per eye. Your surgeon will guide you through each step, letting you know what you’ll feel, see, and hear along the way.
• Immediate Aftercare: After the surgery, your vision will be blurry, and you may experience some light sensitivity. Your doctor will provide sunglasses to protect your eyes and instructions for using numbing drops and lubricating eye drops at home.

LASIK Recovery: Healing and Long-Term Care

The healing process after LASIK is generally quick, with most patients experiencing significant vision improvement within hours of surgery. Here’s a snapshot of the recovery journey:

• Day of Surgery: You may feel mild discomfort, like dryness or slight irritation, but it should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, a cool compresses, and numbing and lubricating eye drops.
• First 24-48 Hours: Rest is recommended, but not required in these first days. Avoid rubbing your eyes and drink plenty of water. You will be able to drive, use screens, exercise, and bathe normally.
• Follow-Up Appointments: You’ll have a follow-up appointment within 24 hours of surgery to check on the healing process.
• Resuming Normal Activities: Most people can resume driving and work within a day. However, you should avoid swimming, hot tubs, and eye makeup for a week or as recommended by your surgeon.
• Long-term: You should still have your routine, annual check-ups with your optometrist to monitor your vision, but the majority of patients enjoy years, even decades, of clear vision after LASIK.

Final Thoughts: Is LASIK Worth It?

For those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses, LASIK offers a life-changing option with fast results and a proven safety record. Although it’s a significant decision and requires careful consideration, the high satisfaction rate among LASIK patients speaks for itself. By understanding what to expect, preparing adequately, and choosing an experienced surgeon, you’ll be well on your way to clearer, sharper vision.

Whether you’re looking to simplify your morning routine, enhance your athletic performance, or just enjoy life without glasses and contacts, LASIK can make a remarkable difference in your daily life.

LASIK at a Glance:

• Procedure Time: 3 minutes per eye
• Recovery Time: 24 hours for all activities
• Success Rate: High, with lasting results for most patients
• Side Effects: Mostly mild and temporary
• Cost: Varies, often between $2,000 – $3,000 per eye

If you’re ready to take the plunge, consult with a qualified LASIK surgeon who can guide you on your journey to better vision. Book your consultation with us online!