Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) reshapes your cornea, allowing light to focus better on the retina. Oftentimes, it can provide significant vision improvement within 24 hours, and many patients achieve 20/20 or better within a few days to several weeks.
But is it worth getting, and what else do you need to know before starting? This guide walks you through how the surgery works, who qualifies, and what risks to weigh, so you can decide with confidence.
How Does LASIK Address Nearsightedness?
LASIK corrects nearsightedness (myopia) by removing microscopic layers of corneal tissue. Flattening the cornea lengthens its focal distance, letting distant objects come into focus.
Modern femtosecond and excimer lasers track tiny eye movements hundreds of times per second. It’s important to have healthy corneal tissue and suitable corneal thickness.
Surgeons aim to leave at least a 250-micron-thick “stromal bed” untouched beneath the flap. Most FDA-approved excimer lasers can safely treat up to about −12.00 diopters (D) of myopia, though the exact limit depends on your corneal thickness and the specific laser platform’s labeling.
Step-by-Step Treatment Procedure
Before the procedure begins, your doctor will use anesthetic eye drops to prevent pain and discomfort. Keep in mind you’ll be awake during the procedure.
After that, your doctor will proceed to do the following:
- Create the flap. A femtosecond laser fashions a paper-thin corneal flap in seconds.
- Reshape the cornea. The surgeon lifts the flap, and an excimer laser sculpts tissue to the exact prescription.
- Replace the flap. The flap self-seals without stitches, acting as a natural bandage.
- Final check. Your surgeon confirms flap position, prescribes lubricating drops, and sends you home to rest.
What Are the Side Effects of LASIK?
While LASIK has a high satisfaction and success rate, no surgery is risk-free. Its most common side effects include:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Glare, halos, or starbursts
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Under- or over-correction
Additionally, it can lead to rare but serious complications like corneal ectasia, flap complications, and infection.
Am I A Good Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a match for LASIK. You are more likely to qualify if you meet the following requirements:
- Being 18 years old or older.
- A stable prescription, no more than 0.50 D change in the past 12 months.
- Up to -12.0 diopters of nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism.
- Thick corneas.
- Good overall eye health with no active infections, cataracts, or uncontrolled dry eye.
- Not pregnant or nursing.
- Not having systemic diseases that can affect healing, such as poorly controlled diabetes.
If you have thin corneas, unstable vision, or severe myopia, consider seeking alternatives.
LASIK Recovery Tips
Once the LASIK procedure is complete, it’s essential to rest. Someone should also drive you home.
You can drive the next day, depending on your vision and how you feel. During the recovery stage, be sure to:
- Avoid any strenuous exercise for a week because this can affect healing
- Return to the eye surgeon the day after surgery
- Follow the doctor’s instructions
- Take the prescribed medication to prevent healing problems
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
On average, LASIK surgery in the U.S. costs around $2,000–$3,000 per eye. This fee typically covers pre-operative consultations, surgical facility costs, post-operative care, and follow-ups.
You can reduce out-of-pocket expenses using flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA), and many surgery centers offer 0% financing plans.
While insurance rarely covers elective LASIK surgery, some vision insurance plans may provide discounted rates through affiliated networks.
Listen In Q&A Format
What You Should Know About LASIK for Nearsightedness Myopia
Vision Center Podcast
Are LASIK Eye Surgery Results Permanent?
LASIK results are considered permanent. However, some may need a LASIK enhancement or touch-up a few months after the first surgery to achieve good visual acuity.
In addition, LASIK won’t prevent or stop the development of presbyopia. Presbyopia, or the age-related loss of near-focusing ability, can make it difficult to see things up close.
This means you may need to wear reading glasses eventually, even after undergoing a successful vision correction procedure.
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