LASIK is a common laser procedure that can correct certain vision problems. Though it’s popular, potential patients often have many questions about it. Our LASIK FAQ guide provides straightforward answers to all of your questions about LASIK candidacy, the procedure, LASIK risks, and more.
Candidacy and Pre-Op
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of vision correction procedure. In LASIK, your provider uses a laser to gently change the shape of your cornea. Your cornea is the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of your eye, and when it bends (refracts) light incorrectly, you end up with conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. LASIK works to correct these refractive errors.
2. Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
You might be a good candidate for LASIK if you:
- Are over 18 (ideally over 21)
- Have an eye prescription that hasn’t changed much over the last year
- Have a refractive error that LASIK can treat
- Have thick, healthy corneas and good overall eye health
Some people, like those with a constantly changing prescription, severe dry eye, thin corneas, or eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, should not get LASIK.
3. How do I find out if I qualify for LASIK?
To find out if you qualify for LASIK, visit your ophthalmologist. They’ll perform an exam that will tell them if your eyes are healthy enough for LASIK and if LASIK can fix your refractive error.
4. Are there age limits to getting LASIK?
The FDA requires that LASIK patients be at least 18. However, over 21 is ideal, as your eyes likely haven’t finished developing until this point. While there is technically no upper age limit for getting LASIK, conditions common with aging, like cataracts, will prevent you from getting the procedure.
5. Can I have LASIK if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Pregnant and breastfeeding patients should not get LASIK, as the eyes can change during pregnancy, impacting vision. Common changes include increased corneal thickness and curvature, which could significantly alter LASIK results.
Procedure Basics
6. How long does the LASIK procedure take?
The LASIK procedure, not including pre- and post-op care, takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye.
7. Does LASIK hurt?
No, LASIK doesn’t hurt. Before your LASIK procedure, your doctor will administer anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. As a result, you won’t feel any pain, though you may feel pressure or a scratching sensation. After your procedure, you may experience some dryness or discomfort for a few days, but eye pain is uncommon.
8. What technology is used in LASIK?
The specific technology used in LASIK depends on your ophthalmologist and the type of LASIK you’re getting. Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center uses state-of-the-art technologies, including:
- Femtosecond lasers: Used in bladeless LASIK, your doctor uses these to create the corneal flap.
- Wavefront-guided lasers: These lasers allow surgeons to map defects in the eye and create detailed treatment plans for each patient.
- Wavelight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser: This highly specialized laser allows your doctor to fix each eye’s imperfections while maintaining the natural curvature of the cornea.
9. Does LASIK require a corneal flap?
The corneal flap is a key part of LASIK. After your doctor creates this paper-thin flap, they lift it to apply the laser that reshapes the eye. If a corneal flap doesn’t seem like the right option for you, you may want to consider a different procedure, like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
10. Can both eyes be done the same day?
As long as both eyes are healthy, both can undergo LASIK on the same day. In fact, doctors generally prefer to do both eyes together.
Cost and Financing
11. How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK depends on several factors, including the doctor you choose and the technology they use. Your procedure will cost between $1,999 and $4,000 per eye, although in some cases, it can be more.
12. Does insurance cover LASIK?
Most insurance companies classify LASIK as “elective,” which means they won’t cover it. However, you may be able to use an FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account) to help cover costs.
13. What financing options are available?
Financing options vary by location. At Barnet Dulaney Perkins, we offer custom payment options, some with 0% interest. We also accept CareCredit.
14. Are there any hidden fees to LASIK?
Whether there are hidden fees will depend on your provider. Some offer low starting costs but don’t include all services. During your consultation, ask for a full cost breakdown, including pre- and post-op care.
15. Is a “lifetime warranty” worth it?
LASIK lifetime warranties generally cover additional laser treatments if your eyes change in the future. This option can be beneficial for many patients, but especially for those who get LASIK while they’re still relatively young. Barnet Dulaney Perkins offers a Lifetime Vision Plan that provides laser procedures at no additional cost if needed.
Safety and Risks
16. What are the most common side effects of LASIK?
Dry eyes and changes in vision are the most common side effects for people who undergo LASIK, and they usually go away within a month. Some other side effects include:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Decreased low-light vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Glare
- Halos around lights
- Light sensitivity
17. How rare are serious complications from LASIK?
According to the Refractive Surgery Council (RSC), severe complications of LASIK are rare, with a rate below 1%. These complications may include infection, reduced vision, and blindness.
18. Can LASIK make my vision worse?
While it is possible for LASIK to make your vision worse, this is extremely rare. Less than 1% of patients experience serious complications, including worse vision.
19. What happens if I develop cataracts later after LASIK?
If you develop cataracts after LASIK, you can still receive cataract surgery, which switches your eyes’ natural lens for artificial ones. However, this may require some additional planning for your surgeon.
20. How often do patients need LASIK enhancements?
About 1% to 5% of patients require enhancements because their initial procedure didn’t work as well as they had hoped. Patients may also need enhancements as they age. According to the RSC, for every year after LASIK, there is a 1% increase in the chance you’ll need retreatment.
Recovery and Aftercare
21. What is the typical LASIK recovery timeline?
After your surgery, you’ll probably experience some irritation and watery eyes for a couple of days. You’ll need to hold off on physical labor, high-impact sports, and wearing eye makeup for at least a week. By three months, your vision should stabilize, and your post-op side effects should be mostly gone.
22. When can I drive again after LASIK?
Everyone’s recovery is a little different, but general wisdom is to avoid driving for 24 to 48 hours after LASIK. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
23. How soon can I return to exercise after LASIK?
In most cases, you can return to low-impact sports one to three days after surgery and higher-impact sports after two weeks. Don’t participate in contact sports until you’ve reached four weeks. Swimmers can swim in chlorinated pools after one week.
24. What post-op drops and follow-ups are required after LASIK?
Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up appointment 24 to 48 hours after your surgery and may schedule additional follow-ups over the following weeks. You’ll receive eye drops to keep you comfortable as your eyes heal.
25. How do I manage dry eyes after LASIK?
Dry eyes are a common side effect right after LASIK. Your doctor should prescribe you eye drops to help manage this symptom.
Long-Term Outcomes
26. How long does the improvement from LASIK last?
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea, so the changes will last a lifetime. However, your vision may change as you age, which may require enhancements.
27. Can nearsightedness or farsightedness return after LASIK?
Because LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea, it does not regress. Any vision changes you experience are likely age-related.
28. Will I ever need reading glasses if I have LASIK?
Even if you’ve had LASIK, you may need reading glasses as your vision changes as you age.
29. Can I have LASIK twice if needed?
While less than 5% of patients require another LASIK procedure, you can get an enhancement LASIK procedure if needed.
30. What’s the difference between LASIK and other options?
The two most common alternatives to LASIK are PRK and an EVO implantable collamer lens (ICL). PRK is also a laser procedure, but it works by reshaping the corneal surface. ICL is an implantable lens that corrects nearsightedness.
Learn More About LASIK Today
Barnet Dulaney Perkins has been Arizona’s top ophthalmology center for over 30 years, and our experts can help you achieve clear vision through LASIK. Find out if you’re a candidate with our LASIK candidacy quiz, and contact us today for a personal consultation.