LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular and successful vision correction procedures available today. In fact, it boasts an impressive patient satisfaction rate of around 96% and a complication rate below 1% making it among the safest elective surgeries. Millions of people have undergone LASIK (over 19 million in the U.S. alone since FDA approval in 1996). Even so, it’s natural to have questions and maybe a few nerves if you’re considering LASIK.
If you’re finalizing your interest in LASIK, knowing what to ask at your consultation can help you feel confident and informed. Consider questions about eligibility, the procedure, and recovery. This guide covers 30 of the most common LASIK questions to help you prepare for your consultation with facts and confidence as you pursue clear vision without glasses or contacts.
LASIK Candidacy and Pre-Op Questions
During a LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will examine your eyes and answer all your questions. It’s important to understand whether you meet the requirements for LASIK and how to prepare before surgery. The following questions cover who is eligible for LASIK and what to do before your procedure.
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes your cornea, the clear front of your eye. The changed shape improves how light focuses on the retina. LASIK corrects errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A refractive eye surgeon uses a laser to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue, refining your vision. The outcome is a clearer vision, without glasses or contact lenses.
2. Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
You might be a good candidate for LASIK if you meet several key criteria:
- Age: You are at least 18 years old. If you are 21 or older, your vision has likely stabilized.
- Stable Prescription: Your prescription hasn’t changed much in the last 12 months. LASIK is best for people with stable vision.
- Refractive Error in Treatable Range: You have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism within LASIK limits. Extremely high prescription volumes might require alternative solutions.
- Healthy Corneas and Eyes: Your corneas are thick enough, and your overall eye health is good. Conditions like uncontrolled dry eye or keratoconus can disqualify you.
- General Health: You have no uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or other conditions that could affect healing.
Certain factors may mean LASIK isn’t right for you. Very thin corneas, large corneal scars, or untreated eye diseases can make you ineligible. Prescription changes may also disqualify you. Pregnancy may temporarily affect your vision. If LASIK isn’t suitable, your doctor may suggest alternatives like PRK or EVO ICL. You need a comprehensive evaluation by a LASIK surgeon to confirm your candidacy.
3. How do I find out if I qualify for LASIK?
The best way to find out whether you qualify is to have a LASIK consultation with a refractive ophthalmologist. During the visit, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and measure your cornea. If everything looks good, you are a candidate for LASIK. If not, the doctor will explain why and suggest other vision correction options. Ask questions during the exam to better understand your eligibility and the process.
4. Are there age limits to getting LASIK?
There isn’t a strict upper age limit for LASIK. Even seniors can get the procedure. The FDA requires patients to be at least 18 years old. Many surgeons prefer people over 21. Vision usually stops changing by the mid-20s, which helps LASIK outcomes. Healthy adults in their 40s, 50s, or older can get LASIK if their eyes are in good condition. Cataracts or similar issues will prevent LASIK. A 65-year-old without cataracts or other diseases could be a candidate. If cataracts are present, cataract surgery comes first. Your surgeon will evaluate each case. Typically, healthy patients in their late teens to mid-50s are the most common candidates for LASIK.
5. Can I have LASIK if I’m pregnant or nursing?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to postpone LASIK. Hormonal changes can temporarily affect your cornea and vision, making results less predictable. The FDA lists pregnancy and nursing as contraindications for LASIK. Medications used for LASIK may not be ideal during pregnancy or while nursing. Most doctors recommend waiting a few months after nursing before considering LASIK, so it’s wise to wait until your hormones and vision have stabilized.
LASIK Procedure Basics
After you are found to be a good candidate, you may want to know what happens during the LASIK procedure. Here are answers to common questions about the surgery, including how long it takes and which technology is used.
6. How long does the LASIK procedure take?
The LASIK procedure is quick. Laser surgery on each eye usually takes 10–15 minutes, with the reshaping part often lasting under a minute. Including preparation and post-laser checks, the whole process takes 20–30 minutes. You’ll be awake, but your eye will be numbed and held open, so you won’t worry about blinking. Many patients are surprised by how fast it goes.
7. Does LASIK hurt?
No, LASIK doesn’t hurt. Before the procedure, numbing eye drops prevent pain. You may feel some pressure and vibration, but not sharp pain. Afterward, mild irritation, dryness, or a gritty feeling is normal for a few hours to days. Severe pain is rare. Your surgeon will provide drops and possibly a mild pain reliever.
8. What technology is used in LASIK?
Modern LASIK uses very advanced lasers. The exact machines can change by doctor and center, but at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, we use the newest tools, including:
- Femtosecond Laser: Used to create the corneal flap without a blade (this is called “all-laser LASIK”). A femtosecond laser is an extremely fast laser that creates a precise, thin flap in the cornea rather than a manual blade. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye.
- Wavefront-guided excimer lasers map your eye’s unique aberrations for a more precise treatment, improving results and reducing side effects.
- The Wavelight EX500 excimer laser tracks eye movements and delivers rapid, precise treatment to help preserve vision quality.
In summary, LASIK uses two lasers: one creates the corneal flap, and one reshapes the cornea. Advances have made LASIK safer and more precise, yielding great results.
9. Does LASIK require a corneal flap?
Yes, traditional LASIK creates a thin corneal flap. This flap allows the laser to reshape the cornea and is replaced after the procedure. The flap heals quickly, supporting fast recovery with little discomfort. If you’d prefer not to have a flap, you can explore other options such as PRK and EVO ICL at Barnet Dulaney Perkins.
10. Can both eyes be done the same day?
Yes, LASIK is usually performed on both eyes the same day. Correcting both eyes together is standard and provides balanced vision. Rarely, a surgeon may treat one eye at a time, if medically indicated or if the patient prefers.
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, though in some cases it may be more.
12. Does insurance cover LASIK?
Most health and vision insurance plans do not cover LASIK, often categorizing it as elective or cosmetic. Some plans offer discounts with certain providers, saving 10–30%. You can use FSA or HSA funds to pay for health expenses with pre-tax dollars and save on taxes. Check for discounts and use pre-tax accounts to reduce costs. Expect to pay out of pocket, but look for ways to save.
13. What financing options are available?
Many LASIK providers offer financing. Ask during your consultation. Options include zero- or low-interest plans, longer payment terms with interest, or medical credit cards like CareCredit. At Barnet Dulaney Perkins, we provide customized options, some with 0% interest, and accept CareCredit. Approval depends on credit, but many patients qualify. Financing lets you spread costs over time, making LASIK easier to fit into your budget compared to ongoing glasses or contact lens expenses.
14. Are there any hidden fees to LASIK?
There shouldn’t be hidden fees, but it doesn’t hurt to clarify what’s included in the price. Reputable providers like Barnet Dulaney Perkins are up-front about costs. Some clinics advertise low prices, then upsell necessary add-ons. During your consultation, request a full cost breakdown (if not already given), including exams, surgery, post-op care, and details on the enhancement policy. A transparent provider will explain all charges. Your fee should cover initial follow-up visits and standard post-op drops. Ask if any warranty or lifetime policy is included or extra. Avoid surprise costs by reading fine print and understanding what’s included.
15. Is a “lifetime warranty” worth it?
Some providers offer a lifetime plan that covers future enhancements at low or no cost. Its value depends on your age and situation. Younger patients may benefit more, as vision may change over decades. The warranty gives peace of mind if a touch-up is needed. Those who get LASIK later may need fewer enhancements, but they may still appreciate the guarantee.
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins, we offer a Lifetime Vision Plan for long-term results. If your vision changes and enhancement is appropriate, eligible patients get an additional procedure at no charge. Terms apply, like maintaining eye exams. Many patients choose this for reassurance. A lifetime warranty is insurance: if free, it’s a perk; if not, weigh the cost against your needs. Many people don’t need a second procedure, but it’s good to be covered.
LASIK Safety and Risks
16. What are the most common side effects of LASIK?
The most common LASIK side effects are temporary dry eyes, blurry vision, extra light sensitivity, glare, halos, and a mild “sandy” feeling. These usually resolve within weeks or a couple of months. For example, about 30% of people experience dry eyes early on, but this is usually manageable and improves as you heal. Serious or lasting side effects are rare. Common short-term effects include:
- Dry, gritty feeling in the eyes: Your eyes may feel drier than usual and a bit irritated. (Your doctor will have you use lubricating drops frequently.)
- Blurry or hazy vision: It’s normal for vision to be hazy immediately after surgery and to fluctuate a bit in clarity for several days.
- Glare, halos, and starbursts: You might see starburst or halo effects around lights at night, or increased glare. Night vision symptoms are common early on but typically improve as your cornea heals.
- Light sensitivity: You could be more sensitive to bright light or the sun for a short while. Sunglasses help a lot.
- Mild discomfort or itching: Your eyes might feel some burning or itching sensation in the first day or so. They may water, and you’ll want to avoid rubbing them.
Most LASIK side effects are not dangerous and disappear quickly. Your surgeon will closely watch your recovery. By the end of the first month, most people have little to no symptoms. Following all post-op instructions – such as using drops or wearing protection – helps recovery. Notify your doctor if symptoms persist, as there are solutions.
17. How rare are serious complications from LASIK?
18. Can LASIK make my vision worse?
Over 99% of LASIK patients experience improved vision and reduced need for glasses. Rarely, a complication can cause a loss of best-corrected vision, often only a slight decrease in sharpness or the appearance of new visual artifacts. True, lasting severe vision loss is extremely rare. If results are not perfect, a minor enhancement often fixes the issue. Most people do not end up with worse vision than they had before surgery.
19. What happens if I develop cataracts later after LASIK?
20. How often do patients need LASIK enhancements?
Most people only need LASIK once, but about 1% to 5% need a touch-up, usually due to slight under- or over-correction or natural changes in vision over the years. Enhancements are easier than the initial surgery and sometimes included in the fee. Over time, the likelihood of needing an enhancement increases gradually, but most remain satisfied with their initial result.
Recovery and Aftercare
21. What is the typical LASIK recovery timeline?
22. When can I drive again after LASIK?
You will not be able to drive immediately after your LASIK surgery (your eyes will be blurry from both the procedure and the mild sedative or anesthetic used). You must arrange for someone to drive you home on surgery day. Typically, patients can resume driving within about 24 to 48 hours after LASIK, depending on how quickly their vision clears. Many people find that by the next day, their vision is sharp enough to drive to their follow-up appointment (often with the doctor’s approval). However, this isn’t the same for everyone – some might need an extra day if vision is still a bit hazy or if they’re on a medication that could affect reaction time.
Your surgeon will test your vision at the first post-op visit (often the day after surgery or two days after) and let you know if you’re seeing well enough to drive safely. Generally, if you’re seeing at least 20/40 (the legal driving vision in most places) and you feel comfortable, you can drive. Arizona requires a minimum vision acuity of 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license.
Night driving: It’s wise to be cautious with night driving in the first week. You might initially experience halos or starbursts around lights, which can make nighttime driving challenging. Many patients wait a few nights before driving in the dark.
By a week out, most of those visual artifacts have improved considerably. So in summary, you’ll likely be back behind the wheel in a day or two for daytime, and within several days for nighttime.
23. How soon can I return to exercise after LASIK?
Light exercise can usually be resumed within a couple of days after LASIK. For example, if you want to take a walk or do a gentle treadmill session the day after surgery, that’s typically fine. For more vigorous workouts, doctors often advise waiting about 3 days for low-impact exercise (like jogging, cycling, weightlifting), and roughly 2 weeks for high-impact or contact activities. The main concerns are protecting your eyes from sweat, dust, or accidental bumps while the corneal flap heals in the first week or two. Here are some guidelines:
- First 48 hours: Take it easy – this is when your eyes are most sensitive. No workouts; just rest.
Days 3–4: You can do light cardio (stationary bike, brisk walk) or easy strength training, provided you avoid getting sweat in your eyes. Use a sweatband or keep a towel handy, and absolutely no rubbing your eyes. - After 1 week: You can increase activity. By now, the flap is fairly secure. You can resume most exercises, including running, aerobics, and weight training. Still be mindful of eye protection – consider wearing wraparound sports glasses if you’re outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and debris. Also, swimming in a pool can typically resume after about 1 week, provided you wear goggles to prevent water from getting into your eyes.
- After 2 weeks: You’re generally clear for higher-impact sports like basketball, mountain biking, or similar activities. Non-contact martial arts or any sport with a risk of objects near the eyes (tennis, etc.) should also wait 2 weeks, and even then, it’s smart to use protective eyewear.
- After 4 weeks: By one month, you can do contact sports (like boxing, MMA, rugby) where direct hits to the eye are possible. Again, protective eyewear is advisable as an extra precaution even after a month, since the flap may still be healing, and a severe poke could still be harmful.
Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions, as they may tailor advice to your case. Remember, avoiding eye trauma and contamination in those early weeks is key. But overall, you’ll be back to an active lifestyle very quickly with minimal downtime.
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 your eyes comfortable as they heal.
25. How do I manage dry eyes after LASIK?
Dry eyes are very common in the early post-LASIK period, so managing them is a key part of recovery. Your corneal nerves (which help signal tear production) get disrupted during the procedure, resulting in reduced tear flow for a while. Here’s how to handle it:
- Use artificial tears liberally: Your surgeon will likely recommend preservative-free lubricating drops. In the beginning, you might be using them every 30–60 minutes while awake. Over weeks, as dryness improves, you can taper down to a few times a day. Keep drops handy at all times – one bottle at work, one by your bed, etc. Frequent use is the #1 way to relieve dryness.
- Follow any other therapies your doctor suggests: If you have a tendency toward dry eye, some doctors may insert temporary punctal plugs (tiny plugs in tear ducts to keep tears on the eye longer) either at the time of LASIK or shortly after. Others might have you use a nighttime ointment or take omega-3 supplements to promote tear production. In certain cases, prescription medicated drops (such as Restasis or Xiidra) may be used to improve tear quality. But for most patients, regular artificial tears do the trick.
- Environmental adjustments: To help your eyes, avoid dry environments and direct fans or vents blowing at your face. Using a humidifier in your home, especially in dry climates, can make a difference. When on screens for long periods, remember to blink often or use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce digital eye strain and dryness.
- Be patient: Your eyes will gradually regain their normal tear balance. Typically, dryness is most pronounced in the first 1-2 months post-LASIK. By 3-6 months out, many people’s dry eye symptoms have resolved or returned to their pre-LASIK baseline. In the interim, keep up with the drops and don’t hesitate to tell your doctor if dryness is bothering you. They can evaluate if any additional treatments are needed.
The good news is that post-LASIK dry eye is usually temporary. Manage it diligently in the short term, and you’ll soon be past this phase. And always remember – never rub your eyes, especially if they feel dry. Reach for the drops instead!
LASIK Long-Term Outcomes
Finally, you may be curious about LASIK’s long-term effects. Will you stay vision-problem-free forever? Could your old prescription return? Here we address those forward-looking questions.
26. How long does the improvement from LASIK last?
One of the most inspiring facts about LASIK is that the vision correction it provides is permanent. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct how it refracts light. Once the cornea’s shape has been altered and healed, it stays that way for life. The nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that was treated will not “grow back.” In other words, LASIK itself does not wear off – it’s not like a medication that stops working over time. Studies and clinical experience show that if your eyes remain healthy, your post-LASIK vision can remain stable for decades.
That said, LASIK doesn’t freeze your eyes in time against all changes. You will still experience natural physiological changes as you age. The most universal one is presbyopia, the loss of near-focusing ability that affects most people in their 40s or 50s (we’ll discuss that in a moment). Also, some individuals’ eyes might slowly drift toward a mild prescription again over many years, especially if they had high corrections initially. But this isn’t the laser “wearing off” – it’s just biological variation. If it’s significant, an enhancement can often restore sharp vision. Additionally, other eye conditions (such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration) could affect vision down the line, but those are unrelated to LASIK.
The big picture: LASIK’s core vision improvements are lasting. In fact, ophthalmologists have tracked patients for 20+ years after LASIK and found that their distance vision remains excellent. As one surgeon quipped, “The results from LASIK typically last for decades”. So you can look forward to many years of clear vision. Just remember that normal aging of the eye is something LASIK can’t prevent, but it doesn’t undo the benefits LASIK gave you.
27. Can nearsightedness or farsightedness return after LASIK?
If you are truly a proper candidate for LASIK, your original nearsightedness or farsightedness will not “come back” after LASIK. The structural change in the cornea is permanent, so the eye no longer has the same refractive error it did pre-surgery. However, a new refractive error may develop later for reasons unrelated to the initial procedure. For instance, a small percentage of people might experience a gradual shift in their vision years later (sometimes called regression). This could be due to your eyes naturally changing or elongating a bit with age, or, in the case of significant nearsightedness, a predisposition to progressive myopia. If this happens, it’s usually mild and not like you go all the way back to your old prescription. And if needed, a LASIK enhancement or a pair of glasses for specific tasks can address it.
Any vision changes down the road are likely due to other factors (aging changes or new conditions) rather than your treated nearsightedness/farsightedness reversing. For example, if you were nearsighted and LASIK fixed it, you’re not going to become nearsighted again out of the blue. You might, however, develop presbyopia later (which is a near vision issue unrelated to the cornea) or a cataract that affects vision, etc. These would need their own solutions, but aren’t a failure of the LASIK itself. Once your vision is corrected with LASIK, it stays corrected. Any return of needing glasses is typically from new causes, not the original nearsighted/farsighted error regressing.
28. Will I ever need reading glasses if I have LASIK?
At some point, almost everyone needs reading glasses, whether they had LASIK or not. This is due to presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focus. LASIK does an amazing job at correcting distance vision, but it doesn’t prevent the normal aging process of the eye. Typically, around age 40–50, the lens inside the eye stiffens, and we all have trouble focusing up close. If you were nearsighted and had LASIK in your 20s or 30s, by your mid-40s, you might find that, although your distance vision is crystal clear, you suddenly can’t see fine print up close. You would then need reading glasses for near tasks – just as anyone with perfect distance vision would at that age.
There are several ways to manage presbyopia in post-LASIK patients. Some people opt for monovision LASIK from the start (where one eye is intentionally made a little nearsighted for reading, and the other for distance). Monovision can reduce the need for reading glasses, but it’s a compromise and not for everyone. If you didn’t do monovision initially, you could later get an enhancement to create a monovision effect, or use contact lenses for near vision, or ultimately just use reading glasses when needed. Also, new surgical options like Lens Replacement Surgery (refractive lens exchange) or multifocal lens implants can address presbyopia, but those differ from LASIK.
29. Can I have LASIK twice if needed?
Yes, it is possible to have LASIK a second time (an enhancement or a repeat LASIK) if necessary. As we discussed in the enhancements question, only a small fraction of patients need another procedure, on the order of <5%. But if you fall into that category, or if many years later your vision changes and you want a touch-up, a second LASIK can often be performed. Surgeons will evaluate factors such as your remaining corneal thickness and overall eye health to ensure it’s safe to re-lift the flap and proceed with additional laser treatment. In many cases, the original flap can be lifted even years later, allowing the enhancement without creating a new flap (which is gentler on the cornea). If the flap cannot be lifted or conditions have changed, sometimes a PRK enhancement on the surface might be done instead.
It’s worth noting that there are practical limits – for instance, you wouldn’t want to have LASIK done multiple times in a row unless absolutely needed, as each treatment removes a bit of corneal tissue. But having it twice in a lifetime is not unusual for those who need it. As long as your cornea was left sufficiently thick from the first surgery and your prescription change is within a treatable range, doing LASIK “again” can successfully sharpen your vision. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of a second procedure if it ever becomes relevant. Many patients never need it, but it’s nice to know the option is available. Essentially, LASIK doesn’t burn bridges – you can still have future vision corrections, whether it’s a laser enhancement or other advancements that come along.
30. What’s the difference between LASIK and other options?
Here are the most common vision correction procedures, and how they differ from LASIK:
LASIK
LASIK involves creating a corneal flap and reshaping the cornea with a laser. Recovery is rapid, with most people regaining functional vision within a day. Discomfort is minimal. However, LASIK is unsuitable for people with thin corneas or certain corneal irregularities.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK was actually the forerunner to LASIK and is still widely used, especially for those who aren’t LASIK candidates due to thin corneas or other reasons. In PRK, no flap is created; instead, the outer epithelium of the cornea is removed, and the same excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface. The epithelium grows back over a few days. Because of this, PRK has a longer initial recovery – a few days of moderate discomfort and blurry vision, and about a week or two to see really well, with full stability in a month or more. The end visual result of PRK is essentially the same as LASIK; it just tests your patience more in the early healing.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
EVO ICL is not a laser procedure at all, but rather a lens implantation. Think of it like inserting a permanent contact lens inside the eye. The EVO ICL is a phakic intraocular lens placed behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. It corrects nearsightedness (and some models correct astigmatism). The advantage of ICL is that it involves no corneal tissue removal, so it’s great for very high prescriptions or thinner corneas that LASIK/PRK can’t treat. The procedure is more akin to cataract surgery (though no cataract is removed) and is reversible – the lens can be taken out if needed. Disadvantages include higher cost and more invasive intraocular surgery (with attendant risks such as cataract formation or intraocular infection, which are very low but present). ICL patients generally see clearly a day after surgery, similar to LASIK, and without the corneal dryness issue.
Other procedures include Refractive Lens Exchange and newer laser options, such as SMILE, providing alternatives for vision correction. While LASIK is preferred for its fast recovery and reliable results, PRK and ICL are options for patients who are not LASIK candidates, offering comparable visual outcomes through different approaches. An experienced refractive surgeon can determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, offers the safest and most effective solution for your needs.
Learn More About LASIK Today
Imagine the freedom of enjoying outdoor activities like biking without glasses or contacts! LASIK has enabled countless people to achieve this life-changing level of clear vision!
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center has been Arizona’s leader in ophthalmology for over 35 years, and our experienced LASIK surgeons are dedicated to helping patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. If you’re ready to explore LASIK further, we encourage you to find out if you’re a candidate – you can start by taking our quick online LASIK candidacy quiz or scheduling a free personal consultation. During your visit, your LASIK doctor will answer any remaining questions to ensure you feel confident and excited about your decision.
Take the next step toward crisp, lens-free vision by contacting us today to set up your FREE LASIK consultation. Your journey to visual freedom could be just around the corner!