Say goodbye to glasses.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

LASIK can correct:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, although individual results vary.

Ideal LASIK candidates generally:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have stable vision
• Have healthy corneas
• Are free from significant eye disease
• Have realistic expectations

A comprehensive LASIK evaluation is required to determine candidacy.

Many patients undergo LASIK in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. However, age alone does not determine eligibility. Healthy eyes and a stable prescription are more important than age.

Not necessarily. Some patients in their 50s and even 60s may qualify. However, patients over 50 often have better long-term visual outcomes with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) rather than LASIK.

The corneal reshaping performed during LASIK is permanent. However, natural aging changes such as presbyopia and cataracts can still affect vision later in life.

For most patients, LASIK results remain stable for decades. Future changes in vision are usually related to aging rather than failure of the LASIK procedure.

LASIK is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure. Some patients experience mild irritation, tearing, or scratchiness during the first few hours after surgery.

The laser treatment itself usually takes less than one minute per eye. Most LASIK procedures are completed within 15 minutes.

Many patients notice improved vision within hours. Vision often continues improving over the first few days and weeks after surgery.

Most patients return to work and normal activities within one to two days. Vision usually stabilizes over several weeks.

LASIK significantly reduces dependence on glasses for most patients. However, some patients may still require glasses for specific activities or later in life as natural aging occurs.

Patients eventually develop presbyopia, the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability. Most individuals over age 40 will require reading glasses at some point regardless of LASIK.

Yes. LASIK is highly effective at treating many forms of astigmatism and can often reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Potential risks include:

• Dry eyes
• Glare
• Halos
• Night vision disturbances
• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection

Serious complications are uncommon when patients are properly screened.

Permanent severe vision loss from LASIK is extremely rare. LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective medical procedure.

Common reasons include:

• Thin corneas
• Severe dry eye disease
• Unstable prescriptions
• Keratoconus
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Extremely high prescriptions

Alternative procedures may still be available.

Many patients may qualify for:

• PRK
• EVO ICL
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
• Advanced Cataract Surgery

Your ophthalmologist can recommend the best option based on your eye health and visual goals.

LASIK eliminates many of the inconveniences associated with contact lenses, including daily maintenance, dry eyes from lens wear, and ongoing replacement costs.

LASIK pricing varies based on technology, surgeon experience, and individual visual needs. During your consultation, a customized treatment plan and pricing options will be reviewed.

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by most medical insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) may often be used.

Many patients experience improved night vision compared to their vision before surgery. However, some individuals may temporarily notice glare or halos during healing.

Yes. LASIK is routinely performed on both eyes during the same visit.

Modern wavefront-guided LASIK technology allows highly precise treatment and excellent visual outcomes for appropriately selected patients.

Wavefront technology creates a detailed map of your eye's optical system. This customized approach can improve visual quality and reduce higher-order aberrations.

Traditional LASIK primarily treats distance vision. Patients over age 40 who want both distance and near vision may be candidates for monovision LASIK or Refractive Lens Exchange.

Generally:

• Younger patients with healthy lenses often benefit from LASIK.
• Patients over 50 frequently achieve better long-term outcomes with Refractive Lens Exchange because it also prevents future cataracts.

A detailed examination is necessary to determine which option is best.

Your LASIK evaluation includes:

• Corneal mapping
• Refraction testing
• Tear film analysis
• Pupil measurements
• Corneal thickness measurements
• Comprehensive eye examination

These tests help determine the safest and most effective vision correction option.

At May Eye Care Center, every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether LASIK, PRK, Refractive Lens Exchange, or another vision correction procedure is the best choice. Our goal is to provide personalized recommendations based on your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals.