LASIK FAQ

LASIK Basics

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea...

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How does LASIK work?

LASIK works by creating a thin flap in the cornea, then using an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue...

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Is LASIK safe?

Yes, LASIK is FDA-approved and considered safe. The PROWL study shows 96-99% patient satisfaction rates...

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Is LASIK FDA approved?

Yes, LASIK was approved by the FDA in 1999. The FDA maintains that LASIK is both safe and effective...

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What does LASIK stand for?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, from the Greek word meaning "to shape the cornea"...

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What conditions does LASIK treat?

LASIK treats myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism...

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Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

Good candidates are typically 18+, have stable vision for 1-2 years, healthy corneas, and realistic expectations...

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What is the age requirement for LASIK?

You must be at least 18 years old. No lasers are FDA-approved for LASIK on persons under 18...

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Can I get LASIK with thin corneas?

Thin corneas may disqualify you from LASIK, but PRK or ICL may be alternatives. Minimum thickness is typically 500 microns...

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Can I get LASIK if I have dry eyes?

Chronic dry eye syndrome may affect candidacy. Your surgeon will evaluate and may recommend treatment first...

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Can LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism by reshaping the irregular cornea into a more spherical shape...

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What prescription can LASIK correct?

LASIK typically corrects up to -12.00 diopters of myopia, +6.00 of hyperopia, and 6.00 of astigmatism...

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Can I get LASIK with autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may affect healing and could disqualify candidates...

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Can diabetics get LASIK?

Diabetes may affect eligibility depending on blood sugar control and presence of diabetic retinopathy...

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The LASIK Procedure

How long does LASIK take?

The actual laser treatment takes only 20-50 seconds per eye. The entire procedure is typically 10-15 minutes...

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Is LASIK painful?

No, LASIK is not painful during the procedure due to numbing eye drops. Some discomfort may occur during recovery...

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What happens during LASIK surgery?

A flap is created in the cornea, lifted, the laser reshapes the underlying tissue, and the flap is repositioned...

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What anesthesia is used for LASIK?

LASIK uses topical anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. No general anesthesia or injections are needed...

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Can you blink during LASIK?

No, a gentle device called a lid speculum holds your eyelids open during the procedure...

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What if I move my eye during LASIK?

Modern lasers have advanced eye-tracking technology that follows your eye movements and adjusts in real-time...

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What is bladeless LASIK?

Bladeless or "all-laser" LASIK uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap...

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What is wavefront-guided LASIK?

Wavefront LASIK uses 3D mapping of your eye to create a customized treatment plan for your unique vision...

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LASIK Recovery

How long is LASIK recovery?

Most patients see well the next day. Full healing takes 3-6 months, but you can return to most activities within a week...

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What should I expect after LASIK?

Expect mild burning/stinging for 2-4 hours, foggy vision initially, and sensitivity to light. Vision improves within hours...

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When can I drive after LASIK?

Most patients can drive 24-48 hours after surgery, pending your post-op exam confirmation...

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When can I return to work after LASIK?

Most patients return to work within 1-2 days. Those with screen-heavy jobs may need a few extra days...

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When can I exercise after LASIK?

Light exercise is okay after a few days. Avoid contact sports and swimming for 2-4 weeks...

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What aftercare is required for LASIK?

Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing eyes, wear protective shields at night, and attend follow-up appointments...

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Will I have dry eyes after LASIK?

Temporary dry eyes are common but usually resolve within 3-6 months. Artificial tears help manage symptoms...

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How many follow-up appointments are needed?

Typically 4 appointments: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3-6 months after surgery...

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Results & Long-Term Outcomes

How long does LASIK last?

LASIK is permanent. Results typically last 10-20+ years. However, age-related changes like presbyopia still occur...

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Is LASIK permanent?

Yes, the corneal reshaping is permanent. Your vision may change with age, but the correction doesn't reverse...

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What is the LASIK success rate?

Over 97% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Satisfaction rates are 96-99% according to FDA studies...

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Will I still need glasses after LASIK?

Most patients don't need glasses for distance. Reading glasses may be needed after age 40 due to presbyopia...

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Will I need reading glasses after LASIK?

LASIK doesn't prevent presbyopia. Most people need reading glasses in their 40s regardless of LASIK...

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Can LASIK be done twice?

Yes, enhancement procedures are possible if enough corneal tissue remains. About 10% may need enhancement...

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Can LASIK wear off?

About 10% may experience minor regression over a decade. Enhancement procedures can correct this if needed...

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Risks & Side Effects

What are the risks of LASIK?

Risks include dry eyes, halos, glare, under/over-correction, and rarely, vision loss. Serious complications are rare...

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What are common LASIK side effects?

Temporary side effects include dry eyes, halos around lights, glare, and light sensitivity. Most resolve in weeks...

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Will I see halos after LASIK?

Some patients experience halos around lights at night, especially in the first few months. Usually diminishes over time...

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Can LASIK cause blindness?

Blindness from LASIK is extremely rare. Serious vision-threatening complications occur in less than 1% of cases...

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What complications can occur with LASIK?

Potential complications include flap problems, infection, epithelial ingrowth, and ectasia (very rare)...

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Can the LASIK flap be dislodged?

Flap dislocation is rare and most common in the first week. Avoid rubbing eyes and wear protective shields...

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Cost & Insurance

How much does LASIK cost in Atlanta?

LASIK in Atlanta typically costs $1,500-$3,500 per eye, depending on technology and surgeon experience...

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Does insurance cover LASIK?

Most insurance plans don't cover LASIK as it's considered elective. Some vision plans offer discounts...

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Are there financing options for LASIK?

Many practices offer financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans with 0% interest options...

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Can I use HSA/FSA for LASIK?

Yes, LASIK is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)...

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Why is LASIK so expensive?

Costs include advanced laser technology, surgeon expertise, facility fees, and pre/post-operative care...

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Is cheap LASIK safe?

Very low prices may indicate outdated technology or less experienced surgeons. Research carefully before choosing...

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Comparing Vision Correction Procedures

LASIK vs PRK: What's the difference?

PRK removes the surface layer instead of creating a flap. PRK has longer recovery but may be better for thin corneas...

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LASIK vs SMILE: Which is better?

SMILE uses a smaller incision with no flap. Better for dry eyes but doesn't treat farsightedness...

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LASIK vs ICL: What should I choose?

ICL implants a lens and is reversible. Better for high prescriptions or thin corneas but more invasive...

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LASIK vs contacts: Which is cheaper long-term?

LASIK typically pays for itself in 5-10 years compared to ongoing contact lens costs...

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Should I get LASIK or keep wearing glasses?

Consider your lifestyle, prescription stability, and personal preferences. LASIK offers freedom from corrective lenses...

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Understanding Your Eyes

How does the human eye work?

Light enters through the cornea and pupil, is focused by the lens onto the retina, which sends signals to the brain...

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What is the cornea?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that provides 70% of the eye's focusing power...

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What is myopia (nearsightedness)?

Myopia occurs when the eye is too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry while near objects are clear...

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What is hyperopia (farsightedness)?

Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short, causing near objects to appear blurry while distant objects may be clearer...

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What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape (like a football), causing blurred vision at all distances...

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What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is age-related loss of near focusing ability, typically starting around age 40 due to lens hardening...

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How do eye prescriptions work?

Prescriptions measure refractive errors in diopters. Negative numbers indicate myopia, positive indicate hyperopia...

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History of LASIK

When was LASIK invented?

LASIK was first performed in 1990 by Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris. It was FDA approved in 1999...

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Who invented LASIK?

Dr. Gholam Peyman patented the method in 1989. Dr. José Barraquer pioneered corneal surgery in 1949...

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How has LASIK technology evolved?

From manual blades to all-laser, from basic correction to wavefront-guided custom treatments...

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What is the history of refractive surgery?

From early radial keratotomy in the 1970s to PRK in 1988 to modern LASIK and SMILE procedures...

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