LASIK FAQ
Get answers to 54 frequently asked questions about LASIK eye surgery, from costs and recovery to risks and long-term results.
Quick Facts About LASIK
Source: FDA PROWL Study
LASIK Basics
How do I find the best LASIK surgeon in Atlanta?
Board certification, procedure volume, technology, and outcomes data all matter more than price alone — here's exactly what to check before choosing...
Read full answer →What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea...
Read full answer →How does LASIK work?
LASIK works by creating a thin flap in the cornea, then using an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue...
Read full answer →LASIK & Eye Surgery Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common eye anatomy, procedure, diagnostic, and lens terms...
Browse glossary →Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK is FDA-approved and considered safe. The PROWL study shows 96-99% patient satisfaction rates...
Read full answer →Is LASIK FDA approved?
Yes, LASIK was approved by the FDA in 1999. The FDA maintains that LASIK is both safe and effective...
Read full answer →What does LASIK stand for?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, from the Greek word meaning "to shape the cornea"...
Read full answer →What conditions does LASIK treat?
LASIK treats myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism...
Read full answer →Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
Am I a LASIK Candidate? Complete Eligibility Checklist
LASIK candidacy requires stable vision for 12+ months, adequate corneal thickness (500+ microns), healthy eyes, and realistic expectations. Learn all the factors that determine eligibility...
Read full answer →Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Good candidates are typically 18+, have stable vision for 1-2 years, healthy corneas, and realistic expectations...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism by reshaping the irregular cornea into a more spherical shape...
Read full answer →What prescription can LASIK correct?
LASIK typically corrects up to -12.00 diopters of myopia, +6.00 of hyperopia, and 6.00 of astigmatism...
Read full answer →Can I Get LASIK While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
LASIK is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding because hormonal changes can temporarily affect corneal shape and prescription. Your surgeon will recommend waiting until hormones stabilize after breastfeeding ends...
Read full answer →Can People With Autoimmune Conditions Get LASIK?
Autoimmune disease is not an automatic disqualifier for LASIK. Candidacy depends on the specific condition, whether it is active or controlled, medications, and a thorough evaluation...
Read full answer →Can People With Diabetes Get LASIK?
Diabetes is not an automatic disqualifier for LASIK, but it requires careful screening. Well-controlled diabetes with no significant diabetic eye disease may be compatible with candidacy...
Read full answer →The LASIK Procedure
The LASIK Procedure Step-by-Step
From pre-op prep to flap creation, laser reshaping, and post-op verification — what actually happens during LASIK surgery, explained stage by stage...
Read full answer →How long does LASIK take?
The actual laser treatment takes only 20-50 seconds per eye. The entire procedure is typically 10-15 minutes...
Read full answer →Is LASIK painful?
No, LASIK is not painful during the procedure due to numbing eye drops. Some discomfort may occur during recovery...
Read full answer →What happens during LASIK surgery?
A flap is created in the cornea, lifted, the laser reshapes the underlying tissue, and the flap is repositioned...
Read full answer →What is bladeless LASIK?
Bladeless or "all-laser" LASIK uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap...
Read full answer →Femtosecond Laser vs. Microkeratome: How Are LASIK Flaps Made?
Learn how mechanical and laser-created LASIK flaps differ, what flap geometry means, and why the choice depends on your corneal evaluation...
Read full answer →What is wavefront-guided LASIK?
Wavefront LASIK uses 3D mapping of your eye to create a customized treatment plan for your unique vision...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →What activities can I do during LASIK recovery?
Recovery restrictions vary by activity: driving needs clearance, while exercise, water exposure, makeup, and screens each need practical care...
Read full answer →What are LASIK enhancement and touch-up procedures?
An enhancement is a secondary treatment that may be considered after full healing if residual refractive error remains...
Read full answer →When can I drive after LASIK?
Most patients can drive 24-48 hours after surgery, pending your post-op exam confirmation...
Read full answer →Will I have dry eyes after LASIK?
Temporary dry eyes are common but usually resolve within 3-6 months. Artificial tears help manage symptoms...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →Can LASIK cause blindness?
Blindness from LASIK is extremely rare. Serious vision-threatening complications occur in less than 1% of cases...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →Does insurance cover LASIK?
Most insurance plans don't cover LASIK as it's considered elective. Some vision plans offer discounts...
Read full answer →Are there financing options for LASIK?
Many practices offer financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans with 0% interest options...
Read full answer →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...
Read full answer →LASIK vs SMILE: Which is better?
SMILE uses a smaller incision with no flap. Better for dry eyes but doesn't treat farsightedness...
Read full answer →LASIK vs ICL: What should I choose?
ICL implants a lens and is reversible. Better for high prescriptions or thin corneas but more invasive...
Read full answer →LASIK vs. Contacts: Which Is Better for Atlanta Lifestyles?
For many active Atlanta adults, LASIK is the better long-term choice because it removes daily maintenance, water restrictions, and recurring costs. Contacts are better if you want lower upfront cost or are not a LASIK candidate...
Read full answer →LASIK vs. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Which Is Right for You?
LASIK reshapes the cornea, while RLE replaces the natural lens. The right choice depends on presbyopia, lens changes, eye health, and long-term vision goals...
Read full answer →LASIK vs. Cataract Surgery: Understanding the Difference
LASIK treats refractive error in a healthy eye, while cataract surgery removes a clouded lens. Prior LASIK also changes IOL power planning...
Read full answer →Procedure Explainers
ICL Explained: Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery
ICL surgery places a prescription lens inside the eye to correct vision while preserving the natural lens. It is often considered for high prescriptions or thin corneas...
Read full answer →PRK Explained: The Original Laser Eye Surgery
PRK removes the corneal surface layer, then reshapes the cornea with a laser. Unlike LASIK, no flap is created, making it advantageous for thin corneas...
Read full answer →SMILE Explained: The Newest FDA-Approved Vision Correction
SMILE creates a small lens-shaped disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a minimal incision. Recovery is fast and dry eye risk is low...
Read full answer →PRK vs. SMILE: Comparing the Flapless Procedures
Both PRK and SMILE avoid the corneal flap LASIK requires, but they work differently and recover on different timelines. Here's how to think about choosing between them...
Read full answer →Understanding Your Eyes
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that provides 70% of the eye's focusing power...
Read full answer →What is myopia (nearsightedness)?
Myopia occurs when the eye is too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry while near objects are clear...
Read full answer →What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape (like a football), causing blurred vision at all distances...
Read full answer →History of LASIK
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Find a top-rated LASIK surgeon in Atlanta and schedule a consultation.
Find a SurgeonLearn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the FDA LASIK Information.
Glaucoma Information
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over age 60, but can be prevented with early detection and treatment.
Read full answer →What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Early-stage open-angle glaucoma typically has no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include patchy blind spots in peripheral vision, tunnel vision (in advanced stages), eye pain, headaches, and seeing halos around lights.
Read full answer →Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Risk factors for glaucoma include being over age 60, having a family history of glaucoma, being of African American or Hispanic heritage, having diabetes or heart disease, high eye pressure, extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, and thin corneas.
Read full answer →How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Options include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss.
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