What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery for correcting vision problems. The procedure reshapes the cornea - the clear front surface of your eye - to allow light to focus properly on the retina, eliminating or reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK can correct three types of refractive errors:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
- Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape
Since FDA approval in 1999, over 10 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States alone. The surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any elective procedure, with studies showing 96-99% of patients achieve their desired visual outcome.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK surgery corrects vision by permanently reshaping the cornea. The procedure involves two main steps:
Step 1: Creating the Flap
First, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This can be done using either:
- Femtosecond laser (bladeless LASIK): Creates precise, computer-controlled flaps with minimal tissue disruption
- Microkeratome (traditional LASIK): A mechanical blade creates the flap
Step 2: Reshaping the Cornea
The flap is gently lifted, and an excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. For nearsighted patients, the laser flattens the cornea; for farsighted patients, it steepens the cornea. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without stitches.
Modern LASIK Technology
Today's excimer lasers use wavefront-guided or topography-guided technology that maps your eye's unique imperfections, allowing for highly customized treatment that often results in better-than-20/20 vision.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. The ideal candidate meets the following criteria:
Basic Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old (21+ preferred for vision stability)
- Stable vision: Prescription unchanged for at least 12 months
- Healthy corneas: Adequate corneal thickness and normal shape
- Prescription range: Generally up to -12.00 diopters for myopia, +6.00 for hyperopia
- Good overall eye health: No cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye
Who Should NOT Get LASIK?
- Pregnant or nursing women (hormones affect vision)
- People with autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Those taking certain medications (steroids, immunosuppressants)
- People with keratoconus or very thin corneas
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes
- People with unrealistic expectations
Important Note
A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine candidacy. Many factors that disqualify traditional LASIK candidates may still allow for alternative procedures like PRK or implantable lenses.
Types of LASIK Surgery
Several variations of LASIK exist, each with specific advantages:
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bladeless LASIK | Femtosecond laser creates the flap | Most patients; offers greater precision |
| Wavefront-Guided | Custom treatment based on eye mapping | Reducing glare, halos; higher-order aberrations |
| Topography-Guided | Maps corneal surface irregularities | Irregular corneas; prior eye surgery |
| SMILE | Small incision, no flap creation | High myopia; dry eye concerns |
How Much Does LASIK Cost in Atlanta?
LASIK pricing in Atlanta varies based on technology, surgeon experience, and practice location. Here is what you can expect:
| LASIK Type | Price Range (Per Eye) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional LASIK | $1,500 - $2,000 | Microkeratome blade; basic technology |
| Bladeless LASIK | $2,000 - $2,500 | All-laser procedure; most common |
| Custom Wavefront | $2,500 - $3,500 | Personalized treatment; best outcomes |
| SMILE | $2,800 - $3,500 | Newest technology; flapless |
What is Included in LASIK Pricing?
Reputable practices typically include the following in their quoted price:
- Pre-operative consultation and testing
- The LASIK procedure for both eyes
- Post-operative care visits (usually for 1 year)
- Enhancement procedures if needed
Financing Options
Most Atlanta LASIK centers offer financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans. Many plans offer 0% interest for 12-24 months. FSA and HSA funds can also be used for LASIK.
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View All SurgeonsRisks and Side Effects of LASIK
While LASIK is considered very safe, all surgical procedures carry some risk. Understanding potential side effects helps set realistic expectations.
Common Temporary Side Effects
- Dry eyes: Very common for 3-6 months; managed with artificial tears
- Glare and halos: Around lights at night; typically resolves within weeks
- Light sensitivity: Usually subsides within days
- Blurry vision: Normal during initial healing period
Rare Complications (Less than 1%)
- Infection (extremely rare with modern protocols)
- Flap complications
- Undercorrection or overcorrection (usually treatable with enhancement)
- Vision regression over time
- Ectasia (corneal weakening)
FDA Safety Statement
The FDA has confirmed that LASIK is both safe and effective. The PROWL study found satisfaction rates between 96-99%, with less than 1% of patients experiencing significant complications.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery
Before Your Procedure
- Stop wearing contact lenses 1-4 weeks before (soft lenses 1 week, hard lenses 4 weeks)
- Arrange transportation home (you cannot drive after surgery)
- Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and perfumes on surgery day
- Eat a light meal before your appointment
During the Procedure
The actual laser treatment takes only 10-15 minutes for both eyes. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Numbing drops: Applied to eliminate discomfort
- Eyelid holder: Keeps your eye open (you will not feel this)
- Suction ring: Stabilizes the eye for flap creation
- Flap creation: Takes about 30 seconds per eye
- Laser reshaping: Usually 20-50 seconds per eye
- Flap repositioning: Surgeon smooths the flap back into place
Immediately After
You will rest briefly, then receive protective shields for your eyes. Vision is typically blurry for a few hours. Most patients notice significant improvement by the next morning.
LASIK Recovery Timeline
| Time | What to Expect | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Blurry vision, mild discomfort, light sensitivity | Rest, use drops as prescribed, wear shields while sleeping |
| Days 2-3 | Significant vision improvement, decreasing discomfort | Most can return to work (non-strenuous jobs) |
| Week 1 | Vision continues stabilizing, mild dryness | Avoid swimming, hot tubs, eye makeup |
| Week 2-4 | Near-final vision for most patients | Can resume most activities, including exercise |
| Month 1-3 | Vision stabilizes, dry eye improves | Full activity, contact sports with protection |
| Month 3-6 | Final visual outcome | Enhancement surgery available if needed |
How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon in Atlanta
Selecting the right surgeon is the most important decision you will make. Here is what to look for:
Essential Qualifications
- Board certification: Should be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
- Fellowship training: Additional training in cornea and refractive surgery
- Experience: Look for surgeons who have performed thousands of procedures
- Technology: Modern equipment (femtosecond laser, wavefront-guided systems)
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
- How many LASIK procedures have you performed?
- What technology do you use?
- What is your enhancement/retreatment rate?
- What is included in the quoted price?
- Who will manage my post-operative care?
- What happens if I need an enhancement?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Pressure to commit during consultation
- Unwillingness to discuss risks
- Outdated technology
- Limited post-operative care
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Browse 52+ Atlanta SurgeonsLASIK Alternatives
If you are not a LASIK candidate, several alternatives may work for you:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Similar results to LASIK but without flap creation. Better for thin corneas, active lifestyles, or those at risk for eye trauma. Recovery takes longer (1-2 weeks for good vision).
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
Newest laser vision correction option. No flap creation - instead, a small lens-shaped piece of tissue is removed through a tiny incision. May be better for dry eye patients.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
A lens implanted inside the eye, ideal for high prescriptions or thin corneas. Reversible if needed.
Refractive Lens Exchange
The natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Best for patients over 45 who want to address both vision correction and future cataract prevention.