Learn About LASIK Vision Correction Options and Providers

What Is LASIK and How Does It Work

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea—the clear front part of your eye—to correct vision problems. The procedure uses a specialized laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, which changes how light focuses on the retina at the back of your eye.

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During a LASIK procedure, an eye surgeon first creates a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. This flap is then folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue. An excimer laser then carefully removes corneal tissue based on measurements taken before surgery. The amount of tissue removed is customized to your specific vision prescription. After the reshaping is complete, the corneal flap is repositioned, and the eye naturally heals without requiring stitches.

LASIK can correct three common vision problems: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 700,000 LASIK procedures are performed in the United States each year. Studies indicate that about 8 out of 10 people who undergo LASIK achieve vision of 20/25 or better without glasses or contact lenses after the procedure.

The procedure itself typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, though the laser typically operates for only 30 to 60 seconds per eye. Most people experience improved vision within the first 24 hours, though complete healing and vision stabilization can take three to six months. Many patients report that the procedure changes their daily life significantly, as they no longer need to rely on corrective lenses for most activities.

Practical takeaway: Understanding the basic mechanics of LASIK helps you determine whether the procedure aligns with your vision correction needs. Knowing the timeline for healing and typical outcomes sets realistic expectations for what to anticipate after surgery.

LASIK Candidates and Safety Considerations

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery. Several factors determine whether the procedure may be appropriate for a particular person. Your age, corneal thickness, prescription strength, overall eye health, and general health status all play important roles in determining suitability for this procedure.

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Generally, candidates for LASIK must be at least 18 years old, as the eye prescription typically stabilizes in the late teenage years or early twenties. Most surgeons prefer candidates to be at least 21 years old. Your cornea must be thick enough to safely undergo the reshaping process—surgeons typically require a minimum corneal thickness of about 400 to 500 microns. Additionally, your prescription should fall within the range that LASIK can effectively correct. Most surgeons can treat prescriptions from about -1.00 to -8.00 diopters for myopia, +1.00 to +4.00 diopters for hyperopia, and up to 5.00 diopters of astigmatism, though these ranges vary.

Certain eye conditions may make LASIK less suitable or contraindicated. These include keratoconus (a progressive corneal disease), severe dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. Pregnancy and nursing can affect corneal shape and prescription, so surgeons typically recommend waiting until after pregnancy and nursing to undergo LASIK. Additionally, people taking certain medications—particularly those that affect wound healing or cause dry eyes—may need to discuss timing with their surgeon.

While LASIK is generally considered safe, like all surgical procedures it carries some risks. Potential side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and undercorrection or overcorrection of vision. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of procedures. These may include corneal ectasia (progressive corneal weakening), infection, or significant vision loss. Discussing these potential outcomes with your surgeon is an important part of the decision-making process.

Practical takeaway: Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with a qualified surgeon to assess whether LASIK is medically suitable for your situation. This examination will measure your corneal thickness, evaluate your prescription stability, and identify any eye conditions that might affect your candidacy or outcomes.

Types of LASIK Procedures and Technology Options

LASIK technology has evolved significantly since the procedure was first introduced in the United States in the mid-1990s. Several variations and technological advances now exist, each with specific characteristics that may affect outcomes, recovery time, and cost.

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Standard LASIK uses wavefront technology based on your eyeglass prescription. This approach measures your refractive error and creates a treatment plan accordingly. Wavefront-guided LASIK (also called custom LASIK) takes this a step further by measuring subtle imperfections in how your eye focuses light, called higher-order aberrations. These include irregular astigmatism, coma, and trefoil. Wavefront-guided procedures use these detailed measurements to create a more personalized treatment map. Research published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery shows that wavefront-guided LASIK may result in slightly better night vision and reduced glare compared to standard LASIK, though the difference is often subtle.

Topography-guided LASIK (also called contoural or corneal topography-guided LASIK) uses a detailed map of the corneal surface to guide the laser treatment. This approach can address corneal irregularities and scarring that standard LASIK might miss. It has shown particular benefit for people with previous corneal scars, irregular astigmatism, or prior eye surgery.

Another important distinction involves how the corneal flap is created. Traditional microkeratome-based LASIK uses a mechanical blade to create the flap. Femtosecond (or IntraLase) LASIK uses a laser to create the flap instead of a blade. Femtosecond technology allows surgeons to create more precise flaps and may reduce certain complications. However, studies show that outcomes between blade-created and laser-created flaps are similar for most patients.

Some surgeons offer SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), which is a newer procedure that creates a smaller incision and may result in faster healing and less disruption to corneal nerves. However, SMILE is less widely available than LASIK, and long-term outcome data is still being gathered.

Practical takeaway: Research the specific technology and procedural approach your surgeon uses. Understanding the differences between standard and wavefront-guided procedures, flap creation methods, and newer alternatives allows you to make an informed decision and discuss options with your eye care provider.

Finding and Evaluating LASIK Providers

Choosing a qualified LASIK surgeon is one of the most important decisions in the process. The surgeon's training, experience, technology, and patient outcomes should all factor into your decision. Unlike some medical procedures, LASIK results depend heavily on the skill and experience of the individual surgeon.

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Look for surgeons who are board-certified ophthalmologists with specific training and experience in refractive surgery. Board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology requires completion of an ophthalmology residency and passing a rigorous examination. Additionally, many experienced LASIK surgeons pursue further fellowship training in refractive surgery. You can verify a surgeon's credentials through the American Academy of Ophthalmology website or the American Board of Ophthalmology database.

Experience matters significantly. Surgeons who have performed thousands of LASIK procedures typically achieve better outcomes than those with limited experience. When researching providers, ask how many procedures they perform annually and how many they have performed in total. A surgeon performing several hundred procedures per year has likely encountered a wider range of cases and complications than someone performing only a handful.

The technology and equipment used also influences outcomes. Newer laser systems may offer improved precision and faster treatment times. Ask what laser system the facility uses and when it was last upgraded. The FDA approval status of the equipment and any specific FDA clearances for particular treatment types (such as wavefront-guided treatment) are worth investigating.

Patient reviews and outcome data can provide insights into a provider's results. Many practices publish their outcome statistics, showing what percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision, how many require additional touch-up procedures, and patient satisfaction rates. Be cautious about claims that seem unusually perfect—realistic outcomes acknowledge