Imagine waking up and seeing clearly without reaching for glasses or fumbling with contact lenses. For millions of people, LASIK eye surgery has made this a reality. But the decision to reshape your corneas permanently isn't one to take lightly—it requires understanding what the procedure involves, who makes a good candidate, and what realistic outcomes look like.

Whether you're seriously considering LASIK or simply exploring your options, having accurate information helps you make a decision you'll be comfortable with for decades to come.

What LASIK Actually Does

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) corrects vision by reshaping the cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. By precisely altering the cornea's curvature, the procedure changes how light focuses on the retina, correcting:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty seeing close objects
  • Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape

The procedure itself typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea, an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue according to your specific prescription, and the flap is repositioned. Most patients notice improved vision almost immediately.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is suited for LASIK. Ideal candidates generally meet these criteria:

  • Age: At least 18 years old (ideally 21+), when vision typically stabilizes
  • Stable prescription: No significant changes in the past 1-2 years
  • Healthy eyes: No conditions like keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye
  • Adequate corneal thickness: Enough tissue to safely reshape
  • Realistic expectations: Understanding that "perfect" vision isn't guaranteed

Certain conditions may disqualify you or require additional evaluation:

  • Autoimmune diseases affecting healing
  • Diabetes (particularly if poorly controlled)
  • Pregnancy or nursing (hormones affect vision stability)
  • History of eye infections or injuries
  • Very high prescriptions (beyond treatable range)

The Consultation Process

A thorough pre-operative evaluation is essential. During your consultation, expect:

Comprehensive eye exam: Including corneal mapping, pupil measurement, tear film assessment, and detailed refraction testing.

Medical history review: Discussing medications, health conditions, and previous eye issues.

Lifestyle assessment: Understanding your visual needs for work, hobbies, and daily activities.

Candidacy determination: Whether LASIK is appropriate, or if alternative procedures (PRK, SMILE, ICL) might be better suited to your situation.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Don't leave your consultation without answers to these essential questions:

  1. "What are MY specific risks?" Generic statistics matter less than your individual factors.
  2. "What technology will you use?" Blade-free, wavefront-guided, and topography-guided options exist.
  3. "How many procedures have you performed?" Experience matters significantly in outcomes.
  4. "What's your enhancement rate?" The percentage of patients needing additional correction.
  5. "What if I'm not satisfied?" Understand policies on enhancements and guarantees.
  6. "What's included in the quoted price?" Pre-op exams, procedure, follow-ups, enhancements?

Recovery: What to Realistically Expect

Most patients experience the following timeline:

Day of surgery: Mild discomfort, burning, tearing, and light sensitivity for several hours. Vision is blurry but improving. Rest with eyes closed is recommended.

Days 1-3: Most people can return to normal activities. Vision continues improving. Avoid rubbing eyes, swimming, and dusty environments.

Week 1: Follow-up appointment confirms healing. Most visual fluctuation settles. Eye drops continue as prescribed.

Months 1-3: Vision stabilizes to final result. Some patients experience temporary dry eye or night vision issues (halos, starbursts) that typically improve.

Long-term: Results are generally permanent for distance vision, though reading glasses typically become necessary after age 40-45 due to normal aging (presbyopia).

Understanding the Risks

While LASIK has an excellent safety profile, no surgery is risk-free. Potential complications include:

  • Dry eyes: Common in the first few months; occasionally persistent
  • Visual disturbances: Halos, glare, or starbursts, especially at night
  • Under/over-correction: May require enhancement procedure
  • Flap complications: Rare but possible during or after surgery
  • Regression: Vision gradually returning toward original prescription

Serious complications causing significant vision loss are extremely rare—less than 1% in experienced hands—but understanding all possibilities is part of informed consent.

Financial Considerations

LASIK typically costs $2,000 to $3,500 per eye, depending on technology used and geographic location. Important financial factors:

  • Most vision insurance doesn't cover LASIK (considered elective)
  • Many providers offer financing plans
  • HSA/FSA funds can often be used
  • Lifetime enhancement guarantees may affect pricing
  • Beware of heavily discounted offers—quality matters for your eyes

Making Your Decision

LASIK isn't right for everyone, and that's okay. The best candidates are those who understand both the benefits and limitations, have realistic expectations, and choose experienced surgeons using current technology.

If you're considering LASIK, schedule consultations with multiple providers. The right surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your candidacy, answer all your questions patiently, and never pressure you into a decision. Your vision is precious—take the time to make an informed choice.