LASIK Eye Surgery: Complete Patient Guide

Most candidates are at least 18 years old, though many surgeons prefer patients to be in their early to mid-twenties when the prescription has fully stabilized. Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should have remained relatively unchanged for at least one year before surgery. Significant prescription shifts suggest the eye is still changing, which could affect long-term results.

Because LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue, you need adequate corneal thickness to safely undergo the procedure. During your evaluation, we use corneal topography and pachymetry to measure both the shape and thickness of your cornea. Patients with thin corneas or irregular corneal surfaces, such as those with keratoconus, may be better candidates for alternative procedures like PRK or other surface ablation techniques.

Candidates should be free of active eye diseases such as uncontrolled glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eye, or corneal infections. Conditions like mild dry eye can often be treated and managed before surgery so that you can proceed safely. A comprehensive dilated eye exam allows us to check for any underlying conditions that might affect your outcome or healing.

Certain systemic conditions, including uncontrolled autoimmune diseases and uncontrolled diabetes, can impair healing and may disqualify someone from LASIK. Pregnancy and nursing can temporarily change your prescription, so we recommend waiting until hormonal changes have stabilized. Patients who participate in contact sports or have occupations with high risk of eye trauma should discuss their lifestyle with our refractive surgeon, as this may influence which procedure is the best fit.

The most common side effects include temporary dry eye, glare, halos around lights, and mild visual fluctuations during the healing period. Serious complications such as infection, significant under- or over-correction, or flap-related issues are rare, occurring in less than one percent of cases. Our team discusses all potential risks during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.

Most patients report feeling only mild pressure during the procedure, with no significant pain. Numbing drops are applied beforehand, and the laser treatment itself lasts less than a minute per eye. After surgery, some patients experience a gritty or watery sensation for a few hours, which typically resolves by the following morning.

Yes, LASIK is highly effective at correcting astigmatism. The excimer laser can be programmed to smooth out the irregular corneal curvature that causes astigmatic blur. Many patients with moderate to high astigmatism achieve clear distance vision without the need for glasses after their procedure.

Both LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but they differ in how the corneal surface is prepared. LASIK creates a flap, while PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea entirely, allowing it to regenerate during healing. PRK may be recommended for patients with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle factors. You can learn more about the differences on our LASIK vs. PRK comparison page.

Many patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within hours of the procedure. Vision typically continues to sharpen over the first few days, with most patients achieving their final visual outcome within one to three months. Some mild fluctuation in vision is normal during the stabilization period, particularly in the first few weeks.

During your consultation, we perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes corneal mapping, pupil measurements, tear film evaluation, and a detailed assessment of your refractive error. These measurements help determine whether you are a good candidate and which laser platform and treatment approach will deliver the best results. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your vision goals with our refractive surgeon.