For millions of people worldwide, glasses and contact lenses are daily essentials for clear vision. But what if you could wake up each morning and see clearly without reaching for your glasses? LASIK eye surgery offers this possibility, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
The Basics of LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea—the clear front part of your eye—to improve how light focuses on the retina. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes and involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap.
LASIK can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the procedure, though results can vary based on individual factors such as initial prescription strength and corneal characteristics.
The appeal of LASIK is clear: reduced dependence on glasses or contacts, improved quality of life, and potential long-term cost savings on vision correction devices. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with considerations that should be carefully weighed.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not everyone who desires LASIK is an appropriate candidate. Several factors determine eligibility.
Age Requirements
Most surgeons recommend that patients be at least 18 years old, with many preferring candidates to be 21 or older. This is because vision typically stabilizes in early adulthood. Your prescription should be stable for at least one to two years before considering LASIK.
Eye Health
Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from conditions such as severe dry eye syndrome, keratoconus (corneal thinning), glaucoma or cataracts, certain retinal conditions, and active eye infections or inflammation. These conditions can affect surgical outcomes and healing, potentially making LASIK unsafe or less effective.
Overall Health
Certain health conditions and medications can affect healing and may disqualify you as a candidate. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, immunodeficiency conditions, and diabetes with retinal involvement can all impact how well your eyes heal after surgery. Additionally, some medications may impair healing or interact with medications used during the procedure.
Corneal Thickness
LASIK involves removing tissue from your cornea. If your corneas are naturally thin, you may not be eligible for the procedure, as adequate corneal thickness is necessary for safe surgery and long-term eye health. Your surgeon will measure your corneal thickness during your evaluation to determine if you have sufficient tissue.
Realistic Expectations
Perhaps most importantly, good candidates understand both the benefits and limitations of LASIK. While many patients achieve excellent results, LASIK cannot guarantee perfect vision in every case, and some patients may still need glasses for certain activities, particularly as they age. Having realistic expectations helps ensure satisfaction with your results.
What to Expect Before, During, and After
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
If you’re considering LASIK, the first step is a comprehensive eye examination. This evaluation typically includes measuring corneal thickness, curvature, and topography; assessing pupil size; evaluating tear film quality; performing detailed refraction testing; and conducting an overall eye health examination. These tests help determine if LASIK is appropriate for your specific situation and identify any risk factors.
The Procedure
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that generally takes about 10 minutes per eye. You’ll receive numbing eye drops, so most patients experience minimal discomfort. The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap, folds it back, uses the laser to reshape the underlying cornea, and then repositions the flap. Many patients report immediate improvement in vision, though it may be blurry or hazy at first.
Recovery Period
Most people return to normal activities within a day or two, though you’ll need to avoid certain activities like swimming or contact sports for a few weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding eye drop medications to prevent infection and inflammation, temporary restrictions on activities, follow-up appointments to monitor healing, and temporary side effects to expect. Following these instructions carefully can help ensure optimal healing and results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While LASIK has a high success rate, no surgical procedure is without risks. Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos, or starbursts around lights (especially at night), fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity. Most of these effects resolve within weeks to months after surgery, but in rare cases, they can persist longer.
More serious complications are uncommon but can include undercorrection or overcorrection, regression (gradual return to previous prescription), flap complications, infection, permanent dry eye, and in extremely rare cases, vision loss. Understanding these possibilities is crucial for making an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you.
Your surgeon should discuss these risks with you during your consultation and explain how likely they are based on your individual eye characteristics. Remember that while complications can occur, the vast majority of LASIK patients are satisfied with their results and experience significant improvements in their vision.
Alternatives to LASIK
If you’re not a good candidate for LASIK, don’t despair. Several alternatives exist. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is similar to LASIK but without creating a corneal flap, making it suitable for those with thinner corneas. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer procedure that may cause less dry eye and preserves more corneal strength. Implantable Contact Lenses, placed inside the eye in front of the natural lens, can be an option for those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas. Refractive Lens Exchange replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, similar to cataract surgery but performed for refractive purposes.
Each of these alternatives has its own set of benefits, risks, and ideal candidates. Your eye surgeon can help you determine which option might be best suited to your particular situation if LASIK isn’t right for you.
Making Your Decision
Deciding whether LASIK is right for you requires thoughtful consideration of several factors. The financial investment is significant—LASIK typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye and is rarely covered by insurance since it’s considered elective.
Consider the lifestyle benefits and how your daily activities would improve without glasses or contacts. Your risk tolerance is also important; you’ll need to weigh the potential complications against the likelihood of a successful outcome. Take a long-term perspective and remember that LASIK doesn’t prevent age-related vision changes, and you may still need reading glasses as you get older.
The best decision is an informed one. Schedule a consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive surgery. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific eye characteristics and vision needs, helping you determine if LASIK or an alternative procedure might be right for you.
Related Article: 10 Simple Lifestyle Changes for Better Eye Health
Envisioning Your LASIK Decision
LASIK has transformed millions of lives by reducing dependency on glasses and contacts. For suitable candidates, it offers convenience, freedom, and often improved vision quality. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone.
By understanding the procedure, candidacy requirements, potential risks, and alternatives, you can make a decision that best serves your long-term vision health. It’s also important to consider how your vision needs may evolve over time. Many patients ask, can you get LASIK twice if their vision changes years after the initial procedure, a second LASIK treatment is rare and only considered under specific conditions, such as sufficient corneal thickness and stable eye health. Remember that your eyes deserve the highest standard of care, and choosing whether to pursue LASIK should be done with thorough research and professional guidance.
If you’re curious about whether LASIK might be right for you, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified eye care professional like amaEyes who can assess your unique situation and help you explore your options.