Myopia
Nearsightedness — distant objects appear blurry
Advanced Laser Vision Correction
See Life Clearly with LASIK
Say goodbye to glasses and contacts. LASIK is a safe, fast, and proven procedure that delivers lasting clear vision — often 20/20 or better.
96%
Patient Satisfaction
20/20
Vision or Better
15 min
Procedure Time
1–2 days
Recovery Time
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK — Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis — is the world's most performed elective surgery. It permanently reshapes the cornea using a precision excimer laser to correct how your eye focuses light onto the retina.
The result? Sharp, clear, unaided vision. No more reaching for glasses in the morning or fumbling with contact lenses. LASIK treats the three main refractive errors and can be customized to minimize the need for reading glasses or bifocals:
Hyperopia
Farsightedness — close objects appear blurry
Astigmatism
Irregular cornea shape causing blurred vision at all distances
Presbyopia
Age-related difficulty focusing on near objects
How LASIK Surgery Works
LASIK is completed in under 20 minutes. After a Confirmatory Tests that includes maps of your corneas, pupil size, checks corneal thickness, and evaluates overall eye health to confirm LASIK is right for you. Here's exactly what happens at each stage:
1
Confirmatory Tests
On the day of your procedure, confirmatory tests or measurements may be done if needed.
2
Numbing Eye Drops
Anesthetic drops are applied to both eyes. You'll feel a gentle pressure but no pain throughout the procedure. A small device holds your eyelid open comfortably.
3
Flap Creation
A femtosecond laser (or microkeratome blade at some older or discount LASIK centers) creates a precise, ultra-thin flap in the outer corneal layer. This takes only seconds per eye.
4
Corneal Reshaping
The flap is gently lifted. An excimer laser precisely smooths microscopic amounts of corneal tissue based on your custom prescription — reshaping the cornea for ideal light focus.
5
Flap Replacement
The corneal flap is carefully repositioned. It adheres naturally without stitches, beginning the healing process immediately.
6
Recovery
You'll rest briefly, then go home with a driver. Most patients notice dramatically clearer vision within hours. Return to most activities is possible after 24-48 hours. Full stabilization occurs over 3–6 months.
The Benefits of LASIK
LASIK has transformed the lives of over 40 million people worldwide. Here's why it remains the gold standard in vision correction.
Fast & Painless
The entire procedure takes under 20 minutes. Numbing drops ensure you feel nothing but mild pressure. You'll be home resting within an hour.
Freedom from Lenses
Wake up and see clearly. No more glasses, contact lens cases, or cleaning solutions. Most patients never need corrective lenses until normal aging changes occur and even then, are much less dependent or need a much lower prescription.
Proven Precision
Modern LASIK uses wavefront-guided technology to map and correct even microscopic imperfections unique to your eyes, achieving superior outcomes.
Rapid Recovery
Most patients return to work and daily activities within 1–2 days. Driving is typically possible the next morning after a follow-up check.
Permanent Results
The corneal reshaping is permanent. Your improved vision doesn't fade over time. Age-related changes may occur but are unrelated to the procedure.
Long-Term Savings
The average person spends $500–$1,000 per year on glasses and contacts. LASIK pays for itself within a few years and saves thousands over a lifetime.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone qualifies for LASIK — and that's a good thing. A thorough screening ensures we only recommend it when success is highly likely.
✅ Good Candidates Are:
- 18 years of age or older
- Stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Corneas of sufficient thickness (typically 500μm+)
- Healthy eyes free of disease or active infection
- Moderate levels of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Generally healthy with no autoimmune conditions
⚠️ LASIK May Not Be Right If You Have:
- Keratoconus (irregular cornea)
- Very thin or irregular corneas
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Unstable or extreme prescriptions
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Active eye infections or inflammation
- Glaucoma or cataracts
If LASIK isn't right for you, alternatives like SMILE, PRK, or EVO ICL may still deliver exceptional vision correction.
What Are the Risks of LASIK?
LASIK has an outstanding safety profile — it's one of the most studied elective surgeries in history. Still, every procedure carries some risk.
Dry Eyes
This is the most common concern patients have when in reality, after the initial healing period, most patients have improved dryness since they learn good eye care techniques and no longer need to wear contacts. There is expected post-op mild irritation and foreign body sensation, usually temporary (weeks to months) and managed with lubricating drops during the initial healing. Severe dry eye before surgery can disqualify a patient.
Halos & Glare
Some patients notice halos around lights at night, especially in the first weeks. This typically resolves as the eye heals.
Under/Over Response
Occasionally, the eye heals more or less aggressively than expected. An enhancement procedure can fine-tune the result in significant and safe cases.
Flap Complications
Rare issues with the corneal flap, such as irregular healing. Modern femtosecond lasers have dramatically reduced flap-related complications.
Regression
A small percentage of patient eyes continue to change significantly after their procedure which may result in a partial return of their refractive error over years, particularly those with high prescriptions or who have the procedure when they are relatively young.
Infection
Very rare when post-op antibiotic drops are used as directed. Proper screening and technique minimize this risk significantly.
Overall, serious vision-threatening complications occur in much less than 1% of LASIK procedures. Thorough pre-operative screening is the most important factor in achieving safe, excellent outcomes.
LASIK Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your consultation.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that permanently reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. By correcting the shape of your cornea, light focuses properly on your retina — producing clear, sharp vision without glasses or contacts.
The entire procedure takes about 15–20 minutes for both eyes. The laser itself is active for under 60 seconds per eye. You'll spend more time in pre-op preparation than in the procedure itself.
No. Numbing anesthetic drops are applied before the procedure. You may feel a sense of mild pressure when the flap is created, but there is no pain. Afterward, your eyes may feel gritty or dry for a few hours, which resolves quickly with lubricating drops and rest.
The majority of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. According to clinical data, over 96% of patients are satisfied with their outcomes. The best predictor of your personal result is a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation.
LASIK results are permanent — the corneal reshaping does not reverse. Most patients enjoy their improved vision for decades. Age-related changes, such as presbyopia (reading difficulty after age 40), are a natural part of aging and occur whether or not LASIK is performed.
Most patients return to desk work and normal activities within 1–2 days. You'll need a driver for your immediate post-op appointment, but by the next morning most people see well enough to drive themselves. Avoid swimming and contact sports for 2 weeks.
Not everyone is a LASIK candidate — and there are excellent alternatives. EVO ICL is an implantable lens for high prescriptions or thin corneas. SMILE is a flapless laser procedure ideal for dry eye patients. PRK removes the epithelium instead of creating a flap. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for your eyes.
LASIK typically costs between $2,000–$3,500 per eye in California depending on technology used, the surgeon's experience, and whether enhancements are included. Many practices offer financing plans. When factoring in decades of glasses and contact lens costs, LASIK is often more economical long-term.
Ready to See the World More Clearly?
Book your free, no-obligation LASIK consultation today. Our expert team will evaluate your eyes and tell you exactly what to expect.
Free consultations available. Most insurance accepted for pre-op evaluation.