If you’ve worn glasses or contact lenses for years, the idea of waking up and seeing clearly without reaching for either can be very appealing.
LASIK has corrected vision for decades, but choosing any elective procedure naturally raises questions. Am I a good candidate? Does it hurt? How quickly will I be able to see clearly? Will the results last?
We spoke with Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Privett about the questions patients most often ask when considering LASIK and what you should know before deciding whether it’s right for you.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for LASIK?
There’s no single answer based on your age or prescription alone. Determining whether LASIK is right for you requires considering several factors, including your prescription, whether your vision has been stable, your cornea’s health and thickness, and your overall eye health.
Most candidates are at least 18 years old and have had a stable prescription for a period of time. Certain eye conditions, health conditions, medications, pregnancy, and other factors may affect whether LASIK is recommended or whether it makes sense to wait.
“The best way to know whether you’re a good candidate is to have your eyes evaluated,” says Dr. Privett. “LASIK is a great option for many people, but our first priority is making sure it’s the right procedure for your eyes and your vision.”
What vision problems can LASIK correct?
LASIK can correct several common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
During LASIK, a laser reshapes the cornea so light entering the eye focuses more accurately on the retina. The exact correction is customized to the individual patient and their vision.
Even people with stronger prescriptions may be candidates for LASIK, although the procedure has limits on what it can safely correct. Your measurements and eye health will help determine whether LASIK or another vision-correction option is right for you.
Does LASIK hurt?
This is one of the most common concerns patients have before LASIK surgery.
Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, so most patients don’t describe LASIK as painful. You may notice pressure or unusual sensations during parts of the procedure, but the actual treatment is relatively quick.
Afterward, your eyes may feel scratchy, watery, irritated, or sensitive to light for several hours.
“People are often surprised by how quickly the procedure itself goes,” says Dr. Privett. “There can be some discomfort afterward, but for most patients it’s relatively short-lived.”
How quickly will I be able to see after LASIK?
Many patients notice improved vision shortly after LASIK, with significant improvement by the following day. Vision may continue to fluctuate somewhat as the eyes heal and stabilize.
You’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure, and you’ll return for follow-up visits so your surgeon can monitor your healing and vision.
Most people can return to many normal activities relatively quickly, although you’ll receive specific instructions about driving, exercise, swimming, eye makeup, and other activities while your eyes heal.
How successful is LASIK?
LASIK has a long track record of successfully reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The Refractive Surgery Council found that 90.8% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision or better and 99.5% achieved better than 20/40 vision.
But success isn’t simply about hitting a number on an eye chart. Your prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and expectations all shape the outcome you’re hoping to achieve.
“During our initial evaluation, we spend time talking with patients about what they want from LASIK,” says Dr. Privett. “Good results start with making sure someone is an appropriate candidate and has realistic expectations about what the procedure can do.”
Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes. LASIK can treat astigmatism in many patients.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature that prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina. LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct that irregularity along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
During your LASIK consultation, we’ll evaluate the degree and type of astigmatism to determine whether we can safely and effectively treat it.
Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?
Having dry eye doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have LASIK, but it does make a thorough evaluation especially important.
LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms as your eyes heal, so your surgeon should identify and appropriately manage existing dry eye before surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your eye surface and tear film to determine whether you’re a good candidate.
In some cases, doctors may recommend treating dry eye first and allowing the eye surface to improve before moving forward with LASIK.
Will I ever need glasses again after LASIK?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, but it doesn’t stop your eyes from changing as you get older.
One of the biggest examples is presbyopia, the normal age-related loss of near-focusing ability that typically becomes noticeable after age 40. Even someone who has excellent distance vision after LASIK may eventually need reading glasses.
For some patients, monovision LASIK may be an option. With monovision, one eye is corrected primarily for distance and the other for near vision. Your doctor can help determine whether that approach might work for you.
Other age-related changes, including cataracts, can also affect vision later in life.
“LASIK corrects the vision you have at the time of surgery, but it doesn’t stop the normal aging process,” says Dr. Privett. “That’s an important part of the conversation, particularly for patients who are approaching the age when they may begin needing reading glasses.”
How long do LASIK results last?
The corneal correction from LASIK is permanent. However, your eyes can continue to change naturally over time.
Some people may experience changes in their prescription years after surgery, while others maintain excellent distance vision for many years. Age-related conditions such as presbyopia and cataracts can also affect how well you see, even though the LASIK correction remains.
Regular eye exams remain important after LASIK to monitor your vision and overall eye health.
Will I see the same doctor throughout the LASIK process?
At Iowa Eye Center, continuity of care is an important part of the LASIK experience. You’ll see your surgeon throughout the process, including before and after visits.
“LASIK isn’t just about the procedure itself,” says Dr. Privett. “We get to know your eyes, your vision goals, and what you hope to achieve. Being involved throughout the process allows us to provide that continuity of care and make sure we’re there to answer questions along the way.”
What should I expect from a LASIK consultation?
A LASIK evaluation is about much more than determining your prescription. Your eye care team will take detailed measurements, evaluate your corneas and overall eye health, discuss your vision goals, and review factors that could affect your results.
A thorough evaluation is especially important because not everyone who wants LASIK will be a good candidate. The goal is to determine whether the procedure can be performed safely and whether it’s likely to provide the results you’re looking for.
At Iowa Eye Center, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what you can realistically expect before deciding whether to move forward.
“The consultation is really about finding the best option for the individual patient,” says Dr. Privett. “We want people to understand the procedure, feel comfortable asking questions, and have the information they need to make the right decision for their vision.”
Start with a free LASIK screening at Iowa Eye Center
If you’re wondering whether LASIK could help reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, the first step is finding out whether you’re a candidate.
Schedule a free LASIK screening with one of Iowa Eye Center’s Refractive Surgery Coordinators. We’ll perform preliminary testing, talk with you about your vision, and answer your questions about the LASIK process.
Call 319-362-3937 or request your free LASIK screening online
