Last updated: April 2nd, 2024
At Summit Eye Care, we take great pride in helping our patients achieve crisp, clear vision for a lifetime. Our experienced LASIK surgeon uses advanced technology to perform a number of vision correction procedures, including LASIK laser eye surgery, as well as PRK vision correction surgery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a form of vision correction surgery where an ophthalmologist uses a laser to reshape the cornea. A range of refractive errors including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea that prevent light from focusing as it should. This results in blurred vision. During LASIK, a patient’s cornea is reshaped so that light focuses as it should and the need for corrective lenses is reduced or even eliminated.
According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, up to 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following LASIK vision correction surgery.1
Who is a Candidate for LASIK?
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK is to undergo a thorough examination with one of our experienced eye doctors. To qualify for LASIK vision correction surgery, a patient must be at least 18 years old and have had stable vision and eye health for at least one year.
Certain conditions may render patients ineligible for LASIK, such as:
- Thin corneas
- High levels of myopia
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Dry eye
- Corneal ulcers or abrasions
- Corneal implants
- Glaucoma
- Autoimmune disorders
- Keratoconus2
Many of our patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK are able to achieve clearer vision with a different procedure, such as PRK or EVO ICL surgery.
LASIK: What to Expect
Preparing for Surgery
If your eye doctor determines you are a good candidate for LASIK after examination, we will schedule your procedure for the near future.
Little patient preparation is required for LASIK surgery. Your surgeon will ask you to stop wearing contact lenses for at least one week before your procedure, as contacts can impact the shape of the cornea.
On the day of your procedure, you should refrain from using any creams, lotions, or makeup on your face as this could increase the risk of infection. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK eye surgery itself only takes about 15 minutes, but you should expect to spend roughly 90 minutes at the surgery center on the day of your procedure.
In preparation for LASIK surgery, you will recline comfortably in a treatment chair while anesthetic drops are used to numb your eyes. Your surgeon will use a special device to keep your eyes open during the procedure.
To begin LASIK surgery, the surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to create a small flap in your cornea. Next, an excimer laser will be used to reshape your cornea. Once this is complete, the corneal flap is moved back into place where it will naturally heal itself. No sutures are required. Immediately after the procedure, you will be fitted with a protective shield over your eye and you will recover briefly in our offices before being released to go home.3
Recovery After LASIK
When you return home after LASIK surgery, you may experience itchy or watery eyes at first. Your surgeon will prescribe special eye drops to help you stay comfortable and reduce any redness, and you will be asked to wear the protective shield over your eyes when you sleep or rest for at least two days.
Most patients begin to notice an improvement in their vision in as little as 24-48 hours following LASIK surgery, though you may experience some blurred vision immediately after the procedure. As your eyes heal over the course of a few weeks, you will enjoy the full extent of your vision correction.
Driving after LASIK surgery is best left to patients’ discretion. While some patients feel comfortable driving the day after their procedure, others prefer to wait a day or two.
PRK: A LASIK Alternative
PRK, which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, is a type of refractive surgery that uses the same technology as LASIK to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. As an alternative to LASIK, PRK is typically recommended for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or corneal irregularities.
How is PRK Different From LASIK?
- Candidacy: Sometimes, a patient who is interested in LASIK will learn during their consultation exam that they are not good candidates due to the thickness or shape of their corneas. PRK can be safely and effectively performed on patients with thin corneas, making it a good alternative for patients who cannot get LASIK but are otherwise good candidates for vision correction surgery.
- Surgical Technique: PRK uses the same laser technology as LASIK for corneal reshaping. The main difference is in PRK the surgeon does not create a flap in the cornea. Instead, the surgeon accesses the cornea by using special solution to remove the thin outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium.
- Recovery: The initial recovery period for PRK is slower compared to LASIK. After PRK, the epithelium takes time to regenerate and heal. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the cornea during this process, which typically takes several days to a week.
PRK Results
After the longer initial recovery period, PRK offers results that are similar to LASIK. Studies show that both procedures are equally safe and effective for vision correction.4 You can trust that the experts at Summit Eye will guide you to the vision correction procedure that is the best choice for your individual needs and goals.
LASIK
PRK
EVO ICL
RLEExcellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Quick (24-48 hrs)
2-4 Weeks
Quick (24-48 hrs)
Generally Quick (Varies based on lens choice)
No
No
Yes
No
10-15 Minutes
10-15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Yes, Mild to Moderate
Yes, Mild to Moderate
Yes, Mild to Moderate
Yes, Full Range
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes, Mild to Moderate
Yes, Mild to Moderate
No
Yes, Full Range
Yes, During Recovery Phase
Yes, During Recovery Phase
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes with Monovision
Yes with Monovision
Yes with Monovision
Yes
Contact Summit Eye Care of Wisconsin
If you are interested in learning more about how you may be able to enjoy crisp, clear vision after LASIK vision correction surgery, please contact Summit Eye Care to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye doctor.
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How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK varies according to each patient’s needs. We will provide you with detailed information about the cost of your procedure after your consultation. We can also discuss LASIK financing and other payment options to help bring clear vision into your budget.
Learn More About the Cost of LASIK -
Does LASIK hurt?
No. You will be given anesthetic eye drops before the procedure, and at no point in your LASIK experience should you feel any pain. Some patients do report a sensation of pressure during the procedure.
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What are the risks associated with LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is generally considered to be a safe procedure, but any surgery does come with some risks and potential complications. Though rare, risks and side effects associated with LASIK include:
- Dry eye
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Light sensitivity
- Dislocation of the corneal flap5
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Do I need to have my eyes operated on separately?
No. At Summit Eye Care, most of our patients prefer to reduce their overall recovery time by undergoing LASIK vision correction surgery on both eyes at once.
1 American Refractive Surgery Council. What is the LASIK Success Rate? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/. Accessed February 11, 2021.
2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lasik. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed February 11, 2021.
3 FDA. Lasik: what should I expect before, during, and after surgery? Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery. Accessed February 11, 2021.
4 Taneri S, Knepper J, Rost A, Dick HB. PRK, LASIK, SMILE im Langzeitverlauf [Long-term outcomes of PRK, LASIK and SMILE]. Ophthalmologe. 2022 Feb;119(2):163-169. German. doi: 10.1007/s00347-021-01449-7. Epub 2021 Jul 9. PMID: 34241701.
5 American Refractive Surgery Council. LASIK Complication Rate: The Latest Facts and Stats You Should Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-complication-rate-latest-facts. Accessed February 11, 2021.