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Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Eye Surgery

Can anyone get laser eye correction surgery?

Millions of people have benefitted from laser eye correction surgery, including those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but not everyone qualifies.

General qualifications for LASIK, one of the most common procedures, include being at least 18 years of age and having a stable vision prescription. In addition, the outside layer of your eyes, called your corneas, must not be too thin or irregular in shape. People whose corneas have scarring from injury or a prior surgery may not be candidates.

However, many providers offer alternative surgeries that are much like LASIK, including advanced surface ablation (PRK), SMILE, EVO ICL™, and refractive lens exchange.

Is laser surgery safe?

Yes. Serious complications from laser surgery are rare. The complication rate for LASIK is only about 0.3%, making it the lowest rate for any elective procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, and individual results can vary. Choose a trusted provider that offers a thorough analysis of your vision and eye health. This exam helps your provider determine whether you are a good candidate for laser surgery and set appropriate expectations for your outcome.

Is laser surgery safe for people with astigmatism?

Laser surgeries are safe for people with astigmatism. In fact, several common surgeries and procedures are used to correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness, such as LASIK, EVO ICL™, Advanced Surface Ablation (also known as PRK), SMILE, refractive lens exchange (RLE), and refractive cataract surgery. When you schedule a consultation with your chosen provider, they will likely evaluate your eye health to determine the best procedure to correct astigmatism, along with any other vision needs.

When can I get laser eye surgery?

You may be able to get laser eye surgery if you’re at least 18 years old, you have a stable vision
prescription, and you meet certain eye-health requirements as determined during an eye exam with
your laser eye surgery provider. Timing for your procedure also depends on your specific vision needs
and goals. LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK), and SMILE are options for adults with certain
refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, while refractive lens
exchange (RLE) is typically recommended for patients 45 and older. Refractive cataract surgery is for patients who already have cataracts. The best way to know which procedure is right for you is to schedule a comprehensive exam with your chosen laser eye surgery provider.

Are there age limits for certain laser eye correction procedures?

Yes. You must be at least 18 to get LASIK, SMILE, and PRK, as your eyes are still developing and your vision prescription is not stable enough. There are no strict upper limits on age for LASIK, although certain procedures are more suitable for mature eyes.

Your chosen laser eye correction specialist may offer alternative procedures that may be more suitable for mature eyes. Durrie Vision generally breaks procedures down by life stage: LASIK surgery for ages 18–49, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) for ages 45+, and Cataract Surgery for ages 60+. To find out what procedure you qualify for, schedule a free consultation with your chosen provider.

LASIK

What is the average cost of LASIK eye surgery in the U.S.?

The average cost of LASIK ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye, according to Forbes Health. These prices are typically before special promotions or other savings. It is important to remember that your LASIK experience should include more than just your procedure. A high-quality provider should offer an advanced analysis of your eye health and vision, premium in-office care, and post-operative care that focuses on your surgery outcome and recovery.

What are the side effects of LASIK eye surgery?

It is normal to experience mild irritation, light sensitivity, and tearing after LASIK. These symptoms typically last a few hours after surgery. Patients may also experience blurry or foggy vision, along with vision fluctuations during the first month. Your post-operative care, including a one-day follow-up appointment, supports a healthy recovery and teaches you how to care for your eyes after surgery.

How can financing offset the cost of LASIK eye surgery?

To offset the cost of LASIK eye surgery, ask your provider if they offer financing options to split the cost into manageable payments. Financing helps you get your procedure now without paying upfront and allows you to budget for it in the months ahead. Some providers even offer financing interest-free for a predetermined number of months and a modest down payment. With the help of financing, you can get the vision results you’re looking for sooner than you planned.

Can LASIK fix astigmatism?

Yes. LASIK can correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness, for qualifying
patients. Astigmatism occurs when your cornea has an irregular shape, which can cause blurred or
distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and trouble seeing at night. LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light enters the eye, which can reduce or eliminate those symptoms. Depending on your age, eye health, and vision goals, other procedures such as Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK), refractive lens exchange (RLE), or refractive cataract surgery can also correct astigmatism.

Who is eligible for LASIK?

You may be eligible for LASIK when you are 18 years old and have a stable vision prescription. Additionally, the outside layer of your eyes, known as your corneas, must not be too thin or irregularly shaped. Those whose corneas have been scarred from injury or a past surgery may not be candidates, along with those with demanding occupational or recreational requirements.

Your chosen LASIK provider may offer alternatives to LASIK if you don’t qualify, based on an advanced analysis of your eye health and your vision goals. Alternatives include PRK, SMILE, and EVO ICL™, along with refractive lens exchange (RLE) and refractive cataract surgery, which are recommended for older patients.

Cataract Surgery

Is cataract surgery dangerous?

Cataract surgery is considered a safe, common procedure for the removal of cataracts and their symptoms.

Most patients are able to resume normal activities after their one-day post-operative appointment and begin noticing results in the first few days.

The benefits of cataract surgery also include reduced dependence on contacts or glasses, along with a decreased risk of falls and injuries, a lower risk of dementia, and less anxiety and depression.

What are my cataract lens options, and how much do they cost?

There are several intraocular lens (IOL) options for cataract surgery. Cost is typically determined by the procedure, not by the specific lens option. Medicare coverage varies based on the procedure your provider recommends.

  • Monofocal lenses help you see clearly at one distance (near, intermediate, or far). These lenses may also be used in combination with a premium lens.
  • Premium lenses include multifocal IOLs that allow you to see at multiple distances, toric IOLs for treating astigmatism, and Light Adjustable Lenses™ that can be fine-tuned with UV light.

To help with cost, ask your provider about special financing or whether they accept payment through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

What are the signs of cataracts, and what should you do next?

The most common signs of cataracts include:

  • Increasing difficulty seeing at night.
  • Fading or yellowing vision.
  • Double vision in a single eye.
  • Sensitivity to light or glare.
  • Halos around lights.
  • Difficulty reading in dim light.
  • Frequent vision prescription changes.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, refractive cataract surgery can help. Take action by contacting a local cataract surgery provider for a comprehensive, evaluative exam of your eye health to determine your candidacy.

What are the instructions for post-cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops exactly as prescribed. Also, be sure to attend your follow-up visits, including your one-day post-operative appointment. Most patients can return to normal daily activities after their one-day exam, but you’ll need to take a few precautions while your eyes heal. Wear your eye shields while sleeping for the first week and use artificial tears often. Avoid rubbing your eyes, getting soap or water in them, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity for about a month. You should also avoid swimming pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs for one month. Many patients notice vision improvement within the first few days, with full healing continuing over the following weeks.

Are there side effects after cataract surgery?

Yes, but side effects after cataract surgery are mild and don’t last very long. Although discomfort may vary, most patients experience mild itchiness or a scratchy sensation. Light sensitivity is also expected.

Right after surgery, your vision will be blurry, yet it gradually improves in the days and weeks that follow. If you experience additional side effects, such as dry eyes, know that these often clear up in time.

Your chosen cataract surgeon can help by prescribing medication or additional treatment for any uncomfortable side effects.

PRK

What are the best tips for a smooth recovery from PRK?

PRK practices often note that a full recovery happens in increments, where patients notice improvements each day. Most patients find that their vision is 90–95% at four weeks.

For the best possible recovery:

  • Expect a six-to-eight-week timeframe
  • Be sure to attend follow-up appointments
  • Use medicated eye drops provided by your surgeon
  • Rest your eyes and don’t rub them
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors
  • Avoid physical activity for up to one month
  • Do not drive until after your fourth day, when contact bandages are removed

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

PRK, also known as Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), and LASIK correct the same vision conditions, but differ in their approach and recovery time. PRK is recommended for patients based on corneal thickness, scarring from contacts or a previous surgery, and those with more intense professional or recreational demands.

During LASIK, your surgeon uses a laser to create a tiny flap in the cornea. During PRK, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea. Both procedures take 10 to 15 minutes, but their recovery times differ. PRK has a longer recovery time because it requires additional healing. LASIK patients tend to go about their normal routines the day after surgery. PRK patients often resume daily tasks after four days.

RLE

How does RLE vision surgery work?

During refractive lens exchange (RLE), your provider removes your natural lens through a tiny, self-healing incision. Your natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (the natural aging of your eyes), allowing you to see at multiple distances and avoid cataract surgery in the future.

Expect a 10-to-15-minute procedure and a return to normal activities after your one-day post-operative visit. Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision over the next few days.

How do you find the best RLE vision surgery provider?

To find the best RLE vision surgery provider, research their website to identify these five characteristics:

  1. Patient care: A VIP experience, including state-of-the-art treatment technology, caring staff members, and a deeply experienced surgeon.
  2. Treatment options: A range of intraocular lens (IOL) options to meet your vision goals, including monofocal lenses that help you see at a single distance, multifocal lenses that combine near, intermediate, and distance vision in a single lens, lenses that correct astigmatism, lenses that can be adjusted with UV light, and even the opportunity to combine a monofocal lens with a premium lens for your specific needs.
  3. Affordability: Special financing that fits your budget.
  4. Fast treatment: A simple 10-to-15-minute procedure.
  5. Reviews: Testimonials that speak to the provider’s expertise, service, results, and standard of care.

EVO ICL™

What are the risks of EVO ICL™?

EVO ICL™ can safely correct moderate to high nearsightedness for many patients, but like any
elective procedure, it has potential risks. Although complications are rare, they are often treatable with additional care from your provider. All patients should first undergo a comprehensive eye exam with their vision correction provider. Not everyone qualifies for EVO ICL, so your eye doctor will need to confirm that you’re a good candidate by discussing your vision needs with you and analyzing your overall eye health