LASIK - shortened

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.

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.

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).

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

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.