What to Know Before Getting LASIK Eye Surgery

What Is LASIK and How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive eye surgery that permanently reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. During the LASIK procedure, a surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea, then uses an excimer laser to precisely remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the underlying corneal bed. This reshaping changes how light enters the eye, allowing it to focus directly on the retina instead of in front of it or behind it.

The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes for both eyes, with the laser itself active for only 20 to 50 seconds per eye. Most patients notice improved vision within hours and return to normal activities within one to two days. Since FDA approval in 1999, more than 10 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States alone, making it one of the most studied and refined elective surgeries available.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

The majority of adults with refractive errors qualify for LASIK, but specific requirements must be met. Understanding your LASIK candidacy requirements before scheduling a consultation helps set appropriate expectations.

Requirement	Ideal Range	Notes
Age	21–55 years	FDA approves 18+; prescription must be stable 12+ months
Myopia	Up to -12.00 D	Most procedures treat up to -8.00 D optimally
Hyperopia	Up to +6.00 D	Results less predictable at higher levels
Astigmatism	Up to 6.00 D	Commonly treated alongside myopia or hyperopia
Corneal thickness	500+ microns	Measured during pre-operative evaluation
Eye health	No active conditions	Keratoconus, severe dry eye, glaucoma disqualify

How Much Does LASIK Cost and Is It Worth It?

LASIK pricing varies based on technology used, the surgeon's experience, and geographic location. Understanding the full LASIK cost breakdown helps you evaluate the investment.

Procedure Type	Average Cost per Eye	Technology
Traditional LASIK	$1,500–$2,500	Microkeratome + excimer laser
Bladeless (All-Laser)	$2,000–$3,000	Femtosecond + excimer laser
Wavefront-Guided	$2,200–$3,500	Custom aberrometry mapping
Topography-Guided	$2,500–$4,000	Corneal topography (Contoura)

What Types of LASIK Procedures Are Available?

Modern LASIK encompasses several variations, each using different technologies. The right type depends on your prescription, corneal characteristics, and visual goals.

• Traditional LASIK — uses a microkeratome blade with decades of clinical data.
• Bladeless LASIK — femtosecond laser flap creation for greater precision.
• Wavefront-Guided LASIK — maps unique optical imperfections for custom treatment.
• Topography-Guided LASIK — detailed corneal mapping for treating surface irregularities.
• Monovision LASIK — corrects one eye for distance and one for near, addressing presbyopia.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of LASIK?

Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of procedures. The most common temporary side effects include dry eyes (20–40% of patients), mild halos or glare, and light sensitivity. Learn more about LASIK risks and complications.

What Is the LASIK Recovery Timeline?

Most patients see functional improvement within hours. For the complete day-by-day guide, see our LASIK recovery timeline.

Timeframe	What to Expect	Restrictions
Day 1	Blurry vision, mild discomfort	No screens, wear shields while sleeping
Days 2–3	Vision clearing	Can return to office work
Week 1	Functional vision	No swimming or dusty environments
Months 1–3	Vision fully stabilized	Continue using prescribed drops

What Results Can You Expect from LASIK?

More than 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with satisfaction rates above 95%. See full LASIK success rate data for long-term outcome statistics.

How Does LASIK Compare to Other Options?

See our complete vision correction procedures guide or compare directly: LASIK vs PRK, LASIK vs SMILE, LASIK vs Glasses, LASIK vs Contacts.