Top 10 Questions Patients Ask Before LASIK (Answered by Dr. Vrabec)
Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center
Thinking about LASIK but still have questions? You’re not alone. Here are the 10 most common things my patients ask — and what I tell them before surgery day.
1. Does LASIK hurt?
Not at all. You’ll feel gentle pressure for a few seconds, but no pain. Before the procedure, I apply numbing drops so your eyes are completely comfortable. Most patients say, “That’s it?” when we finish — because it’s that quick and easy.
2. How long does the procedure take?
About 10 to 15 minutes total for both eyes. The laser itself only works for 20–30 seconds per eye. You’ll be in and out of our LASIK suite in under half an hour.
What’s recovery like?
You’ll nap for a few hours afterward, then start seeing clearly that same evening or the next morning. Most people drive, work, and feel “normal” the next day. Expect mild dryness for a few weeks — that’s completely normal and temporary.
More on this: How LASIK recovery compares to other procedures
4. Is LASIK safe?
Yes. LASIK has been performed safely for over 25 years, with millions of successful cases worldwide. The technology we use at Clear Vision Center is the most advanced available — custom-mapped lasers that adjust to your unique corneal shape for the highest precision and safety.
5. Will I still need glasses later?
That depends on your age and your eyes. If you’re under 40, you’ll likely enjoy many years without glasses. Around your 40s, you may still need reading glasses (that’s due to a natural change called presbyopia, not your LASIK result).
If you’re looking for a permanent glasses-free solution even for reading, we can also talk about procedures like RLE or EVO ICL.
6. What if I blink or move during surgery?
You can’t ruin your result — promise. The laser tracks every tiny eye movement over 1,000 times per second and pauses automatically if needed. You’ll also have a small device to keep your eyelids comfortably open while I guide you through every step.
7. Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
You might be if you:
- Are 18 or older with a stable prescription
- Have healthy corneas and no active eye disease
- Are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
If your corneas are thin or irregular, I may recommend SMILE or PRK instead. That’s why your consultation and eye scan are so important — we tailor your plan specifically for your eyes.
8. How soon can I work out or wear makeup again?
For workouts: wait 48 hours for light exercise, and one week for anything that could get sweat in your eyes.
For eye makeup: give it a week before using mascara or liner.
Your eyes heal fast, but a few days of patience go a long way for keeping them healthy.
9. How long do LASIK results last?
In most cases, LASIK is permanent. Your cornea doesn’t “regrow” its old shape. However, your eyes can still change naturally with age, just as they would if you never had LASIK. If you ever need a touch-up, it’s usually a simple enhancement procedure.
10. What’s the first step if I’m ready?
Your first step is a comprehensive consultation at Clear Vision Center. We’ll measure every detail of your eyes, talk through your lifestyle and goals, and see whether LASIK or another option fits best.
My team and I believe that an informed patient is a confident patient — so you’ll have all the answers before making any decisions.
Still Thinking About LASIK? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been wondering whether LASIK is right for you, let’s chat about your eyes and your vision goals.
I’ll walk you through every option and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Learn more about LASIK at Clear Vision Center or schedule your free LASIK consultation today.
