Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center

If you’re thinking about LASIK, you probably have questions. That’s normal—this is your vision we’re talking about. Let’s walk through the most common concerns we hear at Clear Vision Center:

Is LASIK eye surgery safe?

LASIK has been performed for over 25 years and has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. Technology for Laser Vision Correction (LVC) has come a long way since the early days, and serious complications are rare. Of course, as with any surgery, there are risks. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through what those look like based on your specific eyes and health history. The goal is to give you all the information you need to make the right decision that feels right for you and your vision goals.

Am I a candidate for LASK?

Generally, good candidates are at least 18 years old and have a stable prescription for at least 1 year. Your corneas need to be thick enough and healthy, and certain conditions, like severe dry eye or thin corneas, might rule you out. Some people with astigmatism and nearsightedness wonder if they can still get LASIK—and the answer is, often, yes. The best way to know for sure is to come in for a comprehensive evaluation.

Not everyone qualifies for LASIK, and that’s okay. We have several alternative treatments available (fun fact: we invest in the latest tech so we can give you the most accurate answer if you are a fit for LVC).

What does LASIK fix?

LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. If you’re nearsighted, the cornea is flattened. If you’re farsighted, it’s made steeper. For astigmatism, LASIK smooths out irregular corneal shape. The goal is always the same: to help light focus properly on the retina so you can see clearly without glasses or contacts.

How long does LASIK eye surgery take?

The actual laser part takes less than a minute per eye. You’ll be in the procedure room for about 15 minutes total, but when you factor in pre- and post-op instructions, you can plan on being in our office for a couple of hours.

What’s the recovery time for LASIK?

Most people notice clearer vision immediately, with continued improvement over the first 24 hours. You might have some scratchiness, light sensitivity, or mild discomfort the first day, but it typically fades quickly. Many patients are back to work the next day, though we recommend taking it easy for a few days. Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and wearing eye makeup for about a week.

What are the requirements for LASIK?

Aside from the basics (stable prescription, healthy corneas, over 18), there are a few other factors. If you’re pregnant or nursing, we’ll wait until after that phase since hormones can affect your vision. Certain autoimmune conditions or medications might also impact your candidacy. If you have extreme prescriptions, we may recommend an alternative procedure that’s better suited to your needs.

How much does LASIK cost?

LASIK is an investment—typically a few thousand dollars per eye. The exact cost depends on your prescription and the technology used. Many practices, including ours, offer financing options to make it more manageable.

Something to consider is how much you’re currently spending on glasses, contacts, and solution over the years. You can also use our cost estimation calculator here. For many people, LASIK pays for itself.

Am I too old for LASIK?

Age alone doesn’t disqualify you, but there are a few things we like to take into consideration. If you’re over 40, you might still need reading glasses after LASIK because of presbyopia (that’s the age-related loss of near vision that affects everyone eventually).

During your consultation, we’ll talk through realistic expectations and whether LASIK or another option better aligns with your visual goals and lifestyle.

An important note about laser vision correction:

It’s worth mentioning that LASIK is actually a brand name, so it’s one type of laser vision correction among several options. Depending on your eyes, procedures like SMILE or PRK might be a better fit for you. And if you’re not a candidate for a laser-based procedure, there are also lens-based solutions available. These include EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which places a removable lens inside the eye without removing your natural lens, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), which replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct vision. We offer both in our office!

Each approach has its own advantages, and choosing the right laser vision correction procedure is one of the most important things to ensure you have a smooth recovery with minimal complications. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate which option gives you the best outcome based on your corneal thickness, prescription, lifestyle, and overall eye health.

A note from Dr. Vrabec:

“Here’s something I want you to know upfront: if LASIK isn’t the right fit for you, I’m going to tell you. We’re not in the business of performing procedures just to perform them. Your long-term eye health and vision matter more than anything else, and sometimes that means recommending a different approach—or no surgery at all. At Clear Vision Center, we only move forward when we’re confident it’s truly the best option for your unique situation. You deserve that honesty, and we’re committed to giving it to you.”

Ready to find out if laser vision correction is right for you?

The best first step is a consultation. We’ll evaluate your eyes, answer your specific questions, and help you decide whether LASIK or another procedure makes sense. You can reach Clear Vision Center in Rochester, Michigan, or call 248-803-0170 to schedule your appointment.