LASIK Eye Surgery

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is the most common type of laser vision correction surgery (refractive surgery) to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery is a quick, all-laser in-office procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, rapid recovery, and clearer vision soon after surgery.

How does Lasik eye surgery work?

LASIK eye surgery is relatively painless and quick. It involves two lasers:

• A laser to make the LASIK flap
• A second laser to treat your prescription

Your surgeon will lift the flap made by the laser to treat your prescription and then lay it back down. The surgery takes about 15 minutes in total for both eyes.

At Mass Eye and Ear, we have the latest state-of-the-art laser technology available with the option of providing customized corneal treatments with wave front guided technology.

Watch this short video to see how LASIK works

How successful is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK has a high success rate. Most patients experience improved vision within one week after surgery.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery? 

Your personal goals and medical and vision history play an important role in determining if LASIK (or another type of refractive surgery) is right for you. You might be a good candidate if:

• You are 21 years or older
• Your prescription has not changed for at least one year
• You do not have pre-existing eye conditions such as corneal scarring, infection, or ectasia. Your doctor will do a thorough evaluation to screen for all eye conditions during your evaluation
• You do not participate in high-contact sports such as boxing
• Are not pregnant or nursing (or planning to within six months of surgery) 

Can I get LASIK eye surgery in my 40s? 

Yes. There is no upper-age limit for LASIK.

However, it is important to understand that you may still need to wear glasses for reading, as LASIK doesn’t treat presbyopia related to the natural aging of the eye. Patients with this condition typically require reading glasses.

If you want to get rid of your reading glasses altogether, your doctor may recommend a specialized type of LASIK (blended or monovision surgery) to correct your up-close vision. Or they may suggest other treatment options such as refractive lens exchange or medical treatment with eye drops.

LASIK is not a substitute for cataract surgery – a condition where the lens in the eye gets cloudy as we get older. 

How long does it take to recover from LASIK eye surgery? 

Recovery is quick after LASIK. Most are able to return to work the next day. However, we recommend taking the day of surgery and the next day off to come in for your follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing well.

Please call us to schedule your consultation at 833-LASER-99 (833-527-3799).