877-852-8463
Careers
Locations
Patient Portal
Request Appointment
Do you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia? LASIK eye surgery can be worth it to provide the clarity you need.
This minimally-invasive procedure corrects these refractive errors to improve poor vision for good. If you’re skeptical about whether LASIK surgery is worth getting, check out the guide below.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK—which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis—is a laser vision correction procedure that corrects the following refractive errors:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (impaired corneal curvature)
- Presbyopia (age-related visual decline)
The procedure improves overall visual acuity by reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser. It’s a one-time alternative to prescription glasses and contact lenses.
Who Is an Eligible Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is an FDA-approved vision correction procedure for patients who are 18 years of age or older. To be a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you must meet the following criteria.
General Qualifications
Those who are younger than 18 years old, pregnant, or have thin corneas are ineligible for LASIK surgery.
Good Vision & General Health
Those who have an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or a degenerative health condition like uncontrolled diabetes don’t qualify for LASIK.
Additionally, particular vision diseases and conditions complicate the healing process associated with LASIK—which disqualifies a patient from undergoing the procedure. These conditions include:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes
- Eye injuries
- Eyelid disorders
- Eye infections
- Eye inflammation
Stable Vision
Your vision prescription should be consistent for 12 months or more to undergo LASIK surgery. Those under 18 years old and over 40 years old are known for having fluctuating vision prescriptions, which is why they are often not deemed to be ideal LASIK candidates.
Normal Cornea Thickness
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the cornea’s surface to create a corneal flap. This flap allows the surgeon to access the cornea underneath and reshape its curvature by removing the damaged portion. Your cornea must be thick enough to allow the surgeon to create the flap and remove the damaged portion without harming your eye.
Depending on the severity of your visual impairment, you may still require reading glasses after undergoing LASIK. However, LASIK will still significantly improve your vision—making you less reliant on glasses and contacts.
4 Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
Here are the top four reasons why LASIK surgery is worth it.
1. Quick
The entire LASIK procedure only takes around 20 minutes to complete—10 minutes for each eye.
2. Safe & Reliable
LASIK is an FDA-approved vision correction procedure that has a low risk of complications.
3. Convenient
LASIK enables you to see the world through clearer eyes without having to deal with glasses or contact lenses.
4. Improved Vision
You can expect to have better vision within just a few hours of having surgery. Your vision will improve further over the first few days.
The Risks Associated With LASIK Surgery
Like with any surgical procedure, LASIK poses some risks. Thankfully, the risks are minimal—especially when you choose an expert LASIK doctor who will ensure you’re a good candidate and work hard to prevent potential side effects. Most LASIK patients experience little to no side effects after surgery.
Side Effects
You may develop dry eye symptoms or glares or halos in your peripheral vision up to three months after surgery.
Potential Vision Loss
It’s possible—but not probably—for the cornea to be injured during surgery, which can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
Potential Retreatment
While LASIK is designed to be a one-time vision correction solution, some patients require a follow-up procedure later on. However, the chance of this occurring is low.
How Much Does Lasik Surgery Cost?
The cost of LASIK surgery depends on various factors—including your surgery provider and whether one or both eyes require treatment. At Specialty Eye Institute, we offer flexible financing options and discounts to make LASIK affordable for every patient. If you want to know more about our rates, complete our LASIK pricing form.
Do You Need LASIK?
Want to know whether you qualify for LASIK surgery? Take our LASIK self-test to find out.
Get LASIK at Specialty Eye Institute
Are you tired of relying on prescription glasses and contact lenses to see clearly? It’s time to schedule LASIK surgery. This vision correction procedure offers the visual clarity and freedom you’ve always wanted.
As the leading ophthalmic practice in Mid-Michigan and Northwest Ohio, Specialty Eye Institute is the LASIK provider you can trust to deliver the results you need. Take the first step toward better vision by scheduling an appointment with our team of vision experts.
877-852-8463
