Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
LASIK FAQ
LASIK FAQ: it’s one of our most-requested resources to publish. Every year, hundreds of thousands of LASIK procedures are performed in the United States, and millions are performed around the world. With more and more people turning to LASIK for their vision needs, Eye Center of Texas, strives to provide the best LASIK in Houston. We hope this guide of LASIK FAQs helps answers your questions.
1. How long is LASIK surgery?
This may be our most-frequently asked LASIK FAQ. LASIK surgery is a short surgery. Typically, the procedure takes 10 – 15 minutes per eye, totaling between 20 – 30 minutes if you have LASIK performed on both eyes during the procedure. Regardless, it’s best to allow yourself at least an hour and a half for the day of the surgery.
2. How long does vision correction with LASIK last?
We love answering this LASIK FAQ! With a 95% success rate, the vast majority of LASIK patients report permanently renewed vision after their LASIK surgery.
3. Will I be wearing contacts after LASIK?
If you are tired of wearing contacts, it’s natural to wonder about this LASIK FAQ and whether you’ll be wearing contacts after LASIK. Most patients kiss their contacts goodbye after LASIK. There are cases where if you have pre-existing vision problems, such as presbyopia, you will likely still need to wear contacts after the procedure.
4. Can you have LASIK more than once?
Yes. However, the need for this LASIK FAQ doesn’t apply to very many patients. While most LASIK patients enjoy the benefits of their LASIK surgery for a lifetime, natural changes in the eye do create the occasional need for additional laser treatment from a small percentage of individuals.
5. When can I wear makeup after LASIK?
Whether you’re getting LASIK in Pasadena, Katy, the Woodlands, or in other parts of the country, it is smart to know certain factors regarding LASIK recovery, especially makeup. It’s probably best to wait at least a week after your surgery before wearing any makeup. Make sure to throw out any old and expired makeup to avoid infections.
6. How do I know if my LASIK flap moved?
Fortunately, it’s very rare that this LASIK FAQ ever comes up. It’s typically very obvious when your flap moves—most people experience sharp eye pain and very blurred vision, while others have spots in their peripheral vision.
7. When can you have laser eye surgery?
With few exceptions, you must be over age 21 in order to have LASIK surgery. Beyond that, there is no maximum age limit for LASIK. Your eyes must be in good shape, with no cataracts or glaucoma—both of which occur with higher frequency as you age. Pregnant women or individuals with autoimmune or degenerative diseases cannot undergo the procedure.
8. Can I have LASIK in both eyes at once?
Yes! It is common for people to choose to have LASIK performed on both of their eyes during one surgery. Doing so is a convenient option if you would like LASIK surgery on each of your eyes.
9. Can you have LASIK after PRK?
This is a less common LASIK FAQ. However, it can be very important to the patients that have to ask. The answer varies from patient to patient, as many factors (such as corneal thickness) must be taken into account before your doctor can make a decision. If you have had PRK and are considering LASIK, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our eye doctors in Texas.
10. Does LASIK hurt; is LASIK safe?
At most, LASIK could cause mild discomfort for a few hours post-surgery, while the corneal flap that is made during the surgery heals. LASIK surgery is also very safe. It requires no stitches and results in visible vision correction within 24 hours. Eye Center of Texas provides more information if you’re still asking yourself “Does LASIK hurt?” or “Is LASIK safe?”
Eye Center of Texas has the answers to your LASIK FAQs
Whether you’re a new or existing patient, schedule a LASIK consultation at Eye Center of Texas to see if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. Recommended by over 275 Houston-area doctors, Eye Center of Texas is here to meet Houston’s LASIK needs and provide you with renewed vision.
Other FAQs/Related Resources
- Contacts or LASIK? (Hint: It’s an easy question)
- iLASIK vs. LASIK
- Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
- Can you get LASIK if you wear bifocals?
- Swimming after LASIK eye surgery
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620