Frequently asked LASIK Questions

LASIK surgery is a common procedure that thousands of people undergo to improve their vision every year. However, deciding which eye surgery is right for you is no small thing, and many people have questions about the surgery itself and what to expect before and after. Please take the time to read these important LASIK FAQs regarding the procedure and recovery for LASIK eye surgery in Houston.

1. Who is an ideal candidate for LASIK?
2. What makes you a poor candidate for LASIK?
3. What happens during the LASIK procedure?
4. What happens if you blink during LASIK?
5. Are you awake during LASIK eye surgery?
6. Does LASIK hurt?
7. How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
8. How long do you have to be careful after LASIK?
9. How long after LASIK can I drive?
10. Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?
11. Is LASIK eye surgery safe?
12. What are LASIK eye surgery risks and side effects?
13. Can you still lose vision after LASIK?
14. How much does LASIK eye surgery cost?

Who is an ideal candidate for LASIK?

The ideal candidate for LASIK is someone who is in good general health, has had stable vision for at least one year, and does not suffer from any eye diseases or conditions. All LASIK candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to proceed with a LASIK evaluation. Our doctors will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. Additionally, we will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have.

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What makes you a poor candidate for LASIK?

Patients who are pregnant, have autoimmune diseases, or have an active eye infection may be considered poor candidates for LASIK. Additionally, patients whose corneas are too thin or whose pupils are too large for the procedure may also not be suitable for LASIK. Your Houston LASIK surgeon will be able to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure during your initial consultation.

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What happens during the LASIK procedure?

You will arrive 60 minutes prior to the procedure to take a mild sedative, and be given numbing eye drops to reduce any discomfort. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you once again and answer any questions you might have. The LASIK procedure only takes a few minutes and is performed in two steps.

First, your Houston LASIK surgeon will create a thin flap on the front surface of your cornea. Then, a laser is used to reshape the inner layers of your cornea in order to correct your vision. Finally, the flap is repositioned over the treated area.

The entire procedure is computer-driven, typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will be checked approximately 10 minutes post-op by one of our doctors before being discharged, after which you should go home (be sure someone is there to drive you home!) and rest with your eyes closed the rest of the day. You will be in our office for approximately 2 1/2 hours. A doctor will check you the next day, when most people are already seeing close to 20/20!

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What happens if you blink during LASIK?

If you blink during LASIK, your surgeon may have to pause the procedure and ask you to hold still for a few seconds. Generally speaking, blinking during LASIK won’t have any long-term effects on the procedure.

With the VISX S4 Trak laser system, you do not have to worry about eye movements. The laser’s tracking system is designed to follow any eye movements and maintain your precise treatment.

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Are you awake during LASIK eye surgery?

Yes, you are awake during LASIK eye surgery. However, most patients do not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure and may even be able to read books or watch television while their vision is being corrected.

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Does LASIK hurt?

So, does LASIK hurt? The LASIK procedure itself is typically painless. Before your procedure begins your surgeon will numb your eye with an anesthetic drop. You may feel a pressure sensation as the corneal flap is being made, but actual pain is extremely rare. Some patients may experience a little discomfort after the procedure, but sleep and lubricating eye drops, as well as Advil or Tylenol, is usually sufficient to take care of any discomfort.

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How long does it take to recover from LASIK?

Most patients who undergo LASIK can begin to see an improvement in their vision the day after their procedure. Vision may continue to improve over the next several weeks or months. The exact LASIK recovery time varies from patient to patient; however, most patients can resume normal activities within a few days of their procedure.

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How long do you have to be careful after LASIK?

Most patients should refrain from strenuous activities and swimming for two weeks after their LASIK surgery. Patients should also avoid rubbing or pressing on the eyes, should wear protective eyewear when outdoors, and avoid wearing eye makeup for one week. You may resume exercise seven days after surgery.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and comfortable during the healing period. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully in order to minimize the risk of complications.

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How long after LASIK can I drive?

Most patients can safely drive the day after their LASIK procedure. However, it is important to wait until you are cleared by your doctor before driving or engaging in any other activities that require visual clarity.

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Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can be used to treat astigmatism. During the procedure, your Houston LASIK surgeon will reshape the cornea using a laser in order to correct your vision. LASIK for astigmatism can be used to treat mild, moderate, and severe astigmatism.

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Is LASIK eye surgery safe?

Is LASIK safe? LASIK is a very safe procedure with a high success rate. Millions of people have had successful LASIK surgery and experienced improved vision. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK with you during your initial consultation.

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What are LASIK eye surgery risks and side effects?

All surgical procedures come with some risk of complications or side effects, including LASIK vision correction surgery. The most common side effect of LASIK is dry eyes, but other potential risks include infection, light sensitivity, and decreased night vision. Your doctor will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK with you in more detail during your initial consultation.

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Can you still lose vision after LASIK?

It is possible to experience a decrease in vision after LASIK. However, this is very rare and usually only occurs if there are complications during the procedure or if the patient does not follow the post-procedure instructions provided by their doctor. The chances of this occurring are greatly reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified LASIK surgeon.

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How much does LASIK eye surgery cost?

The cost of LASIK can vary depending on a variety of factors, but your doctor will be able to provide you with an estimated cost for the procedure during your initial consultation. Additionally, most LASIK surgeons offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.

Does insurance cover LASIK? At Eye Center of Texas, we do not want costs to get in the way of excellent vision. Many insurance plans provide some coverage for LASIK, so please contact your insurance provider to determine if you are eligible. If you do not have insurance or would like to pay out of pocket, we offer a variety of financing options to help make LASIK more available for everyone.

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Schedule your no-obligation LASIK consultation today!

If after reading through the LASIK FAQs you’ve decided that LASIK may be for you, the first step is scheduling an evaluation with one of our specialized doctors: Mark L. Mayo, M.D., Yasir Ahmed, M.D., or Edward C. Wade, M.D. The LASIK evaluation is designed not only to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK but to also help you become more familiar with the surgery process and answer all your questions and concerns.

One of our skilled doctors will begin the evaluation with a thorough exam. After a review of your medical history, we will perform corneal topography testing and examine your corneal thickness. This exam requires your eyes to be fully dilated. At the end of your exam, we’ll be able to tell if you are a good candidate for LASIK or if another type of vision surgery, like PRK or EVO Visian ICL, would be more suitable.

Call us today at 713-797-1010 to schedule your visit or request an appointment online.

DISCLAIMER: Results may vary. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with CustomVue treatments. Eye Center of Texas wishes to disclose any an all risks associated with iLASIK, LASIK, and PRK. Please click here to learn more about risks associated with these procedures.