LASIK Eye Surgery - SightMD Skip to main content
Schedule an Appointment Detect Location
855-295-4144
Schedule an Appointment Call Us
Detect Location Schedule an Appointment 855-295-4144

LASIK Eye Surgery

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Laser Vision Correction Surgery, commonly known as LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is the most widely performed vision correction procedure in the world. This innovative technique permanently reshapes the cornea, enabling light to focus accurately on the retina—the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye—resulting in clear vision.

Jump to

LASIK is a fast and effective solution for better vision, reducing your reliance on glasses and contact lenses. If you’re tired of the hassle and expense of corrective eyewear, LASIK could be the answer. With over 40 million procedures completed, it is the most popular elective vision correction option in the United States.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is not right for everyone. The qualifications of a good candidate for refractive or laser eye surgery generally include but are not limited too:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • No significant medical or eye problems
  • Stable eyeglass and contact lense prescription for at least 2 to 3 years
  • Eyeglass prescription within certain limits set by your eye surgeon
  • No significant dry eye

Take the Lasik Self Test

Answer a few simple questions to find out if LASIK Eye Surgery is right for you. 



LASIK vs. PRK

  • LASIK
    • LASIK is a procedure that creates a flap in the outer layers of the cornea. The laser vision correction is then applied beneath this flap.
  • PRK
    • Advanced surface ablation, commonly known as PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK, or photorefractive keratectomy, performs laser vision correction directly on the surface of the cornea without creating a flap. This technique allows for a more superficial placement of the correction within the cornea.
    • PRK is safer for patients who have thinner corneas. This is because during LASIK, corneal tissue is removed. If you have thinner corneas, removing even a small amount of corneal tissue could be devastating. PRK delivers comparable results to LASIK, without needing to remove any tissue from the cornea.

How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?

Many patients considering LASIK surgery often worry about the cost. LASIK eye surgery typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. At SightMD, we offer a free consultation to assess your eligibility. After determining your eligibility, we will discuss the cost of LASIK eye surgery and available payment options. Keep in mind that LASIK costs can vary by provider and depend on several factors, including:

  • your location
  • experience of the surgeon
  • what technique will be used
  • what costs are included
  • your individual eye health or vision problems

Is LASIK Covered by Insurance?

Is LASIK covered by insurance? Generally, LASIK is considered elective surgery and is not usually included in insurance plans. However, there are financing options to help manage the cost. At SightMD, we offer CareCredit, a financing program from General Electric that supports elective medical procedures. This allows you to receive laser eye treatment and pay in manageable monthly installments. Depending on your credit, you might qualify for interest-free payment plans, as well as extended plans at competitive rates.

Young couple on vacation in countryside, they enjoy in summer. They walking through forest, exploring nature and drinking hot coffe from travel mug

How long is the LASIK procedure?

The LASIK procedure is remarkably quick. The duration of your appointment and the time required to perform LASIK on each eye can differ significantly from one patient to another. Generally, LASIK eye surgery takes less than 10 minutes per eye, although individual procedure times may vary. This information can be quite reassuring for patients who may feel nervous or anxious about undergoing laser vision correction. We recommend arriving an hour before your procedure, and we will monitor you for approximately an hour afterward, making the entire process last just a few hours.

Are LASIK Results Permanent?

LASIK can provide lasting results, ranging from 10 years to a lifetime. The durability of the procedure depends on several factors. These include the patient’s age during surgery and any medical conditions that may develop later. These conditions can affect vision. Although LASIK is known for its long-lasting effects, some people may still experience issues. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can slowly return, causing blurry vision. This occurs because natural changes in the eyes are inevitable as we age. LASIK addresses only the vision issues present before the procedure, not those that may arise later. While LASIK corrects vision and can provide patients with 20/20 vision or even better, it cannot halt the natural aging process of the eyes.

What are the Risks of LASIK?

All surgeries have potential risks and complications, LASIK being no different. However, technological advancements have made the incidence of significant LASIK complications uncommon. Risks of LASIK surgery include:

  • Flap complications – Since the flap is extremely delicate and thin there is a risk of complications. Some complications are the flap wrinkling up, becoming displaced & debris becoming trapped under the flap. Any damage to the area where the flap has been created causes the corneal tissue as a whole to be weaker and more susceptible to problems.
  • Dry eye – Dry eye is a fairly common condition that seems to be more prevalent in LASIK eye surgery patients. Dry eye occurs when the reduced sensitivity of the corneal nerves from the laser procedure prevent your eye from recognizing that it needs lubrication. Therefore, the you can experience dry, scratchy and uncomfortable eyes. The effects can last days, weeks or in severe cases, even months. Dry eye syndrome is usually treated with eye drops, but sometimes anti-inflammatory medications are also recommended.

What are the Benefits of LASIK?

LASIK surgery offers a wealth of benefits for the average eyeglasses wearer. If you’ve been wearing eyeglasses for a long time, consider the benefits of LASIK.

  • Enhanced Vision – One of the most significant advantages of choosing LASIK is the enhancement of your vision. While perfect eyesight is not guaranteed after the procedure, most patients who have LASIK achieve 20/20 vision. Even people who do not reach this level still see a big improvement in their vision. They often find they need glasses or contact lenses much less after the surgery.
  • Safety – Although no procedure is entirely risk-free, LASIK is now safer than ever before.
  • Fast Healing – The healing time from a LASIK procedure is typically around 24-36 hours. There is also no need to wear uncomfortable bandages meaning that you can get back to your job and driving with minimal downtime.

What does LASIK Fix?

LASIK is performed to fix the refractive errors of nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism. Refractive errors are the way the eye focuses light and are not considered an eye disease, because it is actually based on the way your eye is shaped or structured. LASIK fixes the corneal shape that causes these refractive errors so light can focus directly on the retina. If you are interested in correcting your refractive error you should be thoroughly evaluated by a LASIK surgeon. 

Why Should You Get LASIK Eye Surgery at SightMD?

Cutting-Edge Laser Centers: Unlike typical in-office laser facilities, our laser suite is designed as a distinct entity, specifically crafted to create the ideal environment for laser surgery while enhancing comfort and luxury for our patients. Upon arrival, patients are welcomed through a private entrance into our tranquil, spa-inspired atmosphere. Our LASIK eye surgery center meticulously monitors and controls essential factors such as humidity, temperature, and air quality. Each room is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness to ensure patient safety and achieve optimal results.

Professionally Trained LASIK Surgeons

Our LASIK surgeons have been certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. In addition our LASIK surgeons are always working to stay up to date on new techniques and technology. Each LASIK surgeon at SightMD has years of experience and an impressive record of success. Experience is a key factor when it comes to choosing the best LASIK surgeon for you.

The Latest LASIK Technology

Our laser eye treatment technology ensures safety, precision, and customization, allowing us to tailor LASIK procedures to each patient’s unique vision needs. The digital scanning technology we use was originally developed by NASA for high-powered telescopes. This advanced system has been adapted for medical use, helping detect eye diseases and conditions. Now, our skilled surgeons utilize this technology to identify and analyze even the smallest imperfections in your eyes.

Lifetime Commitment

When you choose LASIK surgery at select SightMD locations, you are investing in your vision health for the long term. Should any enhancements be needed after your procedure, our surgeons will offer follow-up treatments using the same technology at no additional cost to you. We take great pride in the care we provide and want you to feel assured about the quality of your vision both during and after your laser procedure.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies depending on several factors, including the provider. Key factors influencing the price include: 

  1. Required Vision Correction: The cost tends to be higher for individuals with severe vision impairment. The price varies based on your specific prescription needs. 
  2. Laser Technology: The cost is also affected by the type of laser technology used. Advanced technologies like custom LASIK usually cost more. This is partly due to additional fees that laser device manufacturers charge surgeons, which may be passed on to patients. The specific laser surgery type recommended by your surgeon, aimed at ensuring the best outcome for you, can also affect the cost. It’s important to ask for a detailed price breakdown of the LASIK procedure you’re considering. 
  3. Surgeon’s Experience: The skill and experience of the surgeon performing the LASIK surgery can also impact the cost. Highly experienced surgeons often charge more due to their higher skill level.

Individuals aged over 40 or 50 can still significantly benefit from undergoing LASIK surgery. This procedure represents a worthwhile investment when compared to the lifelong use of glasses or contacts. Undergoing LASIK at this stage of life can offer enhanced vision for many years following the surgery. However, it’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations about the outcomes. 

Typically, there is no upper age limit for LASIK surgery. Eligibility hinges on several factors: maintaining overall good health, having a stable vision prescription, appropriate corneal structure, and being over 18 years of age. Therefore, each patient is assessed individually to determine if they fulfill these criteria. This means that you could potentially be a candidate for LASIK whether you’re 27 or 87 years old. 

LASIK eye surgery is unique in that it doesn’t require general anesthesia; actually, it’s essential for you to be awake during the procedure. Here’s why staying awake during LASIK is important: 

  1. The procedure is incredibly quick, usually taking just about 10 minutes for both eyes, with the LASIK process itself lasting only one to two minutes per eye. 
  2. The surgeon needs your active cooperation to achieve the highest precision during the surgery. 
  3. General anesthesia is typically used for more invasive surgeries to prevent pain, but LASIK involves minimal discomfort. Numbing eye drops are used before the surgery to alleviate pain and suppress the blink reflex.
  4. General anesthesia carries its own risks and is reserved for procedures where it’s absolutely necessary. LASIK, being a less painful procedure due to numbing drops and mild sedatives, doesn’t warrant these additional risks. 

Generally, the majority of individuals undergoing LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery attain vision of 20/20 or better, which is sufficient for most daily activities. However, as they age, many of these individuals will still require glasses for specific tasks like night driving or reading.