LASIK is a non-invasive eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing patients to become less dependent on glasses and contact lenses. The number of LASIK surgeries performed annually in the U.S. increased by 124,000 between 2015 and 2020 and is projected to grow annually by a rate of 6.48% between 2021 and 2025. As LASIK continues to be prevalent among the U.S. population, surgeons will develop more advanced solutions for vision correction. Keep reading to learn more about this non-invasive procedure. This breakdown will help you understand how LASIK works and what conditions it treats.
Table of Contents
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK surgery involves two main steps:
- Making a flap
- Using the laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap
The goal of the procedure is to reduce or eliminate the dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK eye surgery starts with a topical drop placed on the eye that numbs the eye. The patient is usually given a sedative as well. The sedative has a calming effect and will help the patient sleep after the procedure. The process only takes about ten minutes to complete. Interested in getting LASIK? The best way to start understanding if LASIK is right for you is with a Lasik Self-Test!
What Does LASIK Surgery Correct?
For those asking if LASIK can fix astigmatism, the answer is yes. LASIK is non-invasive eye surgery and uses excimer laser technology to reshape the cornea. treating common vision disorders such as: 
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get LASIK Surgery?
You might be wondering how old you must be to get LASIK. While you can have this procedure at any age—The FDA states that patients should be at least 18 years of age when pursuing LASIK—most patients are between the ages of 30 and 45. Patients will experience the aging effects of presbyopia when they are around age 40, whether or not they have had corrective eye surgery.
What Vision Changes Occur After LASIK?
Vision changes after LASIK surgery—which has an 85% to 90% effectiveness rate—involve alterations in refractive error, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare. The reshaping of the cornea during surgery flattens it and decreases any distortion that could cause nearsightedness, thus reducing the need for corrective lenses after surgery. While LASIK is effective in fixing common vision problems, you can still develop age-related eye conditions after undergoing this procedure. Possible eye conditions include:
How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Last?
The question, “How long does LASIK last?” doesn’t have a definite answer. While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of this surgery will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
Will I Need LASIK Enhancement Surgery?
If the benefits of LASIK surgery decrease significantly over time, you can seek LASIK enhancement surgery to restore your vision to full capacity. LASIK enhancement surgery is a procedure that improves the results of LASIK surgery. It can be used to correct residual refractive error and reduce regression risk.
Take Our LASIK Self-Test
As Cleveland’s top LASIK surgery provider, Cleveland Eye Clinic is dedicated to treating every patient with cutting-edge eye care technology and unmatched customer service. Before surgery, our doctors will conduct various eye tests so they can create a treatment plan tailored to your unique vision correction needs. When it comes to something as vital as your vision, you want the top-notch care that only Cleveland Eye Clinic can provide. Before scheduling an appointment, take our LASIK self-test to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
FAQ’s
What is Refractive Surgery/LASIK Surgery?
Our job as refractive surgeons is to reshape the cornea, which is the clear dome over your iris. The cornea provides most of the focusing power of the eye by directing light through the lens, which is located in the center of your pupil behind the iris. The lens fine-tunes the focus by shining the light on the retina of the eye. The retina transmits the image to the brain to produce vision.
How do I prepare for my LASIK procedure?
There are no restrictions on eating, drinking, or medications immediately before your procedure. However, you should avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness. Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea. Since this is the area that’s treated, it’s important to allow time for your cornea to return to its normal curvature. Soft contact lenses should be removed at least 72 hours (3 days) before your procedure. Hard or gas-permeable contact lenses should be removed at least 4 to 6 weeks before your procedure. Patients who have worn rigid contact lenses for over 20 years may need to remove them for up to 8 to 12 weeks. Your eye doctor can help you make this determination and even fit you with disposable contact lenses or glasses in the interim.
What is LASIK surgery recovery like?
Most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure. However, the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns. LASIK patients usually see quite well the next day, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly from either procedure. Patients may receive an eye patch to protect the flap while sleeping during the first few days. Those who just got LASIK may experience some irritation or discomfort, but this usually lasts only for a few hours. Sleep is strongly recommended after the procedure, and work in one to three days. Most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. Along with resting LASIK patients often find that placing a cold compress over the eyes is soothing.
Is LASIK permanent?
While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of this surgery will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
