LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

LASIK is a laser assisted surgery to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. The actual LASIK surgery only takes about 10 minutes per eye and is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery. You should see improvements in your vision almost immediately, with it eventually stabilizing over the next few weeks or months.

While any surgical procedure comes with a level of risk, however, LASIK is a very safe and effective laser vision correction procedure with minimal risks. Temporary risks can include dry eyes and difficulty seeing at night. There are other risks that your eye doctor will discuss with you during your consultation, however, they are very rare.

Most patients describe the sensation during LASIK as a slight pressure. At the start of the procedure, our doctors will apply numbing drops, so there are no injections involved. Depending on the patient, the doctor may have them take medication beforehand to help them relax. Most LASIK patients are back to regular routines the next day.

The price comes down to the equipment and expertise needed to produce a safe and efficient process for vision correction. You can get your quote through our free consultation. Our initial consultation will include an eye exam and last about one hour. During the consultation, you will learn more about the LASIK vision correction process and be given the financing options available.

Unfortunately, most insurance companies consider LASIK an elective procedure, and will not cover it. However, there are special circumstances in which insurance companies may make an exception, depending on safety requirements or medical conditions, so always check with your provider to see if there is anything they can do to help. Our staff is also more than happy to help by reviewing your insurance policy to see if there are any possible discounts for LASIK surgery.

Yes, you can get LASIK on both eyes at the same time and this is normally preferred for convenience, but there is no extra fee to have each eye treated separately.

LASIK is a very efficient procedure that only takes about ten minutes per eye, while the actual laser is only on your eye for a matter of seconds. Most people resume normal activity the next day, but be sure to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions.

Many patients are very concerned about blinking during LASIK surgery, but there is no need to worry! After anesthetic drops are placed in your eyes, decreasing your urge to blink, an eyelid holder will be placed to hold your eyes open and stop you from blinking.

Recovery time after LASIK can vary for different patients. Most people have clear vision within 24 hours and are cleared to drive, however, some patients may take a little longer to adjust for reasons such as needing a stronger prescription.

LASIK, in most cases, provides permanent improvements to vision, but in some cases vision can still deteriorate, based on other factors that are unrelated to the LASIK procedure.

Lots of patients experience dry eyes after LASIK surgery, however, for most people, dry eyes are a temporary side effect that begins to improve in the months following LASIK.

LASIK does not cause cataracts and will not get in the way of future cataract surgery.

YES! LASIK surgery can fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. Your eye doctor will determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery during your consultation.

LASIK was approved for use by the FDA in October of 1995, but prior to that, our doctors performed over 20,000 refractive procedures, including PRK, ALK, and RK. Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center became one of the first laser eye centers in the DFW area to offer LASIK, and it continues to be the focal point of our practice.

LASIK can be a great vision correction option for most people, but it is not necessarily right for everyone. Find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK during your consultation with one of our experienced eye doctors.

LASIK results are not the same for everyone, but most patients do not have to wear contact lenses or glasses after refractive surgery.