Considering LASIK Surgery? We Answer All of Your Questions

If you’re tired of wearing glasses or fumbling with contact lenses, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery can offer you newfound freedom of sight without corrective lenses.

At Focus Refine Eye Care in Montrose and The Heights neighborhoods of Houston, Texas, Dr. Bimal Patel evaluates your eyesight and recommends whether or not LASIK is a good choice for you.

What is LASIK?

As it sounds, this procedure uses a laser to enhance your vision. This outpatient procedure uses a laser to reshape your cornea and how light hits your retina, improving vision. LASIK has a stellar track record in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Pioneered over 25 years ago, this proven procedure is considered safe and effective. Millions of people have found success with LASIK.

Who’s a good candidate?
There are a few criteria for LASIK. If you meet these criteria, you’re likely a good candidate.

Stable vision for at least a year
Over 18 years old
Healthy eyes
Realistic expectations

What can you expect?

LASIK is usually an outpatient procedure; at five minutes per eye, it’s quick. We use numbing eye drops prior to the surgery to ensure your comfort. Then, the special laser creates a tiny flap in the cornea and reshapes it based on your needs. It’s a pain-free procedure.

The recovery time is also quick. Most people can resume daily activities within a couple of days. However, it can take a few weeks before your vision completely stabilizes.

Will you still need glasses?

LASIK vision correction surgery eliminates the need for glasses or contacts for many people, but your mileage may vary. You may still need glasses for reading or night driving. We discuss your expectations before surgery.

What are the risks?

Like any surgery, there are risks with LASIK. These include dry eyes, night vision problems, and sometimes halos around lights. In rare cases, some people experience an overcorrection or undercorrection of vision. An eye infection is another potential complication. During your consultation, we discuss all your concerns.

Is LASIK permanent?

If you’re wondering if you’ll need readers later in life, it’s possible. While LASIK offers terrific results for many people, your eyes may change as you grow older, which may mean you need adjustments at some point.

How do I choose a LASIK surgeon?

You want an experienced eye surgeon. Dr. Patel and his team offer LASIK consultations and will answer all your questions and evaluate your candidacy. If LASIK is not a good match, there are other options.

To explore LASIK surgery, schedule your appointment with Focus Refined Eye Care in the Montrose and The Heights neighborhoods of Houston, Texas.