The Ultimate Guide to LASIK Surgery: What You Need to Know

If you've ever dreamed of waking up in the morning and seeing the world clearly without reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses, LASIK surgery might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Eye Physicians of Austin, we’ve helped countless patients achieve life-changing vision improvements, and we know that deciding to undergo LASIK is a big step.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or you're ready to schedule a consultation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LASIK, from how it works to what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—to improve how light enters and focuses on the retina. This process corrects common refractive errors like:

•          Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly

•          Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Blurry vision when looking at close objects

•          Astigmatism: Distorted or blurry vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea

During the procedure, a specialized laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. That flap is gently lifted, and a second laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with pinpoint accuracy. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches.

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is highly effective, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some key factors that determine whether you’re a good candidate:

•          Stable Prescription: Your vision should have remained unchanged for at least a year.

•          Healthy Eyes: No significant eye diseases, severe dry eye, or untreated conditions like keratoconus.

•          Adequate Corneal Thickness: Since LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, it must have sufficient thickness to ensure safety.

•          General Health: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may affect healing and could make LASIK less suitable.

The best way to find out if LASIK is right for you is through a thorough evaluation with one of our experienced eye surgeons.

What to Expect During the LASIK Process

Your journey starts with a comprehensive eye exam, where we’ll evaluate your corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health. If you're a good candidate, we’ll discuss any questions you have and schedule your procedure.

LASIK itself is quick—usually less than 15 minutes for both eyes. You'll be awake, but numbing drops ensure you don’t feel pain. Some patients report slight pressure, but discomfort is minimal. A special instrument keeps your eye open while the laser does its work, and most of the actual laser reshaping takes just seconds.

Your vision may be slightly blurry or hazy right after the procedure, but this typically improves within a few hours. Many patients notice significant improvement the very next day. You’ll need to rest your eyes, avoid rubbing them, and use prescribed eye drops to aid healing.

Most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, swimming, and direct eye exposure to dust or wind for a couple of weeks.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

For the vast majority of patients, LASIK results are permanent. However, natural changes in vision, such as presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close), may still occur over time. Some patients may need a minor touch-up years later, but most enjoy clear vision for decades.

Is LASIK Worth It?

LASIK has an incredibly high satisfaction rate—over 96% of patients report life-changing results. The freedom from glasses and contacts can make daily activities easier, whether you’re traveling, playing sports, or simply enjoying the convenience of crisp, clear vision.

When considering the cost, it’s helpful to compare it to the long-term expense of glasses, contacts, and maintenance over the years. For many, LASIK is an investment in both vision and quality of life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been thinking about LASIK and want to know if it’s the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with Eye Physicians of Austin today. Our experienced team will provide a personalized assessment and guide you through every step of the process. Visit our office in Austin, Texas, or call (512) 583-2020 to book an appointment today.