Michelson Laser Vision

Skip Navigation

Common Questions About LASIK

LASIK at Michelson Laser Vision in Valparaiso with Jennifer Michelson, M.D and Marc Michelson, M.D. is an attractive vision correction option for people who are nearsighted, farsighted and who may have astigmatism. But, being a happy LASIK patient requires asking the right questions in finding out if its right for you and whether you are a good candidate. Using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and even Perplexity, Claude AI or Grok can be useful in helping you explore and learn more about LASIK regarding candidacy, safety, cost, the procedure itself, and recovery. Here are some answers to questions about LASIK Surgery:

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

CALL US 205-969-8100

Candidacy and Alternatives

To be a good LASIK candidate you should be 18 years old or older and have a stable prescription so that your prescription hasn’t changed much for the past 1-2 years. Good LASIK candidates have healthy eyes and are generally healthy. They should be free of any eye diseases or conditions such as glaucoma or retina problems but also must have sufficient corneal thickness. Importantly, good LASIK candidates should have adequate healthy tears and no signs or symptoms of significant dry eye. You should be free of autoimmune diseases, diabetes or certain other conditions such as being pregnant or nursing. While age and being older are not technically a disqualifier, the types of eye conditions like cataracts that older people have or the need for full time reding glasses to see up close may make certain ages poor candidates for LASIK. Most important is that good LASIK candidates have realistic expectations of what they want LASIK to achieve for them.

If you are told by Drs. Michelson, that you are not a good candidate for LASIK but still wish to avoid the hassle of glasses and contact lenses you can discuss alternatives including PRK, ICLs, and Clear Lens Extraction, one or more of which may be good alternative vision correction procedures for you.

Procedure Details

LASIK is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and eliminate or minimize dependence on eyeglasses and contacts to see at distance. LASIK is a type of eye surgery called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of the cornea. LASIK is actually a three-step procedure after placing some mild numbing drops into each eye:

During the first step, Dr. Michelson creates a “flap” under which the laser vision correction is to be applied using a femtosecond laser.
During the second step, we carefully fold the “flap” over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the excimer laser energy can be applied. The actual application of the laser energy can take from 2-15 seconds depending on the amount of correction that you require.
During the third step, we will replace the "flap" into its original position and allow it to adhere in position. The LASIK flap is remarkable in that it heals in position without requiring the use of sutures or stitches.

The LASIK procedure itself is painless and brief, usually less that 15 minutes total for both eyes to be treated. There is no need to worry about blinking or moving your eyes because the laser has a tracking device that follows your eye with great precision to make sure the treatment is accurately placed. Because of the long term excellent results and predictability almost everyone has both eyes treated at one visit. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 9 out of 10 people (90%) who have LASIK end up with vision between 20/20 and 20/40 and are able to drive without the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK does not correct, presbyopia, the normal age related loss of close-up vision. With or without refractive surgery, even those with excellent distance vision will need reading glasses after around age 40.

Safety, Risks, and Side Effects

As with any type of surgery there can be the possibility of risks, side effects and complications. The vast majority of these are temporary, diminish and pass after a few weeks or a month or so. In rare cases, they may not go away. Almost everyone who has LASIK will have dry eyes and changing vision during the day for a short time after their treatment. These symptoms usually fade within a month, but for some people, they may take longer to disappear or they may remain. Some other side effects, either temporary or permanent, could include:

Eye Pain or Discomfort
Hazy, Foggy or Blurry Vision
Scratchiness, Dryness or Grittiness from Dry Eye
Glare
Halos or Starbursts Around Lights
Double Vision
Decreased Ability to See in Dim Light
Light Sensitivity

Rare Risks Include:

Eye Infection
Loss of Best Corrected Vision so it is worse than Before Treatment
Blindness is an extreme possibility BUT there have been NO reported cases of blindness directly from LASIK.

Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes

It is important to have realistic expectations of your recovery and healing after LASIK surgery. Here are some guidelines we use at Michelson Laser Vision:

LASIK recovery is typically quick, with most patients returning to normal routines within a day or two, though full visual stabilization can take several months. Key steps include resting your eyes, avoiding rubbing, wearing protective eyewear, and following Dr. Michelson’s specific instructions for eye drops and activity restrictions to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

Immediate First 24-48 Hours

Rest: Get lots of rest and sleep as much as you want keeping your eyes closed.
Protective Eyewear: You should wear the protective goggles or shields for about a week particularly while sleeping if we have asked you to use them.
Symptoms: It is normal and expected to experience blurry vision, glare, halos, light sensitivity, and watery eyes. These are temporary, but we will provide instructions on how to manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops.
Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can drive, go back to work, and resume light activities within a day or two, but avoid strenuous activity.
Avoid: Rubbing or touching your eyes, wearing eye makeup including mascara, or go swimming, use hot tubs, or expose your eyes to dusty

Short-Term Recovery-First Few Weeks

Follow Instructions: Continue to use your prescribed eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation, and dryness, and attend all follow-up appointments.
Vision Improvement: Your vision will continue to improve, though you may notice fluctuations.
Gradual Return to Activities: You can typically start exercising after the first week. Avoid contact sports for about a month and wear goggles for activities like swimming.

Long-Term Recovery-1-6 Months

Full Vision Stabilization: Your vision will continue to be refined, and side effects like dryness, glare, or halos will gradually subside. Most people achieve their final visual outcome within three to six months.
Vision to Expect: By six months, 99% of patients have at least 20/40 vision (legally sufficient for driving) and over 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better.

Cost and Logistics

LASIK eye surgery at Michelson Laser Vision costs $2250 per eye. Our fee includes:

Initial Screening
treatment, regardless of prescription-no additional fee all lasik treatment follow up visits for 6 months medically necessary fine tuning enhancement (necessary in <1% of our treatments)

We offer easy monthly payment plans to fit into your budget as well as encourage you to use Pre-Tax accounts such as FSA Flex Plans and Health Spending Accounts which make LASIK at Michelson Laser Vision affordable.

Marc Michelson, M.D.

Jennifer Michelson, M.D.

LASER EYE SURGERY

LENS IMPLANTS FOR VISION CORRECTION

Candidacy and Alternatives

Procedure Details

Safety, Risks, and Side Effects

Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes

Cost and Logistics

Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery at Michelson Laser Vision at UAB Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama