LASIK & Vision Correction

The best procedure depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Ma will perform comprehensive testing and recommend the option that will give you the best results. Some patients are candidates for multiple procedures, and we'll discuss the pros and cons of each.

No, LASIK is not painful. Numbing drops are applied before the procedure, so you feel no pain during surgery. Most patients describe feeling some pressure. After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, dryness, or a scratchy sensation for a few hours, which is easily managed with drops and rest.

Most LASIK patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours. Many return to work the next day. Full stabilization takes 1-3 months, during which you'll use prescription eye drops and avoid activities that could harm your eyes. PRK has a longer recovery period of about 5-7 days before functional vision returns.

LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures, but like any surgery, it carries risks. These include dry eyes, glare, halos, night vision issues, and under/over-correction. Serious complications are rare. During your consultation, we'll discuss all risks and screen for factors that could increase your risk.

LASIK is an elective procedure typically not covered by insurance. Cost varies based on technology used and individual needs. We offer financing options and payment plans to make vision correction accessible. Schedule a consultation for a personalized quote.

Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better and don't need glasses for most activities. However, LASIK doesn't prevent presbyopia (age-related reading vision loss), so you may eventually need reading glasses after age 40-45. Some patients with very high prescriptions may still need thin glasses for certain activities.

Yes, LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. However, your eyes can still change over time due to aging or other factors. Some patients may experience mild regression over years and could benefit from an enhancement procedure. Age-related changes like presbyopia and cataracts will still occur.

Both use the same laser to reshape the cornea. The difference is in how the cornea's surface is accessed. LASIK creates a thin flap that's replaced after surgery, allowing faster healing. PRK removes the surface cells, which regenerate over 5-7 days. Final visual outcomes are similar, but PRK is preferred for thin corneas or those at higher risk of eye trauma.