Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK in The Woodlands

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. By precisely reshaping the cornea, LASIK improves the way light is focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision. It is commonly used to treat refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure is quick, usually lasting about 15 minutes for both eyes, and offers a rapid recovery with many patients experiencing improved vision within 24 hours.

To determine if you are a candidate for LASIK, you’ll need to undergo a comprehensive eye exam at Berkeley Eye Center in The Woodlands. Ideal candidates are typically over 18 years old, have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year, and are free of certain eye diseases or health conditions. Our team will evaluate your overall eye health and discuss your vision goals to ensure LASIK is the right solution for you.

LASIK offers a number of advantages over glasses or contact lenses. One of the primary benefits is the freedom from needing corrective lenses for most daily activities. After LASIK, many patients experience improved convenience in their lifestyle — whether it’s enjoying sports, traveling, or simply waking up with clear vision. Over time, LASIK can also be more cost-effective than continually purchasing glasses, contacts, and related supplies. Additionally, LASIK offers a long-term solution to vision correction, reducing the ongoing hassle of lens care and maintenance.

The LASIK procedure itself is very quick, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes. However, you should expect to spend about two hours at our clinic on the day of your surgery. This includes pre-operative preparations, the procedure, and some post-operative care to ensure you’re comfortable before heading home. While the actual laser time is only a few minutes, our team will take the necessary steps to guide you through the entire process safely and efficiently.

During your LASIK consultation at Berkeley Eye Center in The Woodlands, our team will conduct a thorough eye exam to assess your overall eye health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. This exam may include measuring your corneal thickness, mapping the surface of your eye, and testing your vision stability. We will also discuss your vision goals and any concerns you may have. Our experienced surgeons will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions to help you feel fully informed about your decision.

LASIK is not painful. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure to ensure you feel no discomfort during surgery. Most patients report feeling only mild pressure at certain points during the procedure. After LASIK, you may experience some dryness, mild irritation, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, but these symptoms typically subside within 24 to 48 hours. 

One of the great advantages of LASIK is the quick recovery time. Most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within 24 hours, and many can return to work and normal activities the day after surgery. Your doctor will give you specific post-operative care instructions, and follow-up appointments will help ensure your eyes are healing properly.

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK comes with some risks, but serious complications are rare. The most common side effects include temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, or sensitivity to light, especially at night. These side effects usually improve over time as the eyes heal. Our advanced technology and experienced surgeons at Berkeley Eye Center help minimize risks and ensure a safe, successful outcome. We’ll discuss any potential risks with you during your consultation and provide post-operative care instructions to aid in a smooth recovery.

Yes, Berkeley Eye Center in The Woodlands offers a variety of financing options to make LASIK more affordable. We work with several financing partners CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit that allow patients to spread the cost of LASIK over time. 

Yes, you will need someone to drive you home after LASIK. While the procedure is quick and painless, your vision may be blurry immediately afterward due to the numbing drops and the healing process. Having a friend or family member drive you home ensures your safety and comfort. Most patients are able to resume driving within a day or two once their vision stabilizes.

Yes, LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). In fact, LASIK is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for astigmatism. Our advanced lasers precisely reshape the cornea to address the irregular curvature that causes astigmatism, resulting in clearer, sharper vision. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific vision needs and determine the best treatment option for you.

LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both effective laser eye surgeries designed to correct vision problems, but they differ in technique and recovery. LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea to access the underlying tissue, while PRK removes the surface of the cornea. Because LASIK typically offers a faster recovery time and less post-operative discomfort, it is often preferred. However, PRK may be a better option for patients with thinner corneas or other specific conditions. During your consultation, our team will help determine which procedure is best for your unique situation.
 

The results of LASIK surgery are generally long-lasting. However, it’s important to note while it corrects refractive errors, LASIK does not prevent natural age-related changes in your eyes. Regular eye exams will help monitor your vision and ensure you maintain the best possible eyesight throughout your life.

Berkeley Eye Center in The Woodlands stands out for LASIK procedures due to our unwavering commitment to patient care, cutting-edge technology, and experienced surgical team. We utilize advanced LASIK techniques and the latest laser technology, ensuring precision and safety in every procedure. Our surgeons are highly trained and dedicated to achieving optimal results for each patient. Additionally, we prioritize personalized care, taking the time to thoroughly assess each individual’s needs and vision goals. Our welcoming environment, combined with comprehensive pre- and post-operative support, makes your experience smooth and reassuring.

LASIK and EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) are both effective vision correction options, but they differ in procedure and application. LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is a suitable option for many patients with healthy corneas and stable prescriptions. EVO ICL involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye without altering the cornea. This option is ideal for individuals with thin corneas or higher prescriptions who may not qualify for LASIK. Both procedures offer excellent visual outcomes, but your choice will depend on your specific vision needs and eye health.

Have a question about LASIK in The Woodlands that we didn’t answer here? Contact us today to  schedule a free consultation!