LASIK eye surgery can be life-changing, offering freedom from glasses or contact lenses. But as our eye care team at New Era Eye Care in Shavertown explains, LASIK isn’t for everyone—and the only way to know if you’re a candidate is through a professional evaluation.
Why You Can’t Self-Diagnose LASIK Candidacy
LASIK eligibility depends on factors you can’t assess on your own, such as:
- Corneal thickness – too thin, and LASIK isn’t safe
- Overall eye health – untreated conditions may affect outcomes
- Stable prescription – vision must be steady before surgery
Even if you want LASIK, your eyes must meet specific measurements to ensure safe, predictable results. That’s why a LASIK consultation is the first step.
What LASIK Can Treat
LASIK can correct common refractive errors, including:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
For many patients, the procedure delivers years of clear vision without glasses or contacts. However, it’s not a permanent “cure” for every vision need.
What to Expect Long-Term
While LASIK can greatly reduce dependency on corrective lenses, it doesn’t stop the natural aging process of the eye. Most people will still need reading glasses later in life due to presbyopia—a condition that develops as the lens inside the eye loses flexibility.
Some patients also consider enhancement procedures years after their initial LASIK to fine-tune their vision. During your consultation, we’ll discuss realistic expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Preparing for a LASIK Evaluation
If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them before your LASIK evaluation. Contacts can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, which may affect the accuracy of your measurements. Your optometrist will give you specific guidelines based on the type of lenses you wear.
FAQs – LASIK Eye Surgery
Is LASIK painful?
No. The procedure uses numbing drops, and most patients feel only mild pressure.
How long is recovery?
Most people notice improved vision within 24 hours, though full healing can take several weeks.
Am I too old for LASIK?
There’s no strict age limit, but your prescription should be stable, and your eyes must be healthy.
Your LASIK Journey Starts Here
At New Era Eye Care, our optometrists provide detailed pre-LASIK evaluations, guide you through the candidacy process, and co-manage your care with trusted surgeons. Our priority is ensuring LASIK is the right choice for your eyes—not just today, but for your long-term vision health.
Book your LASIK consultation with the best eye doctor in Shavertown today and take the first step toward clearer vision.