LASIK Eye Surgery in Las Vegas

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure that adjusts the shape of the cornea, the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of the eye. Your ophthalmologist will perform the surgery in their office, and there is no need for general anesthesia. You can discuss sedation options with your doctor to help you stay relaxed during surgery. 

During surgery, your ophthalmologist uses medicated drops to numb the surface of your eye so you don’t feel any discomfort. Once you’re prepared, they will use specialized laser tools to access the cornea and make the necessary changes to its shape. This will improve how your eye focuses light so you see more clearly. 

The procedure only takes about 15 minutes per eye. You’ll be able to go home as soon as your procedure is finished. There is no need for stitches, and your eyes begin healing right away. You will need to rest for a day, but most people can return to normal activities within a week. 

Many people notice improved vision within the first few days after LASIK, and vision gradually gets better as your eyes heal. 

Are There Other Kinds of Laser Vision Correction Surgery?

While many people use the term LASIK to refer to any kind of laser eye surgery that changes the cornea, there are really two different procedures that fall under this category: LASIK and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).

LASIK and PRK differ in technique. With the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist accesses the cornea by making a small incision and opens a small flap of the outermost tissue of the eye, known as the epithelium.

In contrast, the PRK procedure uses a technique known as advanced surface ablation to chemically loosen the epithelium and access the cornea.   After this first step is taken, the ophthalmologist works with an excimer laser to change the shape of the eye. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK or PRK surgery. In that case, you may explore other available laser vision correction procedures, such as RLE, or Clear Lens Exchange. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide which type of vision correction surgery is best for you.

Is LASIK Worth the Cost?

LASIK offers permanent vision improvement; there are no continuing costs associated with vision correction surgery. Find out more about LASIK cost and affordability. 

Over time, patients realize cost savings from LASIK. You won’t need to buy glasses or contacts after LASIK, which can save you hundreds of dollars per year. 

You may see advertisements for discounted laser eye surgery near Las Vegas, but you should be cautious when considering these services. An established ophthalmologist should perform any eye surgery with plenty of experience. Your surgeon should be familiar with the latest, safest modern technology available. Choosing the best doctor rather than looking for the cheapest service makes better sense.