LASIK

What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser-assisted-in-situ-keratomileusis) is a procedure that reshapes the cornea and can improve vision for those with Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism. This procedure is intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

Doctors in the US perform over 600,000 LASIK procedures a year and research finds the procedure to be safe and effective.

LASIK eye surgery experience

During LASIK eye surgery, a laser is used to create a thin protective flap on the surface of the cornea. This flap is then lifted, and laser treatment is performed under the flap to sculpt the corneal shape. The flap is then replaced back to its original position. With LASIK eye surgery, you can expect better vision almost immediately with little to no discomfort.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave our laser center about an hour after arrival.

LASIK Patient Testimonials

Are you a LASIK candidate?

Take our self-evaluation quiz to get a clearer idea of whether LASIK or PRK is right for you.

Self-Evaluation Quiz

Our LASIK technology

At BoozmanHof we use the VISX® Star S4 IR Excimer Laser system for all Laser Vision Correction procedures. This system is FDA approved for Iris Registration and has FDA approval for a broad range of refractive error vision correction. The VISX® Star S4 IR Excimer Laser incorporates numerous advanced features, including an active eye-tracking system, variable beam technology, a faster chair with greater alignment flexibility, and a facial alignment laser projector. These features have established the VISX® Star S4 IR Excimer Laser as the “gold standard” in excimer laser technology, preferred by 2/3 of U.S. refractive eye surgeons.

We also feature Wavefront technology which allows our surgeons to perform customized vision correction using information gathered from the patient’s individual corneal and refractive patterns. This allows for a truly individualized procedure in good candidates.

Alternatives to LASIK

Click to learn about alternatives to LASIK, such as Implantable Collamer Lens and PRK.

Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK FAQs

Does laser vision correction hurt?

Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. We typically give patients a mild oral sedative to help reduce pre-surgery anxiety. Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eyes prior to beginning the surgery. A slight pressure sensation from the laser or lid holder is normal. We ask everyone to go home and take a nap immediately after their procedure. For any discomfort that remains after your nap, Advil or Tylenol is usually sufficient.

How long is the recovery?

What are the risks of laser vision correction?

Complications after laser eye surgery are very rare. However, all surgeries have some element of risk including laser vision correction. Potential risks can include:

Need for glasses or contacts
Dry eye
Halos or glare
Sensation of foreign object in the eyes
Vision loss (in rare cases)

At BoozmanHof we take great care in reducing risks and complications with thorough pre-operative evaluations and extensive surgical planning. In comparison, an individual is 5x more likely to have a serious sight-threatening problem from contact lens wear than from laser eye surgery.

Will my laser treatment last forever?

LASIK permanently corrects your vision by reshaping the surface of the eye. If you have a stable prescription, laser vision correction can last for many, many years. Although laser surgery doesn’t “wear off,” the natural lens inside of the eye can eventually change over time due to aging. The natural aging process can cause presbyopia (the need for reading glasses that typically occurs in your mid 40s) and eventually cataracts (cloudiness of the lens that typically occurs in your mid 60s). There are other technologies available to address these vision issues when they occur.

Will laser vision correction work for me?

The best way to determine if laser vision correction (LVC) is the right option for you is to schedule a complimentary analysis and consultation. At this appointment, diagnostic scans of your eyes allow us to make the best recommendation for your vision treatment. Online questionnaires can help determine if you are most likely a good candidate, but the only way to know for certain is to review the actual scans of your eyes.

Good LVC candidates: