For perfect vision, your cornea needs to be able to bend (refract) a beam of light entering your eye precisely onto a single focal point on the retina, located on the back of your eye.
When the corneal surface is irregular, the light beam does not come into a clear focus on the retina, causing fuzzy or distorted vision. These are called refractive errors and while they can be temporarily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. But LASIK eye surgery permanently reshapes the cornea to improve vision.
LASIK (which stands for “Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis") is the most performed laser eye surgery in the United States. It can correct the focusing power of your eyes via a very experienced surgeon and a highly specialized laser.
This dynamic duo properly reshapes the cornea so it can focus light more precisely onto the retina, allowing you to see more clearly. When performed by the best LASIK surgeons, a patient’s vision often becomes even better than 20/20! And certainly better than they could see with their glasses or contact lenses.
Absolutely. There are several FDA-approved LASIK laser procedures designed to address different vision issues caused by variations in the shape and surface of the cornea. These variations cause one or more of the following refractive errors:
All LASIK procedures involve two important steps to reshape the cornea:
For those who have age-related eye conditions in addition to refractive errors, LASIK may still vastly improve their vision. Then they may only require glasses from time to time for distance or reading.
Absolutely not. LASIK was originally developed 30 years ago. AGEI's own Dr. Kerry Assil was a pioneer in the early development of LASIK technology and continues to contribute to revolutionizing the LASIK field today. Over the years there have been dozens of surgical techniques developed for performing LASIK. As expected, with the advancements in technology, many have been deprecated and no longer performed with new ones coming to the fore.
Some of the common types of LASIK surgery performed over the years include:
Advanced Bladeless LASIK (3rd Generation procedure)
Today, there are no less than six significant surgical techniques. Some were created strictly to be more cost-effective, which are found in the "chain style" LASIK businesses. Others were developed to create even better post-surgical vision. And still, others to minimize the side effects of LASIK.
One, in particular, EagleVision®️ was created to offer the potential for the most perfect individualized results possible while further reducing the side effects.
Learn more about the five generations of LASIK technologies.
Today, the gold standard in advanced LASIK surgery is a trademarked protocol developed by Dr. Assil known as EagleVision®️ (which stands for “Elliptical flap Aberrometry Guided Laser Enhanced Vision”).
We combine leading-edge technology with advanced surgical techniques to provide a unique approach to flap creation and corneal sculpting. This protocol enables us to safely correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, while also improving night and reading vision, achieving excellent visual outcomes.
Learn more about how EagleVision®️ LASIK works
After 30 minutes, when your anesthesia wears off, you may feel mild eye irritation, burning, itching, tearing, and light sensitivity. Don't worry, this will only last for a couple of hours. Most patients are typically comfortable enough to return to work the next day.
It is very important that you don't rub your eyes. It takes one week after surgery for the corneal flap to fully heal and rubbing can disrupt it. You will be given antibiotic eye drops, steroid eye drops, and lubricating eye drops. It’s important to take your medications as instructed throughout your recovery.
In most cases, you'll begin to see more clearly right away. Some patients may experience a moderate amount of blurred vision as if they are looking underwater. This will usually clear up within a day or two. You will be asked to return to our clinic on the day after your surgery. That way your surgeon can check up on your early healing progress.
Learn more about LASIK surgery recovery.
This is probably the most important question each patient needs to answer while choosing the best surgeon for themselves. At Assil Gaur Eye Institute, we pride ourselves on offering the most advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art LASIK technology. This is to provide our patients with the safest, most effective procedure designed to optimize their experience and visual outcomes.
Equally important is a patient's post-LASIK follow-up care. Though problems are very rare with our patients, it is critically important to catch and address any issues in the most expedient fashion.
Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI) is well known for performing the best LAISK surgery in Los Angeles. The AGEI team is composed of the finest ophthalmology specialists in the United States. Led by Dr. Kerry Assil, voted best LASIK eye surgeon in Los Angeles five years in a row by Los Angeles Magazine.
Dr. Assil has spent over 20 years experimenting and developing LASIK laser vision correction technology. His experience includes being involved in countless clinical trials, as well as serving as an ophthalmologist medical advisor for laser technology manufacturers.
Dr. Assil and AGEI have had extensive experience using and developing LASIK laser technology for well over 20 years. This has included being involved with numerous clinical trials in addition to serving as a medical advisor for several laser manufacturers.
After working with many lasers, Dr. Assil has selected the VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser System to be his tool of choice for corneal sculpting. In fact, AGEI is the only Los Angeles area ophthalmology practice with two LASIK surgical suites outfitted with a VISX Star S4 to offer the most advanced technology coupled with the greatest reliability to our patients.
A safety feature is called Iris Registration in which the laser takes photos of your iris (the colored part of your eye) that it uses to ensure that the laser remains properly aligned to your eye as it sculpts. This feature also ensures that there’s no possibility of treating the wrong eye or the wrong patient.
A second safety feature tracks eye movement during surgery so that the laser's accuracy is not affected if you move or blink during your vision correction procedure.
While LASIK surgery is generally permanent, the vision correction may still change over time. Some people may experience a gradual decline in their vision due to regular aging changes in the eye or other underlying conditions such as cataracts. Additionally, some people may require an “enhancement” surgery to maintain their vision correction after the initial LASIK procedure.
No. Lasik surgery is performed with numbing eye drops so that you don't feel discomfort.
We can also give you medication to help you relax while remaining awake throughout the process. The LASIK laser sculpting time is generally less than 60 seconds per eye and our patients are typically in the laser suite for less than 20 minutes. Our patients usually experience a couple of hours of mild eye irritation following surgery but are typically comfortable enough to easily return to work the next day.
Our patients report that LASIK surgery was the best decision they've made and they finally have clear vision for the first time in years.
Certain eye or general health conditions can make LASIK’s outcome less predictable. Our doctors will perform a thorough eye exam and may not recommend LASIK surgery if you have certain conditions including corneal stretching disorders, severe dry eye syndrome, deep corneal scars, untreated cataracts, progressive retinal disease, or other conditions.
During your evaluation, we will ask the following questions to determine if you qualify for LASIK:
If your vision has changed greatly within the last 12 months, then it may be advisable to wait before undergoing LASIK surgery, because if your vision continues to change, you might have to repeat the procedure. We have found that after LASIK, our patients typically maintain stable vision for many years.
If you are extremely nearsighted or farsighted (for example, if your prescription is -12 diopters or greater), you might not be a good candidate for LASIK. This does not mean that there aren't other vision correction options available! At AGEI, we offer other effective solutions for such cases. After reviewing your particular circumstances, your LASIK surgeon and eye doctor can make specific recommendations tailored just for you.
If you suffer from severe dry eye syndrome and are currently under treatment for it, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. Occasionally LASIK can worsen dry eye symptoms.
If you currently have an eye infection, you must be treated for it and wait for the infection to clear before LASIK can be performed. Unstable vision due to medications, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or other health conditions can also increase side effects from LASIK.
People with severe immune illnesses with ocular manifestations, such as type 1 diabetes with active retinal disease, are generally not suitable candidates for LASIK.
Corneal thickness is another important consideration because we wish to ensure a residual (post sculpting) corneal thickness that will not be prone to progressive shape changes. If you have been told that your corneas are very thin, you might be a more appropriate candidate for another vision correction procedure known as PRK or LASEK
LASIK technology has evolved significantly over the years and many people who were considered ineligible for LASIK 10 or 20 years ago may easily qualify for it today.
If you are not considered a good LASIK candidate, the good news is that at AGEI, our eye surgeons also perform a variety of other vision correction procedures, including;
Corneal Inlays
We know that cost of LASIK plays a major role in considering eye surgery. Being the most experienced eye institute in Los Angeles, many people look to Assil Gaur Eye Institute for a reliable range of costs for eye care and vision enhancement procedures. Learn more about pricing and financing options here.
LASIK only requires local anesthesia so yes, patients are awake. Having the patient remain awake allows the surgeon to better assess the moment-to-moment progression of the procedure, to achieve the best possible results. But there is no need to be concerned about pain or risky eye movements during treatment. A sophisticated tracking device is used to monitor involuntary eye movement and adjust the laser accordingly.
Numbing eye drops are placed in the eyes to eliminate any chance of pain. Surgeons also use a special blinking retainer called a lid speculum that gently holds the eyelid in place and helps prevent blinking.
It's normal to experience blurriness or haziness in your vision immediately after LASIK surgery. This is because your eyes are healing and adjusting to the changes made during the procedure. The amount of time your vision will be blurry after LASIK can vary from person to person, but most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first day or two after surgery.
While it is infrequent, it is possible to experience vision loss or blindness after LASIK surgery. However, the risk of serious complications is very low, and LASIK is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for vision correction.
It is generally not recommended to wear contact lenses immediately after LASIK surgery, as the eyes will need time to heal and adjust to the changes made during the procedure. Your LASIK surgeon will provide specific instructions on when it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses and any precautions or recommendations for contact lens use after LASIK.
In general, patients may need to wait several weeks before wearing contact lenses after LASIK, and it may be necessary to have a new contact lens prescription, as your vision may have changed after LASIK.
LASIK is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for vision correction. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the overall complication rate for LASIK is estimated to be less than 1 percent.
Yes, LASIK can correct farsightedness (hyperopia), which occurs when the cornea is too flat, or the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. During LASIK, the cornea is reshaped using a laser to correct the refractive error and improve vision.
Most patients can drive within a few days after the procedure. However, following your doctor's instructions and feeling comfortable and confident in your vision before getting behind the wheel is essential.
LASIK surgery is primarily designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is not typically used to treat lazy eyes, also known as amblyopia.
Our nationally recognized ophthalmologists are expertly trained in LASIK, retinal, and cataract surgery. State-of-the-art treatments for all eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular disease, dry eye, and diabetic eye conditions, to name just a few.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City.
We welcome you to request your free consultation. We will closely examine your eyes and tell you if you and your lifestyle are good candidates for LASIK. We will also explain how we perform the surgery and answer all of your questions.
Please call us at (866) 945-2745 or click here to request an appointment or fill out our short LASIK questionnaire.
Schedule your FREE LASIK evaluation with those LeBron trusts with his eyes
Kerry K. Assil, MD, is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in refractive surgery, having made significant advances in the field with his numerous inventions. Additionally he has the unique distinction of having trained thousands of eye surgeons in the latest refractive surgical techniques.
Dr. Assil has authored more than one hundred textbooks, textbook chapters and articles on refractive surgery and has appeared regularly on major television network news programs as a pioneer in refractive surgery. He also leads educational forums for other eye care professionals, which have included featured lectureships at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and Tokyo University.