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What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a form of laser vision correction surgery that reshapes a patient’s cornea. In individuals with refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, irregularities in the shape of the eye prevent light from focusing properly, leading to blurred vision. By reshaping a patient’s cornea, our LASIK surgeons are able to reduce or even eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

The American Refractive Surgery Council reports that after LASIK vision correction surgery, up to 90% of patients are able to achieve vision that is 20/20 or better.1

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Who is a Candidate for LASIK?

Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes and review your medical history to determine whether you may benefit from LASIK vision correction surgery. The ideal LASIK candidate is at least 18 years old, has had stable vision for at least one year, and has not had a recent infection or injury of the eyes. Take our free online vision correction quiz to learn if LASIK may be right for you.

Patients with certain conditions may not be suitable candidates for LASIK. These conditions include but are not limited to:

  • Dry eye
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Corneal implant
  • Keratoconus
  • Glaucoma
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Uncontrolled diabetes2

Alternatives to LASIK

PRK

For patients who aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK vision correction surgery, PRK may be a good option. PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure that, like LASIK, reshapes the cornea to reduce refractive errors. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, making it a more suitable procedure for patients who have dry eye, corneal scar tissue, thin corneas, and other conditions that may disqualify them from pursuing LASIK. When compared to LASIK, PRK has similar outcomes in terms of vision correction, though it is associated with a longer recovery time.

Young woman playing tennis
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EVO ICL

For patients who are nearsighted or have astigmatism, vision correction with the EVO ICL (implantable collamer lens) is an especially attractive alternative to LASIK. The EVO ICL is a micro-thin lens implant that is made of 100% biocompatible collamer. Implanted during a 10-minute outpatient procedure, the EVO ICL yields near-immediate vision correction with built-in UV protection. EVO ICL requires little to no maintenance and can remain in place for as long as needed, though this is a reversible procedure. A key benefit of the EVO ICL procedure is that, unlike LASIK or PRK, it does not permanently alter the shape of the cornea.

Learn More About EVO ICL


4.9/5 Average Rating based on over 200 reviews
Quote stars - 5 stars review

I had vision correction surgery with Dr. Liu (ICL placement). Dr. Liu and the staff of San Francisco Eye Institute were amazing from start to finish! She was extremely thorough, took the time to explain things, and guided me through the process and decision making of having this life changing surgery step by step. Her office staff was friendly and also took excellent care of me. The surgery went perfectly and my results couldn’t be better. I am a surgeon myself, so my vision is absolutely critical for my livelihood and career, so going through with this surgery was no small undertaking. I’ve worn coke bottle thick glasses since I was a child, but after surgery I don’t need glasses or contacts anymore to work, operate, and also do the fun active things I love to do like working out, snowboarding, playing basketball etc. It has been about 2 years since my surgery and my results have still been excellent. Dr. Liu literally changed my life and I couldn’t be more grateful!

Christopher M.

This review is in regards to services provided by Dr. Liu. My brother did not qualify for LASIK and as a result was referred to Dr. Liu for contact lens implants also known as ICL. From beginning to end Dr. Liu’s professionalism and kindness exceeded our expectations. She truly has a passion for what she does and we cannot thank her enough for the amazing job she did on brother’s eyes. My brother was born with poor vision and had worn glasses up until the day of the surgery. After the ICL surgery, he was able to see 20/20; for the first couple of days I noticed that he took a bit longer in viewing things around him but it was simply him adjusting to admiring everything around him with his new eyes. This touched my heart greatly, he even happily told me that he had never seen my face without his glasses. Till this day his surgery has been life changing. He has more confidence in himself and is able to carry on with his usual activities without having to worry about his glasses. I highly recommend Dr. Liu to anyone struggling with their vision as her talent is a blessing to so many people!

Jess R.

Dr. Liu got an office upgrade. My husband (allergy and eye issues) and I (no more glasses) have been patients for about 3 years so have seen the institute’s office transition. Their new office looks great! The entire staff at the SF Eye Institute has provided me with quality care throughout my time as a patient. I am getting eye surgery (visian ICL) to finally get rid of glasses but do not qualify for LASIK or PRK. Dr. Liu is the only doctor in the city who performs ICL surgery. During a recent appointment I had an adverse reaction to some numbing drops. Despite being continuously busy (due to their stellar reputation) the staff noticed I wasn’t doing well and proactively tried to make me more comfortable. They brought me to a dark room, checked on me in the restroom when I became nauseous (due to other factors), and provided me with ice packs and water so that I could be ready for the (2 minute) procedure. I would have never asked for help (because that’s not me) but I am so grateful that the institute staff went out of their way to make sure that I was ok. I wouldn’t have even known what to ask for. I was in a very vulnerable situation but they put me right at ease and I was able to successfully undergo the minor procedure by the end of the day.

Stephanie W.

LASIK Vision Correction: What to Expect

Preparing for LASIK

The first step in preparing for LASIK eye surgery is to undergo a thorough examination with your doctor at San Francisco Eye Institute. Once you are determined to be a good candidate for LASIK, your procedure will be scheduled.

If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to switch exclusively to glasses for at least one week prior to LASIK surgery. This is because contacts can change the shape of the cornea.

Before your LASIK surgery, you will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your procedure. On the day of your procedure, please refrain from using any makeup, creams, or lotions on your face, as this may increase the risk of infection.

While LASIK surgery only takes about 15 minutes, you should plan to spend up to 90 minutes at our practice on the day of your procedure.

The LASIK Procedure

Before beginning the LASIK procedure, your doctor will use anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. You will recline comfortably in a treatment chair, and a special device will be used to keep your eyes open, so you don’t need to worry about blinking during the procedure.

The first step in the LASIK procedure is the creation of a flap in your cornea. Your doctor will then gently lift this flap, use a laser to reshape the cornea, and move the flap back into place. No sutures are required: the cornea will heal itself naturally.

Once the procedure is complete, your doctor will fit a protective shield over your eye. After a brief recovery in our offices, you will be released to be driven home.3

Recovery After LASIK

You may experience some blurry vision after your LASIK procedure, but most patients notice an improvement in their vision in as little as 24-48 hours after surgery. The full extent of your vision correction may not appear for a few weeks.

After LASIK surgery, it is normal for patients to experience watery or itchy eyes for the first few hours. Your doctor will give you eye drops to reduce dryness and enhance your comfort, and you will need to wear the protective shield over your eye while sleeping for at least a few days.

man hiking in mountains on a cloudy day

Contact San Francisco Eye Institute for LASIK

Contact Us

If you are a good candidate for LASIK, the surgeons at San Francisco Eye Institute could help you enjoy remarkably clearer vision in as little as 15 minutes. To learn more about LASIK and other vision correction options, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

Is LASIK painful?

LASIK is not painful. Prior to beginning the procedure, your doctor will apply anesthetic drops to numb your eye. You may feel some pressure during LASIK surgery, but at no point should pain be a part of your experience.

How soon after LASIK can I drive?

You will not be able to drive yourself home after your LASIK procedure. Some patients experience blurred vision for the first few days after LASIK, while others see clearly enough to drive the first day after surgery. We believe you are the best judge of whether you feel safe on the road after LASIK.

What are the risks and complications associated with LASIK?

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, fewer than 1% of LASIK patients experience any surgical complications. Still, there are risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. Possible LASIK risks and side effects include:

  • Inflammation
  • Infection
  • Dislocation of the corneal flap
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dry eyes4

Can I have LASIK on both eyes at the same time?

Absolutely. Many patients believe it is most convenient to undergo LASIK vision correction on both eyes at once, as this reduces their overall recovery time and allows them to enjoy fully improved vision as soon as possible.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 American Refractive Surgery Council. What is the LASIK Success Rate? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/. Accessed January 13, 2021.

2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lasik. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed January 13, 2021.

3 FDA. Lasik: what should I expect before, during, and after surgery? Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery. Accessed January 13, 2021.

4 American Refractive Surgery Council. LASIK Complication Rate: The Latest Facts and Stats You Should Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-complication-rate-latest-facts. Accessed January 13, 2021.

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The doctors at San Francisco Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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Whether you just need a general eye exam, or if you are interested in reducing or eliminating your need for glasses or contacts, our team is here to help! Contact us to book an appointment today!

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