LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Who qualifies for laser eye surgery?

Most people over the age of 18 are candidates for LASIK surgery. However, a complete eye exam will need to be done to determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery. Washington University LASIK Center offers free screenings to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. Learn more

What tests are done before LASIK?

Safety is are number one concern at Washington University LASIK Center. A number of tests will be done to determine if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. We will look at your corneal shape, the thickness of your cornea and the health of your cornea to determine if you are a good candidate. We will also do a number of tests to get accurate measurements of your prescription before surgery. Learn more

Is LASIK eye surgery painful?

Your eyes will be numbed with local anesthetic drops before the surgery. Most patients do not describe the surgery as painful. You will have a pressure feeling to the eyes during flap creation. The eyes sting and burn for a few hours after surgery. Most patients will take a nap after surgery and feel fine by the time they wake up.

Can your eyesight change after laser eye surgery?

LASIK surgery does not stop the eyes from changing after surgery. It is important to make sure your eyeglass prescription is stable before having surgery. If the vision changes after surgery it is possible to have an enhancement procedure.

How long does it take to recover from LASIK surgery?

If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to understand the recovery process. One of the most common questions patients have is, How long is the LASIK recovery time?

Typically, the recovery period for LASIK is relatively short, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days. Most patients see well enough to drive the next day after LASIK surgery. In some cases, patients will go back to work the following day after surgery.

However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s postoperative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions for aftercare, including when to schedule follow-up appointments, how to care for your eyes, and when it’s safe to resume normal activities. Our experienced team is here to answer any questions you may have and ensure that you have a smooth and successful healing process.

Do I need to be out of my contacts before LASIK or PRK?

We recommend being out of soft contact lenses for three days before the LASIK consultation.

Can you tell if I’m a candidate for laser eye surgery by looking at the prescription from my optometrist?

That is a start. Most eyeglass prescriptions can be corrected with laser surgery. However, some eyeglass prescriptions are out of range of what can be corrected safely with laser eye surgery.

Can I schedule online?

Yes, you can schedule no-cost consultation online. Schedule now!

Are there any restrictions after LASIK surgery?

Rest as much as possible the first evening following surgery, as this rest helps the eye heal more quickly.

• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or whirlpools for two weeks (showers and baths are fine 24 hours after surgery but avoid getting water and shampoo in your eyes for the first few days).
• Avoid eye makeup, gardening, and dusty, dirty environments for one week.
• Do not watch TV or read for prolonged periods of time for the first day.
• Avoid driving on the day of surgery because you may experience blurred vision and the loss of depth perception. You should not resume driving until you feel you are able.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

We do not accept insurance plans for LASIK or PRK surgery.

What forms of payment do you accept?

• Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
  (Please up credit limit prior to procedure day if necessary.)
• Check (Made out to: Washington University LASIK Surgery Center)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
  (Please up credit limit prior to procedure day if necessary.)
• Cash

What is LASIK enhancement?

An “enhancement” is an additional surgery performed to fine-tune any remaining refractive error after healing is complete from the original vision correction surgery. Enhancement surgery is performed after the cornea is healed – generally 1-6 months after the original surgery. While enhancement surgery may further improve your vision, it also involves potential risks and complications, and you may not be eligible for enhancement if your post-surgical corneal bed thickness is too thin for further surgery. If you decide to undergo enhancement surgery, an explanation of the benefits, risks and complications of the enhancement surgery will be provided to you at that time.