The Ten Most Commonly Asked Questions about LASIK or Laser Eye Surgery

We’ve put together the 10 most common questions people ask about LASIK eye surgery—in the order we hear them most often.

Our goal is to help you feel informed, confident, and safe in your decision, so you can enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts.

Yes—LASIK is considered very safe.

LASIK eye surgery has been performed for three decades, with tens of millions of procedures worldwide, strong FDA oversight, and the backing of the US Military for their pilots. Serious, sight-threatening complications are very rare, especially when patients are properly screened, and in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

No. For LASIK eye surgery, we use numbing eye drops so you shouldn’t feel pain—just a little pressure for a few seconds. You’ll also be given a mild relaxer (like Valium) to help you stay calm and comfortable.

The best way to know is with a thorough exam for LASIK eye surgery. Your doctor will check your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, tear quality, and overall eye health. This careful screening helps ensure LASIK is safe and right for you.  If you are not a candidate for LASIK, there may be other options for you including PRK or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).

During LASIK eye surgery, your eyelid is gently held open, so you won’t be able to blink. The laser also tracks even tiny eye movements as fast as 1000 times per second—keeping the treatment precise and safe.

LASIK eye surgery is quick and simple. Plan to be here about 90 minutes total, with only ~15 minutes in the procedure room. The actual laser treatment lasts just seconds. Our team will guide you every step of the way so you feel comfortable and informed.

After your LASIK procedure, you’ll head home to rest or take a nap. It’s normal to experience mild dryness or a scratchy feeling for a few hours. Most patients notice improved vision immediately, with even greater clarity by the next morning.

For the best results, avoid rubbing your eyes and carefully follow your post-operative instructions.

After LASIK eye surgery, it’s normal to have temporary dryness and mild visual effects like glare or halos—especially at night. These symptoms improve over time, with most dryness resolving in 3–6 months and visual effects fading within 1–3 months.  Click here for more information on risks and downsides of LASIK eye surgery.

In FDA trials, about 90% of patients achieved 20/20 or better after LASIK eye surgery. With today’s advanced measurements and laser technology, many centers report around 95%. Using CustomVision technology, Stahl Vision sees over 99% reach 20/20, and 81% better than 20/20—with enhancement options available if needed.

Forever.  The treatment will outlast you.  The correction itself doesn’t wear off, but your eyes can still change with age.

Around your mid-40s, most people need reading glasses (normal aging, not caused by LASIK). Later in life, cataracts can also affect vision. A small number of patients may notice mild prescription changes over time, and enhancements can be done if needed.

Choose an experienced surgeon with a strong reputation who prioritizes thorough screening, advanced laser eye surgery technology, and clear, honest communication.

The most important safety factor in LASIK eye surgery is careful patient selection—many complications can be avoided by a detailed exam and being told “no” if LASIK isn’t the right option for you.

Stahl Vision Laser & Eye Surgery Center in Dayton Ohio is conveniently located for patients needing answers to frequently asked questions about LASIK from Sidney Ohio, Springfield Ohio, Urbana Ohio, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, West Chester Ohio, Eaton Ohio, Xenia Ohio, Jamestown Ohio, Franklin Ohio, Springboro Ohio, Waynesville Ohio, Lebanon Ohio, Mason Ohio, Oxford Ohio, and Middletown Ohio.. Please call Stahl Vision at 937.643.2020 to learn more, get LASIK information and have your questions answered about frequently asked Ohio LASIK questions.

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