Arlington Heights, IL LASIK Eye Services

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. It can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in many patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

LASIK is commonly used to treat:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

Your ophthalmologist will determine whether your prescription falls within the range that can be safely corrected with LASIK.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Have healthy corneas
• Do not have certain eye diseases or uncontrolled medical conditions
• Have realistic expectations about the results

A comprehensive LASIK evaluation is the best way to determine whether the procedure is right for you.

During LASIK, your surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, then uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is repositioned without stitches, allowing the eye to heal naturally.

Most patients report little to no pain during LASIK. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, and you may experience mild irritation, tearing, or a gritty sensation for several hours afterward.

The LASIK procedure itself usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye, while the laser treatment lasts only seconds. Most patients are in the office for approximately one to two hours, including preparation and post-procedure instructions.

Many patients notice improved vision within a few hours, with significant improvement by the following day. Vision may continue to stabilize over the next several weeks as your eyes heal.

Most patients return to work and many normal activities within one to two days. Your ophthalmologist will recommend avoiding swimming, eye rubbing, and strenuous activities for a short period while your eyes heal.

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, but results vary. Some people may still need glasses for certain activities, especially reading as they get older due to the natural development of presbyopia.

The changes made to your cornea during LASIK are permanent. However, your eyes can continue to change over time because of normal aging, which may eventually require reading glasses or other vision correction.

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries potential risks, including

• Dry eyes
• Glare or halos around lights
• Temporary vision fluctuations
• Undercorrection or overcorrection
• Infection (rare)

A thorough evaluation helps determine whether LASIK is a safe option for your eyes.

Yes. LASIK is typically performed on both eyes during the same appointment, allowing patients to recover with improved vision in both eyes simultaneously.

Your eye doctor may recommend:

• Stopping contact lens wear before your evaluation
• Bringing your current glasses
• Providing your vision history
• Planning for someone to drive you home after the procedure if surgery is scheduled

These steps help ensure accurate measurements and a smooth treatment experience.

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by most medical insurance plans. However, many practices offer financing options or accept Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for eligible expenses.

Northwest Eye Physicians has provided advanced ophthalmic care to the northwest Chicago suburbs for decades. Their experienced ophthalmologists perform comprehensive LASIK evaluations, use advanced diagnostic technology to determine candidacy, and create personalized vision correction plans to help patients reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.