LASIK PROCEDURE SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL LASIK Procedures

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220

During LASIK Surgery

There are many people who can benefit greatly from having LASIK surgery. Patients who suffer from astigmatisms, myopia or hyperopia are among those who may want to consider LASIK. Our physicians will examine and evaluation your vision and will discuss what your treatment options are and will establish if you would be a good candidate for LASIK.

LASIK surgery can dramatically reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contacts, which can significantly enhance your quality of life. Contact Northwest Eye Physicians to schedule your consultation with one of our physicians and learn more about LASIK surgery.

During LASIK Surgery

During LASIK surgery a small flap will be made on the surface of your cornea to allow the physician access to the corneal tissue. A surgical tool called a microkeratome will be used for this incision. Next, a special laser called an “excimer laser” will be used to reshape your cornea. This corrects for any abnormal light refraction that goes onto your retina. The light refraction is improved, allowing for an enhanced ability to focus more clearly and sharpen your vision. The laser will be situated over your eye and you will be asked to stare at a light. Staring at a light helps you to have your eye fixed on one spot before the laser is used.

Once the laser reshaping is finished, the corneal flap will be replaced. The flap typically will be completely healed within a few weeks. We will place a shield over your eye to give it protection since stiches are not utilized with LASIK. LASIK surgery provides numerous benefits including improved vision, restored confidence and reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Our LASIK surgeons will provide you with extremely thorough information regarding the benefits and risks of treatment so you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you.

After LASIK Surgery

You should notice a significant improvement in your vision immediately after you have the surgery. For some patients, it may take a few weeks up to a few months for their eyes to heal completely. There may be minor discomfort after the surgery, but the majority of patients feel fine the following day and are able to resume their normal activities. We will also prescribe medication for any minor pain you may experience from the surgery since some patients feel a mild stinging or experience a burning sensation. If you feel any severe pain, you should contact us immediately.

Within the next 24-48 hours, you should schedule a follow-up post-operative visit so we can remove your eye shield and test your vision. We will give you eye drops so that your eyes can be kept well lubricated to help your cornea to heal. We ask that for the first three days following your surgery that you limit your physical activity. During the six months that follow, we will ask that you schedule regular eye exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Procedures

  • What are LASIK procedures?

    LASIK procedures are laser vision correction surgeries designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. These procedures reshape the cornea so light focuses properly on the retina, improving vision for many patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

  • What vision problems can LASIK correct?

    LASIK is commonly used to correct:

    • Nearsightedness (myopia)
    • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
    • Astigmatism
    • Certain combinations of refractive errors

    Your ophthalmologist will determine whether your prescription can be safely treated during your consultation.

  • What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

    Both LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but they differ in how the cornea is accessed.

    • LASIK creates a thin corneal flap before laser treatment, allowing for faster visual recovery.
    • PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea instead of creating a flap, making it a good option for some patients with thinner corneas or certain lifestyles.

    Both procedures can produce excellent long-term vision outcomes.

  • What is bladeless LASIK?

    Bladeless LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a mechanical blade. This advanced technology allows for precise flap creation and is commonly used in modern LASIK procedures.

  • What is custom LASIK?

    Custom LASIK uses detailed measurements of your eyes to create a personalized treatment plan. By tailoring the laser treatment to your unique vision needs, custom LASIK may improve visual quality and reduce certain visual imperfections.

  • How do I know which LASIK procedure is right for me?

    The best procedure depends on several factors, including:

    • Your eyeglass prescription
    • Corneal thickness
    • Overall eye health
    • Lifestyle and occupation
    • Dry eye symptoms
    • Personal vision goals

    A comprehensive refractive surgery evaluation helps determine the safest and most effective option for your eyes.

  • Am I a candidate for LASIK?

    You may be a candidate if you:

    • Are at least 18 years old
    • Have had a stable prescription for at least one year
    • Have healthy eyes and corneas
    • Are free of certain eye diseases
    • Have realistic expectations for surgery

    Not everyone qualifies for LASIK, which is why a thorough eye examination is essential before treatment.

  • Is LASIK permanent?

    The corneal reshaping performed during LASIK is permanent. However, normal age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia or cataracts, can still occur later in life.

  • How long does a LASIK procedure take?

    Most LASIK procedures take about 10 to 15 minutes per eye, with the laser treatment itself lasting less than a minute. Patients are usually in the office for one to two hours, including preparation and recovery.

  • Is LASIK painful?

    Most patients report little to no pain during LASIK. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, and any mild irritation afterward typically resolves within a day or two.

  • How quickly will my vision improve?

    Many patients notice clearer vision within several hours, with significant improvement by the next day. Vision typically continues to stabilize over the following weeks.

  • What is the recovery like after LASIK?

    Recovery is generally quick. Most patients:

    • Return to work within one to two days
    • Resume many normal activities shortly afterward
    • Use prescribed eye drops during healing
    • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery

    Your surgeon will provide personalized postoperative instructions.

  • What if I'm not a candidate for LASIK?

    If LASIK is not the best option, your ophthalmologist may recommend another vision correction procedure, such as PRK or another refractive surgery, depending on your eye health and prescription.

  • Does insurance cover LASIK?

    LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by most medical insurance plans. However, many patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), or financing options to help pay for treatment.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for LASIK procedures in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians has served the northwest Chicago suburbs for more than 40 years, providing advanced ophthalmic care and surgical vision correction. Their experienced ophthalmologists perform comprehensive LASIK evaluations, utilize advanced diagnostic technology, and develop individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve clearer vision with the procedure best suited to their needs.