LASIK Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I a good candidate?
- Is LASIK safe?
- Can I afford LASIK?
- Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?
- What can I expect from the LASIK procedure?
- How long does LASIK take?
- Will I feel discomfort during or after the procedure?
- What can I expect following the procedure?
- When can I return to work and normal activities?
- Will I achieve 20/20 vision with LASIK?
- How many appointments are required before and after the procedure?
Am I a good candidate?
The majority of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic people over the age of 18 are potential candidates for LASIK surgery. The best candidates tend to be those who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses and motivated to make change, for either occupational or lifestyle reasons. A consultation with our LASIK doctor will determine individual candidacy.
Is LASIK safe?
Long-term sight-threatening complications from LASIK are very uncommon. In fact, the chance of having a vision-threatening complication with LASIK eye surgery is less than 1 percent. The laser used at 20/20 Institute is FDA-approved and is the most advanced laser technology available today. Our doctors and LASIK Surgeons in all three states, Colorado, Indiana and Oregon, are happy to discuss any questions you may have.
Can I afford LASIK?
20/20 Institute makes it easy and affordable for people to achieve visual freedom through many financing options. And with our 20/20 Institute LASIK Assurance, you won't pay until you reach your ultimate goal of 20/20 vision!
The average contact lens and glasses wearer spends approximately $750 per year on eyewear, lenses and solutions. Calculating the savings from not having to purchase glasses, contact lenses or solution for the next 20 years makes LASIK vision correction an easy decision for most people. However, assigning a cost to the ability to see the alarm clock in the morning without searching for your glasses on your nightstand is almost priceless for many. Consider the value of not having to wear glasses or contact lenses in the following scenarios:
- Exercising without pushing up your glasses or wearing contacts
- Swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving without prescription goggles
- Checking on your children in the middle of the night
- Saving 15 minutes a day that was otherwise spent on care for contact lenses
- Buying non-prescription sunglasses
Can you afford NOT to contact us to schedule your LASIK procedure?
Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Astigmatism is a refractive vision problem that occurs when the cornea is shaped more oblong than spherical. The result is blurred vision because light is refracted incorrectly and the retina in the back of the eye focuses two points rather than one. If you are suffering from astigmatism, LASIK eye surgery may be able to correct your vision depending on how great your astigmatism is. During the LASIK procedure, the laser can be used to reshape your cornea, allowing light to enter your eye correctly, and giving you sharper, clearer vision. If you would like find out if your astigmatism can be corrected with LASIK, contact 20/20 Institute today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
What can I expect from the LASIK procedure?
On the day of your LASIK surgery procedure, we ask that you arrive an hour prior to your scheduled procedure time. You will be given a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure and take a short nap when you arrive home afterwards.
You'll be reclining in an exam chair with an instrument gently holding the treated eye open. The surgeon administers numbing drops, the same drops used in routine eye exams. When your eye is anesthetized, the doctor creates a small flap in the outer tissue of the cornea with a femtosecond laser called the Ziemer LDV laser. When the flap has been folded back out of the way, the surgeon reshapes the cornea with the Wavelight Allegretto laser, and repositions the flap in its original position.
The flap heals quickly without sutures or bandages. No bleeding is expected during the procedure because the cornea is avascular (containing no blood vessels) and there is virtually no discomfort.
How long does LASIK take?
The actual time of the laser eye surgery treatment is about 60 seconds per eye, depending on the amount of correction needed. The total procedure time for both eyes is approximately 15 minutes.
Will I feel discomfort during or after the procedure?
The eye is numbed so the vast majority of patients do not report discomfort during the LASIK surgery procedure. After the procedure, some people have a minor "scratchy" sensation that is relieved by drops and usually disappears later that day.
What can I expect following the procedure?
Following your LASIK surgery, drops are placed in the eye to facilitate the healing process. After your treatment you will go home and rest. Sleep is very helpful to the eyes and ensures quicker healing following the procedure. You will use prescription eye drops for five to seven days, sleep in goggles for two or three nights, and refrain from rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
When can I return to work and normal activities?
Most people are able to return to work and normal activities the day following LASIK surgery. Although vision may fluctuate a bit, it is usually functional within 24 hours after surgery.
Will I achieve 20/20 vision with LASIK?
Achieving 20/20 vision and better is the 20/20 Institute standard. We are committed to helping each patient achieve visual freedom. Our experienced LASIK doctors and staff in each of our locations (Denver and Indianapolis) will work with you to accomplish this goal.
How many appointments are required before and after the procedure?
A 90-minute consultation and evaluation, at which time your eyes will be examined, will determine your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery. If you are a candidate, a surgery date will be scheduled. Your surgery time commitment is two hours. We see you the day after your LASIK procedure, one week after the procedure, and then at one month, and six months following the procedure. Each visit lasts about 10 minutes.
Please call or email us to set up your free initial evaluation. You can have all of your questions answered, have a look at our state-of-the-art facilities, and meet our world class staff as they do their utmost to provide you with an outstanding life-enhancing experience at 20/20 Institute. Give us a call today.

1.800.204.1989





