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LASIK eye surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a highly effective, minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure designed to treat a range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—LASIK allows light to properly focus onto the retina, often eliminating or greatly reducing reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
Corneal mapping and diagnostics is important before advanced LASIK eye procedure
LASIK uses two advanced lasers for maximum precision:
Femtosecond laser: Creates a microscopically thin, hinged flap in the cornea.
Excimer laser: Reshapes the exposed corneal tissue according to your individualized prescription.
After the laser reshaping, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, acting as a natural bandage to promote rapid eye healing. Modern topography-guided LASIK (Contoura, Wavelight, iDesign) enables customized mapping of each patient’s eye, addressing subtle vision irregularities and aberrations for sharper, more tailored outcomes.
Topography-guided systems (Wavelight, Contoura, iDesign): Offer corneal mapping with remarkable accuracy—more than 22,000 unique data points per eye in some systems.
Femtosecond laser platforms: Allow “bladeless” flap creation, reducing risk and enhancing safety.
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms: Refine ablation profiles and predict healing responses for even more predictable results.
Success rates: Most reputable laser eye clinics worldwide now report 98–99% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, with consistently high patient satisfaction.
Not everyone is a candidate for classic LASIK, but there are several excellent alternatives:
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Minimally invasive, flapless laser surgery—mainly for myopia.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): No flap—epithelium is removed and the cornea is reshaped, great for thin corneas or athletes.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): A reversible lens implanted inside the eye—good for high prescriptions or dry eye patients.
LASEK, epi-LASIK, or light-adjustable lens implants offer further solutions for special cases.
Choice of procedure depends on age, eye anatomy, corneal thickness, lifestyle needs, and other health considerations. An experienced ophthalmologist will recommend the best laser vision correction for your individual situation.
Ideal criteria for LASIK include:
Age 18 years or older (ideally 21+)
Stable eyeglass/contact lens prescription for at least 12 months (no major changes)
Healthy corneas with normal thickness and shape, as mapped by corneal topography
No active eye disease: such as uncontrolled dry eye, keratoconus, active infection, or corneal scarring
Normal tear production: to reduce risk of prolonged dry eye after surgery
Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding (hormonal changes affect vision)
Realistic expectations about possible results and side effects
Contraindications: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), severe dry eye, thin or irregular corneas, unstable vision, or active ocular infection.
Pre-operative evaluation:
Comprehensive eye exam: visual acuity, refraction, corneal thickness, topography, tear function.
Review health, medications, and vision goals. Contact lenses are typically stopped 1–2 weeks in advance.
Counseling: discuss realistic outcomes, possible LASIK risks, possible need for enhancements (retreatment).
Day of surgery:
Numbing anesthetic eye drops applied.
Eyelid holder keeps eyes open painlessly.
Femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap (lasting seconds).
The excimer laser reshapes cornea beneath flap to correct refractive error (each pulse removes < 1/500th the width of a hair).
Flap is repositioned; no stitches needed.
Both eyes are usually treated in the same session – total time per eye: ~10 minutes; laser time itself is often less than 1 minute per eye.
0–2 hours post-LASIK: Vision may be blurred; eyes feel gritty or watery with mild burning. Sensitivity to light is common.
Day 1–2: Most patients notice significantly improved vision; can usually drive, work, and perform daily activities. Use protective eyewear at night.
First week: Healing continues—most restrictions lifted; avoid excessive rubbing or swimming.
1–4 weeks: Final visual recovery, mild dryness or halos may persist but usually fade; continue using lubricating eye drops as directed.
3–6 months: Full stabilization of vision, low risk of late complications; attend all follow-up appointments.
Temporary side effects:
Dry eyes (most common; ongoing in 20–30% for weeks/months, rare long-term)
Glare, halos, starbursts around lights (especially at night)
Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or red spots on the eye
Rare but serious LASIK complications:
Corneal flap complications (wrinkle, displacement, infection)
Under- or overcorrection, regression of vision
Night vision issues or persistent haze
Ectasia (bulging of the cornea; now rare due to better screening)
Need for additional (“enhancement”) treatments
Mitigating risk: Choose an experienced, board-certified laser surgeon, a clinic with the newest technology, strict hygiene protocols, and transparent guidance on alternatives.
USA: $1,500–$5,000 per eye (average: $2,600–$2,700/eye)
UK/Europe: £1,700–£3,000 per eye ($1,950–$3,400)
Poland/Turkey: $1,700–$2,000+ per eye (Warsaw: $1,710–$1,900)
Australia/NZ: $3,200–$3,600 per eye
Package prices often include pre-op care, surgery, post-op visits, and possible retreatment if needed.
Insurance: Most standard insurance plans do not cover elective LASIK surgery, but some employers or vision discount plans may partially offset costs.
What affects cost? Surgeon’s experience, laser technology, customized treatments, aftercare, and clinic location all play a role.
How long does LASIK last? Corrective effects are usually permanent for most people, but age-related vision changes (presbyopia/cataracts) may still appear later in life.
Does LASIK hurt? The procedure is painless thanks to numbing eye drops; some mild pressure and brief discomfort are expected.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism? Yes, modern LASIK is highly effective for most types of astigmatism.
What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK? Alternatives like PRK, SMILE, ICL, or RLE (refractive lens exchange) may be recommended by your specialist.
If you’re planning LASIK eye surgery abroad in popular destinations such as Poland, Turkey, UK, or elsewhere, dedicated medical travel insurance is essential—even for high-tech, low-risk procedures. Clinic Hunter Insurance is specifically designed for people seeking elective procedures internationally. It covers:
Unexpected complications during or after LASIK
Emergency hospitalizations and additional treatments
Trip cancellations, delays, or extended recovery abroad
Medical repatriation, if a return home for further care is necessary
Option to cover your travel companion as well
Arrange your policy conveniently when booking through Clinic Hunter—so you can focus on getting clearer vision, not worrying about unforeseen costs.
by admin, on 11.08.25
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