Can LASIK Make Me See Better Than When I Wear Glasses?

Dreaming of a life unblurred? Refractive surgery is a safe, effective path to seeing your best. Discover everything you need to know in this ultimate patient guide on the ins and outs of refractive eye surgery, the types of refractive surgery, and what these procedures can do for you.

What Is Refractive Eye Surgery?

Refractive eye surgery is an umbrella term used to refer to a set of eye procedures that correct vision problems (refractive errors). These surgeries aim to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts, by reshaping your cornea or implanting a lens to improve how your eye focuses light onto your retina, resulting in clearer, sharper vision.

What Can Refractive Surgery Fix?

• Myopia (Nearsightedness). This is when you struggle to see distant objects.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness). This is when you have trouble seeing near objects.
• Astigmatism. This is when you have blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea.
• Presbyopia. This is age-related loss of vision on close-up objects.

5 Types of Refractive Surgery You Can Get

There are several types of refractive surgery that are designed to address different needs and conditions. Some of the most common and effective procedures include:

1. LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis).

LASIK, the most well-known refractive surgery, creates a thin flap out of the topmost layer of your cornea, then reshapes the rest of the cornea underneath using a computer-guided laser. The flap is then repositioned to act as a natural bandage. LASIK is often praised for being a quick, painless procedure with minimal recovery and phenomenal results.

2. Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO ICL).

EVO ICL is a fantastic option for those who may not be ideal candidates for laser-based procedures, or who need a stronger prescription. Rather than reshape the cornea, ICL is a biocompatible lens implanted into the eye through a tiny incision, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. Designed to mimic the effect of glasses and contact lenses, this offers exceptional outcomes, particularly for nearsightedness.

3. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).

Similar to LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea with a precision-guided laser. However, instead of creating a flap, the outermost layer of the cornea is simply removed. This is more advantageous for those with thin corneas, as the flap isn’t necessary, but requires a longer recovery time.

4. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Where ICL seeks to augment your natural lens, RLE, also known as Custom Lens Replacement, replaces it entirely with a new artificial lens. The advantage is a wide range of choices in terms of what kind of lens you want, with premium lenses available offering even more freedom. RLE is especially useful for older patients with cataracts, where the natural lens is already being replaced.

5. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)

SMILE is a minimally invasive laser refractive surgery that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting vision. SMILE is known for being flapless and minimally invasive, potentially offering faster healing and reduced risk of dry eye compared to LASIK.

The best surgery for you depends on your refractive error, corneal health, and vision correction goals. We recommend finding a top surgeon in your area and booking in for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized recommendation for what type of refractive surgery is best for your vision

Are Refractive Surgeries Safe & Effective?

Refractive eye surgery is highly successful; over 95% of patients achieve vision good enough to drive, often better than 20/20. Complications are rare when you choose highly qualified and experienced surgeons who make use of the latest technology. Temporary side effects like dry eyes or glare are possible but usually diminish quickly. Read our guide on what to look for in a laser eye surgeon, to minimize risks.

What to Expect – Prep, Results, Recovery, & Refractive Surgery Cost

• Preparing for refractive surgery involves a few key steps:
  discontinuing contact lens wear beforehand, having a thorough eye evaluation and health review, and arranging transportation home after your procedure.
  Surgery usually takes under 30 minutes per eye, and you’ll be given numbing drops to ensure comfort.
• The results from refractive surgery are often immediately noticeable, with many patients experiencing significant vision improvement within the first 24 hours.
• Your full recovery time varies depending on the type of refractive surgery you get, as some offer quicker recovery than others (
  LASIK vs PRK).
  You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions on how to use prescribed eye drops and how to protect your eyes as they heal.
• Factors that can influence your refractive surgery cost include the type of surgery, whether it’s personalized, the experience of the surgeon and the tech they use, as well as what’s included in your package and your geographic location.
  To find out the exact cost of your desired refractive surgery type, it’s recommended to book a consultation or phone the surgeon’s financial department to get an estimation.

Will You Need Future Treatment? 

Results are typically long-lasting, offering years of clear vision. But, age-related vision changes like presbyopia and cataracts can still develop (if your natural lens isn’t swapped for an IOL), that may require you to get touch-ups, or reading glasses. Regular eye exams are important for ongoing vision monitoring.

Will You Need Future Treatment? 

Results are typically long-lasting, offering years of clear vision. But, age-related vision changes like presbyopia and cataracts can still develop (if your natural lens isn’t swapped for an IOL), that may require you to get touch-ups, or reading glasses. Regular eye exams are important for ongoing vision monitoring.

Find a Top-Rated LASIK Surgeon Near You

Ready to unlock the life-changing benefits of refractive surgery and finally experience crisp, clear vision every day? Browse
top surgeons in your area using our national directory of highly qualified refractive and LASIK surgeons, and schedule a consultation — your clearer, brighter world awaits, and Best LASIK Surgeons is here to guide you every step of the way.