FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FIND ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS MANY HAVE
LASIK is a laser procedure that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so light focuses properly on the retina. The surgeon creates a thin flap, reshapes the tissue underneath with a laser, and repositions the flap. The laser portion usually takes only a few minutes per eye.
Many Kentucky practices advertise roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, with most quotes around $2,000 to $2,600. The final price depends on the technology used, your prescription, and what’s included, so ask for a written, itemized quote. See our full cost guide for details.
Good candidates are generally adults 18 or older with healthy eyes, a prescription that has been stable for a year or more, and corneas thick and regular enough for the procedure. Only a comprehensive eye exam can confirm candidacy. Our candidacy guide explains what surgeons check.
LASIK is widely performed and most patients are satisfied, but it is surgery and it has risks. The most common are dry eye and night-vision effects such as glare and halos, which are often temporary. Less commonly, patients need an enhancement, and rare complications can affect vision. A good surgeon will go over your personal risks before you decide.
Numbing drops keep the procedure itself nearly painless, though you may feel pressure. Afterward, mild irritation, light sensitivity, and dryness are common for a day or two. Many people notice clearer vision within a day and return to work within a few days, but healing and full stabilization can take weeks to months. Your surgeon will give you specific limits on driving, exercise, and eye makeup.
You may still have options. PRK, SMILE, and implantable lenses suit different corneas and prescriptions, and some people simply need to wait for their prescription to stabilize or to treat dry eye first. If you want a second opinion, that’s reasonable. See our LASIK vs PRK vs SMILE guide.
The corneal reshaping is permanent, but your eyes can still change with age. Many people need reading glasses in their 40s or later, and some develop cataracts or other changes down the road. A small number need an enhancement to fine-tune their results, so ask each practice about its enhancement policy.