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Is LASIK Right for You? What to Know Before Surgery

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LASIK might be your ticket to glasses-free vision – but is it the right choice for your eyes? Here’s what to consider before you commit.

At Phillips Eye Clinic, we help patients throughout Midland, TX navigate LASIK with expert co-management and honest guidance.

How LASIK Works (and What It Can Fix)

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular and effective forms of vision correction surgery. It reshapes the cornea using a precision laser, allowing light to focus correctly onto the retina. The result? Clearer vision without needing glasses or contacts.

Most LASIK patients are dealing with:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism

By adjusting the shape of your cornea, LASIK can significantly reduce – or even eliminate – your need for corrective lenses.

Is LASIK Safe? What the Research Shows

LASIK is considered very safe. In fact, it has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure in the U.S.

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. The procedure has been refined for over two decades and is performed with incredibly precise technology. Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.

That said, no surgery is entirely risk-free. Some patients experience dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights – especially in the weeks following the procedure. These side effects are typically temporary, and most improve as the eyes continue to heal.

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is a match for LASIK, and that’s okay.

The best candidates are typically:

  • 18 or older with stable vision for at least a year
  • Free from eye diseases like glaucoma or severe dry eye
  • Not pregnant or nursing (hormones can affect vision)
  • In overall good health

Your corneal thickness, eye shape, and prescription strength also factor into eligibility. That’s why a thorough pre-operative exam is essential – it helps determine if LASIK is safe and likely to deliver the results you want.

And if LASIK isn’t the right fit? Other options like PRK, SMILE, or refractive lens exchange may still give you a clearer view of the world.

Why You Still Need an Eye Doctor for LASIK

Even if your LASIK procedure is done by a surgeon, your optometrist plays a critical role before and after surgery. At Phillips Eye Clinic, we offer refractive surgery co-management – meaning we handle your pre-operative exams, help you navigate your candidacy, and provide post-op care to monitor healing and vision changes.

Because we already know your eyes and your history, we can be your advocate during every step of the LASIK process. If something doesn’t feel quite right afterward, you’ll know exactly who to call – and we’ll be ready.

LASIK in Midland, TX Starts with a Trusted Partner

Considering LASIK in Midland TX? You don’t need to figure it out alone. At Phillips Eye Clinic, we help patients understand their options and make informed decisions about their vision. If LASIK is the right call for your eyes, we’ll connect you with a trusted local surgeon and guide you through recovery with attentive, personalized care.

Call (432) 689-0323 or request an appointment today to learn more about LASIK and other options for long-term vision correction.