See Life Clearly — Without Glasses or Contacts
Learn whether LASIK is right for you. Compare costs, find trusted surgeons, and request a free consultation — all in one place.
🏥 FDA-Cleared Procedures
👁 Board-Certified Surgeons
⭐ 4.9/5 Patient Satisfaction
💰 Financing Options Available
Is LASIK Right for You?
LASIK is life-changing for the right candidate. Take 2 minutes to find out where you stand.
✓ You May Qualify If:
- Age 21+ with a stable prescription (12+ months)
- Nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
- Corneas are healthy and have adequate thickness
- No significant dry eye issues
- No autoimmune or healing conditions
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
⚠ May Not Be Ideal If:
- Prescription is very high or still changing
- You have severe chronic dry eyes
- Corneas are too thin or irregularly shaped
- You are pregnant or nursing
- Certain eye conditions are present (glaucoma, etc.)
- Alternative: PRK, EVO ICL, or SMILE may be better
LASIK Cost by City — 2026
Prices vary significantly by market. Our city guides break down what you can expect to pay, what to avoid, and how to find the best value.
📍 Los Angeles
$2,100–$3,400/eye
Premium LA clinics with latest wavefront technology.
📍 San Francisco
$2,200–$3,600/eye
Bay Area specialists with leading-edge LASIK tech.
📍 Denver
$1,800–$2,900/eye
Colorado’s top-rated centers with strong outcomes.
📍 Boston
$2,000–$3,200/eye
New England’s leading vision correction specialists.
How LASIK Works
1
Free Consultation & Screening
A comprehensive eye exam determines your candidacy. Includes corneal mapping, pupil measurement, and refraction testing. Usually free or low cost.
2
The LASIK Procedure
The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye. A laser precisely reshapes your cornea based on your unique prescription map. Most patients feel minimal discomfort.
3
Recovery & Clear Vision
Most patients see significant improvement within 24 hours. Full recovery takes 1-3 months. 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better with modern LASIK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LASIK painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during LASIK. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, so you may feel some pressure but not pain. After surgery, some patients experience temporary dryness, light sensitivity, or mild irritation — usually resolving within a few days.
How long does LASIK last?
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. For most patients, the results last a lifetime. However, natural aging (presbyopia) can affect near vision after age 40-45, and some patients may need a LASIK enhancement if their prescription changes significantly years later.
How much does LASIK cost in 2026?
LASIK costs typically range from $1,800 to $3,600 per eye depending on technology, surgeon expertise, and your location. Most clinics offer financing starting at $0 down with monthly payments. See our detailed LASIK Cost Guide for city-specific pricing.
Am I too old for LASIK?
There is no upper age limit for LASIK as long as your prescription is stable and your eyes are healthy. Adults in their 40s and 50s often undergo LASIK successfully. A comprehensive consultation will determine your candidacy.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, then reshaping the tissue underneath with a laser. PRK removes the outer corneal layer before laser treatment. PRK has a longer recovery (1-3 weeks vs. 1-2 days for LASIK) but may be recommended for patients with thin corneas. See our LASIK vs PRK comparison.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to learn if LASIK might be right for you — no obligation, no pressure, just information.
Eye Laser Institute is an independent educational resource. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult with a licensed ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon before making decisions about eye surgery. Individual results vary. Partner clinic disclosures apply.
New articles: Recovery tips after LASIK, is LASIK worth it in 2026, and LASIK vs. PRK vs. SMILE compared. Explore the full blog and read red flags to watch for in a LASIK surgeon.