
LASIK Laser Vision Correction
As the most common method of eye vision correction performed today, LASIK offers incredible success rates, with the vast majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. At Kirk Eye Center, we have performed thousands of LASIK procedures, including surgeries on our own family members.
See for yourself why millions of people turn to LASIK surgery for better vision. To schedule a laser eye surgery consultation, contact our office. We welcome patients from throughout the Chicago area.
What is LASIK?
Laser-assisted in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most technologically advanced method of vision correction available today. It is a refractive vision surgery that offers you greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
The LASIK procedure sculpts the cornea with the ultraviolet light of a computer-guided laser to correct vision errors such as:
Astigmatism
A common vision problem that results from an irregularly shaped cornea. Astigmatism develops when your cornea is oval-shaped with flat or steep surfaces. Laser eye correction can appropriately reshape the cornea and provide crisp vision. Nearsightedness: The medical term for nearsightedness is myopia. By focusing light in front of the retina, vision becomes blurred. Nearsighted patients can see things that are near with greater clarity than distant objects. Through eye laser surgery, the shape of the cornea is changed, moving the image back onto the retina, producing sharp images.
Farsightedness
Hyperopia is the medical term for farsightedness. It occurs when the eye tries to focus light behind the eye, resulting in blurry vision. People with farsighted vision can see objects at a distance easier than those that are near. Laser eye treatment creates clear vision by changing the shape of the cornea. Age-related loss of near vision: Presbyopia is the medical term for the loss of near vision that happens naturally with age. It typically affects patients in their 40s and 50s. Reading glasses and bifocals have traditionally been the standard vision-correction method for individuals with presbyopia, but the LASIK procedure can eliminate the need for glasses for a majority of patients.
What is Contoura Vision?
Also known as topography-guided LASIK, Contoura® Vision offers updated, FDA-approved customization to LASIK technology. Designed to enhance the results of a LASIK procedure, Contoura helps to treat both the shape of the eye and the texture of the cornea, whereas traditional LASIK only corrects eye shape. With Contoura, our team at Kirk Eye Center can receive more detailed data that better evaluates the unique features of your eye for more precise LASIK treatment. This innovative treatment option is especially beneficial for patients who have vision problems that include nearsightedness (myopia, irregular corneas, and/or astigmatism. Learn more about if you are a candidate for LASIK with Contoura Vision by contacting our facility to schedule an initial consultation.
How Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Work?
The LASIK procedure uses a surgical laser to reshape the cornea of your eye, which can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In recent years, this eye laser surgery has become increasingly prevalent, enjoying incredible popularity thanks to its safety, comfort and ability to eliminate the need for contact or glasses.
The procedure itself takes only about 20 minutes. The eyes are numbed with simple eye drops; no needles or injections are used. During the painless laser procedure, a thin flap is made in the cornea and the underlying corneal tissue is precisely reshaped to correct your specific vision problem. Once the procedure is completed, the flap is repositioned back in place and your eye heals naturally. As a patient undergoing LASIK eye surgery, you will essentially only see an interesting light show. Almost all of our patients are pleasantly fascinated by the experience.
Benefits of LASIK
Not only does LASIK offer permanent vision correction, the procedure is remarkably safe and has one of the highest success rates of any surgical treatment. Other benefits include:
By now, almost everyone knows that LASIK can improve the way you see. It helps you enjoy hobbies, partake in recreational activities and pursue career endeavors without being encumbered with glasses or contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK Recovery Information
LASIK Recovery Time
You will experience noticeably better vision the day of your surgery. Right after your procedure, your vision will be blurry. Go home and sleep for two to three hours. When you wake up, you will notice improved vision. Your vision will continue to improve over the coming days, although you may experience some discomfort over the next four days.
LASIK Recovery Tips And Aftercare
Your LASIK eye doctor will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Generally speaking, consider the following tips:
Rest
The most important thing you can do immediately following your eye laser surgery is to rest your eyes for a few hours. Sleeping or simply taking it easy and not moving after surgery gives your body crucial time to heal.
Give yourProtect your eyes from light
Even if you are not outdoors, your eyes will be tender and sensitive to light following surgery. Avoid the outdoors and wear the protective eyewear supplied by your doctor.
Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions
Take all of your medications as instructed and keep all of your follow-up appointments.
Communicate suspicious symptoms
Light sensitivity and mild irritation are common, but if you suspect something isn’t right, it never hurts to check with your LASIK doctor.
LASIK Risks and Side Effects
For most patients, the freedom and joy that accompany good vision far outweigh the risks and possible side effects of LASIK surgery, such as:

LASIK laser eye correction is a very safe procedure with high success and satisfaction rates. However, it is impossible to predict how your eye will heal with absolute certainty. Any under-correction or over-correction is typically very mild. In the extremely rare event that the issue is significant and there is enough corneal tissue, additional treatment can be performed.
LASIK Success Rate: Does LASIK Work?
LASIK has an incredible success rate. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) reports that 96 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Your LASIK Vision Correction Consultation
Your initial LASIK consultation is a chance for your doctor to fully examine the state of your ocular health and provide you with the information you need to determine the right treatment option for your needs and goals. We will answer any questions you have regarding the LASIK procedure, expected outcomes and your recovery.

If you currently wear contact lenses, we recommend leaving them out for three to four days prior to your initial consult. Do bring your prescription contacts or glasses with you to your consultation. During this initial visit, your LASIK doctor will perform a comprehensive array of tests, including:
Generally, your LASIK procedure will be scheduled within one to two weeks of your initial consultation.