IMAGINE

LIFE WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS

REDUCE YOUR DEPENDENCE ON GLASSES OR CONTACTS

Don’t let your glasses or contacts hold you back. Laser Vision Correction may be able to help you achieve better vision with fewer limitations.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular and well-known procedures for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This all-laser, blade-free procedure reshapes your cornea, the clear window at the front of your eye, to improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts.

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What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular and well-known procedures for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This all-laser, blade-free procedure reshapes your cornea, the clear window at the front of your eye, to improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

SHORT PROCEDURE

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that often takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes.

QUICK RECOVERY

Many patients experience improved vision within hours of the procedure and their vision continues to improve and stabilize over a few days.

MINIMAL DOWNTIME

Depending on the laser vision correction procedure, you may be able to return to work the next day.

SHORT PROCEDURE

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that often takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes.

QUICK RECOVERY

Many patients experience improved vision within hours of the procedure and their vision continues to improve and stabilize over a few days.

MINIMAL DOWNTIME

Depending on the laser vision correction procedure, you may be able to return to work the next day.

NO COMMITMENT

FREE LASIK CONSULTATION

The surgical correction of refractive error is a complex process, and one size does not fit all. While many people are good candidates for LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be better for some. No matter what stage of life you are in, Empire Eye and Laser Center’s award-winning Bakersfield vision correction specialists, Dr. Daniel Chang and Dr. Andrew Kao, and their refractive team, look forward to helping you find the best procedure for you. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION and take the first step on your path to better vision with less dependence on glasses and contacts.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

NO COMMITMENT.

FREE LASIK CONSULTATION

The surgical correction of refractive error is a complex process, and one size does not fit all. While many people are good candidates for LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be better for some. No matter what stage of life you are in, Empire Eye and Laser Center’s award-winning Bakersfield vision correction specialists, Dr. Daniel Chang and Dr. Andrew Kao, and their refractive team, look forward to helping you find the best procedure for you. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION and take the first step on your path to better vision with less dependence on glasses and contacts.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK in Bakersfield is a great option if you are at least 18 years of age and ready to reduce your dependency on glasses and/or contacts. It can help people who are Nearsighted, Farsighted, and those with Astigmatism. There are some factors that can affect candidacy, including the stability and severity of your refractive error, as well as the thickness and shape of the cornea. At Empire Eye and Laser Center, our Bakersfield vision correction specialists will perform a thorough consultation, examination, and diagnostic testing to determine which laser vision correction procedure is right for you. Click below and take our self-evaluation survey, so we can let you know which procedure might be the best option for your vision and lifestyle.

TAKE OUR LASIK SELF-EVALUATION

LASIK in Bakersfield is a great option if you are at least 18 years of age and ready to reduce your dependency on glasses and/or contacts. It can help people who are Nearsighted, Farsighted, and those with Astigmatism. There are some factors that can affect candidacy, including the stability and severity of your refractive error, as well as the thickness and shape of the cornea. At Empire Eye and Laser Center, our Bakersfield vision correction specialists will perform a thorough consultation, examination, and diagnostic testing to determine which laser vision correction procedure is right for you. Click below and take our self-evaluation survey, so we can let you know which procedure might be the best option for your vision and lifestyle.

TAKE OUR LASIK SELF-EVALUATION

SAFE, EASY & AFFORDABLE

Affordable LASIK Eye Surgery in Bakersfield

If you’ve imagined a life without the need for glasses or contacts, you’ve probably also wondered about the cost of making that dream come true. Empire Eye and Laser Center is proud to provide our community with high-quality laser vision correction right here in Bakersfield, no need to drive out of town. And we pride ourselves on competitive and transparent up-front pricing. We are committed to preventing cost from being a barrier to achieving your dream, and we offer convenient financing options to help LASIK fit your budget. The financing application process is quick and easy, and we invite you to click the button below to explore our payment plans and see if you qualify. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a FREE consultation or call/text us at (661) 88-LASIK to learn more about our vision correction procedures and pricing.

See our Financing Options

SAFE, EASY & AFFORDABLE

Affordable LASIK Eye Surgery in Bakersfield

If you’ve imagined a life without the need for glasses or contacts, you’ve probably also wondered about the cost of making that dream come true. Empire Eye and Laser Center is proud to provide our community with high-quality laser vision correction right here in Bakersfield, no need to drive out of town. And we pride ourselves on competitive and transparent up-front pricing. We are committed to preventing cost from being a barrier to achieving your dream, and we offer convenient financing options to help LASIK fit your budget. The financing application process is quick and easy, and we invite you to click the button below to explore our payment plans and see if you qualify. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a FREE consultation or call/text us at (661) 88-LASIK to learn more about our vision correction procedures and pricing.

See our Financing Options

What Real Patients Say About LASIK

"I am thrilled with my LASIK resuts and love my vision!"

Dr. Lisa HigsonPRK Patient

"My favorite part LASIK is being able to see 20/20 the instant I open my eyes in the morning."

Dr. Eileen NgLASIK Patient

"Having LASIK changed my life!"

Asta F.LASIK Patient

"I can't believe I waited so long to get rid of my glasses and contacts!"

Agnes T.PRK Patient

"I love my vision. I'm so glad I had LASIK!"

Robbin R.LASIK Patient

What Real Patients Say About LASIK

"I am thrilled with my LASIK resuts and love my vision!"

Dr. Lisa HigsonPRK Patient

"My favorite part LASIK is being able to see 20/20 the instant I open my eyes in the morning."

Dr. Eileen NgLASIK Patient

"Having LASIK changed my life!"

Asta F.LASIK Patient

"I can't believe I waited so long to get rid of my glasses and contacts!"

Agnes T.PRK Patient

"I love my vision. I'm so glad I had LASIK!"

Robbin R.LASIK Patient

How does LASIK work?

Your cornea, the clear dome that overlies the colored part of your eye, is responsible for approximately two-thirds of your eye’s light focusing ability. When the shape of your cornea does not match the length and shape of the rest of your eye, you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Glasses and contact lenses are effective in correcting these refractive errors, but each has its limitations and shortcomings. With LASIK, Empire Eye and Laser Center’s vision correction specialists use a laser to reshape your cornea, allowing your eye to focus correctly without the need for corrective eyewear or contact lenses. After some mild oral sedation, you receive a topical numbing eye drop. You are positioned under the laser, and your eyelids are gently held open, so you don’t have to worry about blinking. The surface epithelial cells are quickly removed, and the laser is locked onto your iris. In seconds, the laser reshapes your cornea to the desired curvature. Medications and drops that prevent pain, infection, and scarring are then placed on your eye followed by a soft bandage lens. No eye patch and no eye shield are needed. You are in and out of the surgical suite in less than 15 minutes.

How does LASIK work?

Your cornea, the clear dome that overlies the colored part of your eye, is responsible for approximately two-thirds of your eye’s light focusing ability. When the shape of your cornea does not match the length and shape of the rest of your eye, you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Glasses and contact lenses are effective in correcting these refractive errors, but each has its limitations and shortcomings. With LASIK, Empire Eye and Laser Center’s vision correction specialists use a laser to reshape your cornea, allowing your eye to focus correctly without the need for corrective eyewear or contact lenses. After some mild oral sedation, you receive a topical numbing eye drop. You are positioned under the laser, and your eyelids are gently held open, so you don’t have to worry about blinking. The surface epithelial cells are quickly removed, and the laser is locked onto your iris. In seconds, the laser reshapes your cornea to the desired curvature. Medications and drops that prevent pain, infection, and scarring are then placed on your eye followed by a soft bandage lens. No eye patch and no eye shield are needed. You are in and out of the surgical suite in less than 15 minutes.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

The Difference Between LASIK and PRK

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is the most common surgical procedure for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Because of its safety, stability, and quick visual recovery, millions of people undergo LASIK every year. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the original Laser Vision Correction procedure for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Also known in various forms as LASEK, epi-LASIK, and Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), a high-precision laser is focused on the surface of your cornea, eliminating the need for creating a corneal flap. Although PRK has been around for a while, don’t let the name fool you- PRK has undergone many changes and advances in patient comfort and surgical outcomes, making it generations better than the original procedure performed in the 1980s and 90s. Click the button below to take our self-evaluation survey and find out which procedure works best for you.

TAKE OUR LASIK SELF-EVALUATION

The Difference Between LASIK and PRK

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is the most common surgical procedure for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Because of its safety, stability, and quick visual recovery, millions of people undergo LASIK every year. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the original Laser Vision Correction procedure for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Also known in various forms as LASEK, epi-LASIK, and Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), a high-precision laser is focused on the surface of your cornea, eliminating the need for creating a corneal flap. Although PRK has been around for a while, don’t let the name fool you- PRK has undergone many changes and advances in patient comfort and surgical outcomes, making it generations better than the original procedure performed in the 1980s and 90s. Click the button below to take our self-evaluation survey and find out which procedure works best for you.

TAKE OUR LASIK SELF-EVALUATION

Frequently Asked Questions

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LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe and effective medical procedure that uses a high-precision excimer laser to gently reshape the cornea, the clear window at the front of your eye, to sharpen your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. LASIK can correct vision concerns such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

If you are tired of reaching for glasses every morning or spending precious time every day dealing with contact lenses, LASIK may be a great option to help you enjoy better vision. In general, a good LASIK candidate must be at least 18 years old, have healthy eyes, and a stable eye prescription for the last twelve months. Patients with certain medical concerns and women who are pregnant or nursing (within the last 3 months) may not be candidates for LASIK. However, there are other vision correction procedures that may be better suited to help you enjoy a life with reduced dependence on glasses and contacts. Our refractive team is ready to discuss your options with you, so take the first step on your path to better vision and complete our self-evaluation survey.

Over 7000 clinical studies have shown LASIK to have an extremely high success rate, as well as one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. Every patient and case is different and no one can guarantee you 20/20 vision. At Empire Eye and Laser Center, Kern County's most experienced vision correction specialists are committed to helping you achieve the best vision possible, starting with detailed measurements and examinations of your eyes to maximize the optical refractive and visual outcomes.

LASIK is one of the most studied elective procedures today, and there is a tremendous amount of data supporting the safety and effectiveness of laser vision correction. Sight-threatening complications during or after LASIK are extremely rare. However, just like with any medical procedure, deciding to undergo LASIK should not be done lightly. It’s important to do your research and to choose a surgeon who is reputable, well respected, and experienced. We recommend patients prepare a list of questions to ask their LASIK surgeon about the procedure and get familiar with the entire process. Our refractive team is ready to help answer any questions you may have, and discuss the risks, benefits, and possible limitations of laser vision correction.

Most patients experience little to no pain during LASIK. Anesthetic drops ensure the eyes are fully numb, though you may experience a light pressure sensation during the procedure. Some patients also opt for a mild sedative to help them relax. Following laser vision correction, it’s normal for the eye to feel a bit irritated for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. Patients are also prescribed eye drops to provide comfort and healing during the days following the procedure.

Visual recovery from LASIK is quite fast, and many patients are able to see clearly within 24-48 hours. While it's recommended that you avoid certain activities such as swimming or contact sports for a few weeks, many LASIK patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after their procedure.

Yes! If both your eyes need correcting then this will generally be done on the same day.

In both PRK and LASIK, an excimer laser is used to reshape your cornea. However, with PRK, no flap is created. Your surgeon gently removes the cells on the surface of your cornea to sculpt the stromal layers. A special contact lens is placed on top of your cornea to help the healing and regenerating process in the days following the procedure. PRK may be safer for patients with thin corneas, irregular corneas, and ocular surface issues. Although the first few days of visual recovery can be slower and less comfortable than LASIK, the long-term visual outcomes are similarly outstanding.

The changes made to your eyes through LASIK are permanent, and most LASIK patients will enjoy a lifetime of improved vision, particularly distance vision. However, whether you've had LASIK or not, age-related changes to your eyes are inevitable and may eventually begin to affect your vision. The most common of these age-related changes is presbyopia, a refractive error that makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close.

Scheduling a LASIK consultation at Empire Eye and Laser Center is easy! Simply call or text us at 661-88-LASIK or click here to have someone on our refractive team reach out to you.

For your initial LASIK consultation, plan to be at Empire Eye and Laser Center for about an hour. During this time, a number of special tests and measurements will be performed to evaluate your eyes, and you will meet with our refractive surgery coordinator to talk about which vision correction procedure might be best suited for you. They will also discuss the risks, benefits, pre- and post-operative process, cost, and payment options.

The primary aim of laser vision correction is to minimize or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts to see clearly at a distance. However, LASIK does not change the normal aging process of your eyes. Whether they've had LASIK or not, most people will eventually develop some degree of presbyopia, requiring reading glasses to see clearly up close.

At Empire Eye and Laser Center, we are committed to making LASIK fit within your budget. We provide transparent, up-front pricing during your FREE LASIK consultation, and we offer easy financing options to help make your vision correction procedure affordable. Click here to learn more about our financing options.

Following laser vision correction, patients may experience temporary dryness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or halos at night. Seeing glares or halos in the evening typically resolve within a few weeks, and artificial tears can help keep the surface of your eyes moist during the healing process. Following LASIK surgery, you are advised to wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce eye sensitivity and protect the eye during the healing process. Just like with any medical procedure, there are other risks involved with LASIK and PRK, and while instances of complications are rare, our refractive team will make sure to discuss them all with you so you can make a well-informed decision.

What Makes Empire Eye and Laser Center Different

At Empire Eye and Laser Center, we are committed to the best surgical results with the best quality of care. Our highly experienced, award-winning Bakersfield vision correction specialists, Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao, understand that even when performing LASIK with advanced lasers and technologies, meticulous attention to detail is still of utmost importance. From the very beginning, our refractive team is here to answer your questions and carefully explain the entire process. Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao believe that good patient-surgeon communication is the cornerstone of a positive and memorable experience. Our surgeons and refractive team will perform multiple measurements of your eyes in the course of your consults and will perform careful examinations to ensure that you will have excellent results. They will assess the stability of your refraction and determine your current refractive state. Empire Eye and Laser Center’s experienced refractive surgeons will personally check and double-check (and triple-check) your measurements, so you can rest assured that the correct treatment will be performed on your eyes. Whether you’re absolutely ready to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, or if you just want to find out if you would be a good LASIK candidate, come see how Empire Eye and Laser Center provides “Quality worth Experiencing.”

Quality Bakersfield Laser Vision Correction

Dr. Daniel Chang and Dr. Andrew Kao perform LASIK with one of the most advanced laser technology platforms available today, the same system U.S. Naval Medical Centers uses to treat Naval aviators–the “Top Gun” pilots who need superior vision to make aircraft carrier landings.

Not sure if you’re a candidate for LASIK? Take a self-evaluation survey today and see if LASIK is the best treatment for you.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

What Makes Empire Eye and Laser Center Different

At Empire Eye and Laser Center, we are committed to the best surgical results with the best quality of care. Our highly experienced, award-winning Bakersfield vision correction specialists, Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao, understand that even when performing LASIK with advanced lasers and technologies, meticulous attention to detail is still of utmost importance. From the very beginning, our refractive team is here to answer your questions and carefully explain the entire process. Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao believe that good patient-surgeon communication is the cornerstone of a positive and memorable experience. Our surgeons and refractive team will perform multiple measurements of your eyes in the course of your consults and will perform careful examinations to ensure that you will have excellent results. They will assess the stability of your refraction and determine your current refractive state. Empire Eye and Laser Center’s experienced refractive surgeons will personally check and double-check (and triple-check) your measurements, so you can rest assured that the correct treatment will be performed on your eyes. Whether you’re absolutely ready to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, or if you just want to find out if you would be a good LASIK candidate, come see how Empire Eye and Laser Center provides “Quality worth Experiencing.”

Quality Bakersfield Laser Vision Correction

Dr. Daniel Chang and Dr. Andrew Kao perform LASIK with one of the most advanced laser technology platforms available today, the same system U.S. Naval Medical Centers uses to treat Naval aviators–the “Top Gun” pilots who need superior vision to make aircraft carrier landings.

Not sure if you’re a candidate for LASIK? Take a self-evaluation survey today and see if LASIK is the best treatment for you.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

Meet Your Surgeons

Meet Your Surgeons

To Schedule a FREE Consultation or Ask Questions

Call or TEXT 661-88-LASIK

Questions?

Call or TEXT

661-88-LASIK