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.

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.