LASIK Consultation in Chicago, IL
Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? Ideal Family Eye Care offers comprehensive LASIK consultations to help you find out if LASIK surgery is the right solution for your vision. Our experienced optometrists will thoroughly evaluate your eye health, vision history, and candidacy to help you take the first step toward life with clearer, sharper vision.
request an appointmentWhat Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK — which stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis — is the most commonly performed elective eye surgery in the United States. It is a safe and highly effective procedure that uses a state-of-the-art laser to reshape the cornea, improving how light is focused on the retina and delivering clearer, sharper vision. For millions of patients, LASIK significantly reduces or completely eliminates the need for corrective lenses.
LASIK can correct three of the most common vision problems:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing objects at a distance.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Difficulty focusing on objects up close.
- Astigmatism: Irregular corneal curvature that causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is a remarkable procedure, but it is not the right choice for everyone. During your LASIK consultation at Ideal Family Eye Care, one of our highly trained doctors of optometry will evaluate your suitability for the procedure. Ideal LASIK candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Age 18 or older
- Stable vision prescription for at least one year
- Good overall eye health, with no corneal, retinal, or optic nerve issues
- Adequate corneal thickness
- No autoimmune conditions that could affect healing
- Healthy tear film (patients with severe dry eyes may need treatment prior to LASIK)
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
If you don’t currently meet all the qualifications for LASIK, our providers can discuss alternative vision correction options, such as Ortho-K lenses or other eye surgery options, that may be a better fit for your situation.
How Does LASIK Surgery Work?
During LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon carefully creates a thin flap in the outer layer of your cornea. Using computer-guided laser technology, they precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct your specific refractive error. Only tiny amounts of tissue are removed, in precise increments, until the optimal cornea shape is achieved. The entire procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye.
While your LASIK surgery is performed by a trusted local eye surgeon, all of your pre- and post-operative care takes place right here at Ideal Family Eye Care. Our doctors work closely with your surgeon to co-manage your care every step of the way, ensuring the best possible outcome from your procedure.
What Is Recovery Like After LASIK?
One of the greatest advantages of LASIK is its remarkably fast recovery time. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours of surgery. A follow-up visit at Ideal Family Eye Care is scheduled a few days after your procedure to confirm that your eyes are healing properly. The majority of LASIK patients return to work and normal activities within one to two days.
Ready to find out if LASIK is right for you? Call Ideal Family Eye Care today at (773) 774-2200 or schedule your LASIK consultation online. You can also visit our LASIK FAQs page to get answers to common questions before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Consultations
What happens during a LASIK consultation at Ideal Family Eye Care?
During your LASIK consultation, our optometrist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, measure your corneal thickness, assess your vision prescription stability, examine your tear film, and review your overall health history. Based on these findings, we will advise whether LASIK is the right option for you and what you can expect from the procedure.
Is LASIK painful?
No. LASIK is not a painful procedure. Numbing eye drops are applied before surgery so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience mild pressure sensations. After surgery, it’s common to have temporary dryness or light sensitivity, which usually resolves within a few days.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
The LASIK procedure itself typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye. The entire appointment, including preparation and post-procedure observation, usually lasts about one to two hours.
Is LASIK permanent?
For most patients, the results of LASIK are permanent. However, natural changes to the eye that occur with aging — such as presbyopia — can still affect your vision over time. Some patients may eventually require reading glasses as they get older, even after a successful LASIK procedure.
What are the alternatives to LASIK if I’m not a good candidate?
If LASIK is not the right option for you, Ideal Family Eye Care offers several alternatives, including Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses and referrals for other refractive surgery options. Our team will work with you to find the best solution for your vision needs.
Does Ideal Family Eye Care perform the LASIK surgery itself?
At Ideal Family Eye Care, we provide the LASIK consultation, pre-operative evaluation, and all post-operative care. The actual surgery is performed by a trusted local eye surgeon, with whom our doctors closely collaborate to ensure a seamless and successful experience for every patient.
How do I schedule a LASIK consultation?
Call us at (773) 774-2200 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your LASIK consultation at Ideal Family Eye Care in Chicago, IL . You can also check out our LASIK FAQs page for more information before your visit.