LASIK FAQs in Chicago, IL
Considering LASIK but have questions before booking your consultation? At Ideal Family Eye Care, we’ve partnered with Dr. Kevin Kovach of the Kovach Eye Institute to perform LASIK procedures for our patients. We want you to feel fully informed and confident before taking the next step. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we hear about LASIK — and our team is always here to answer anything else on your mind.
request an appointmentYour LASIK Questions Answered
LASIK is the most commonly performed elective eye surgery in the United States, but we understand that the decision to have any surgical procedure on your eyes is not one to take lightly. Our goal at Ideal Family Eye Care is to make sure every patient has the information they need to make the best decision for their vision and overall eye health. If you’re ready to find out whether LASIK is right for you, visit our LASIK Consultation page to learn more about the evaluation process.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive eye surgery that uses a precisely controlled laser to reshape the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — improving how it focuses light onto the retina. By correcting the cornea’s shape, LASIK can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is most commonly used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
There are two main types of laser vision correction surgery: LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the outer corneal layer to access the underlying tissue, while PRK removes the outer corneal cells entirely before reshaping. Both are safe and effective — the right choice depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, and lifestyle. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will help determine which option is most appropriate during your LASIK consultation.
How Safe Are LASIK and PRK?
Both LASIK and PRK have excellent safety records and are among the most thoroughly studied elective procedures in medicine. The laser technology used generates a cool beam of light that does not injure surrounding tissue, and the surgeon can halt the procedure at any point. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects — the most commonly reported include temporary dry eyes and nighttime glare or halos. The risk of serious complications is extremely low, and the vast majority of patients report very favorable outcomes with significantly improved vision. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will provide a complete review of all potential risks and benefits during your consultation. Our dry eye team can also assess and treat any pre-existing dry eye condition before your procedure to help optimize your outcome.
Can Both Eyes Be Treated at Once?
Yes. LASIK is routinely performed on both eyes in a single visit, which means you can enjoy clear vision in both eyes as quickly as possible with just one recovery period. For PRK, your surgeon may prefer to treat one eye at a time — typically with a week or two between procedures — because PRK has a longer visual recovery period than LASIK. The timeline for your treatment will be determined during your pre-operative evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care.
Does LASIK Hurt?
No. LASIK is not a painful procedure. Numbing eye drops are applied before surgery so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may notice a mild pressure sensation as the corneal flap is created, but this lasts only seconds. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some temporary discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling in the eyes as they heal — most patients feel comfortable within a day or two. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
What Makes LASIK Different from Traditional Eye Surgery?
Traditional eye surgery techniques involved manual incisions to correct vision problems. LASIK uses advanced computer-guided laser technology to make corrections with extraordinary precision — removing only the exact amount of corneal tissue needed, in the exact location required, to achieve optimal vision correction. This precision reduces the risk of complications compared to older manual techniques and allows for much faster recovery times. Most LASIK patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours and return to normal activities within one to two days.
Ready to find out if LASIK is right for you? Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 to schedule your LASIK consultation in Chicago, IL today.
More Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Good LASIK candidates are generally 18 or older with a stable prescription for at least one year, adequate corneal thickness, no significant corneal disease, healthy eyes, and no autoimmune conditions. Patients with significant dry eye syndrome may need treatment prior to surgery. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will perform a thorough LASIK consultation to determine your candidacy.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
The LASIK procedure itself takes less than 15 minutes per eye, with the laser portion lasting only seconds. The full appointment — including preparation, the procedure, and a brief recovery observation period — typically lasts about one to two hours at the surgical center.
How quickly will I see results after LASIK?
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within 24 hours of LASIK surgery. Vision continues to stabilize over the following weeks, with optimal results typically achieved within one to three months. A follow-up appointment at Ideal Family Eye Care is scheduled a few days after your procedure to confirm that your healing is progressing well.
Will I still need glasses after LASIK?
Most patients experience a significant reduction in or complete elimination of their need for glasses or contacts after LASIK. However, some patients with very high prescriptions may still require mild correction. Additionally, age-related near vision changes (presbyopia) that occur naturally in your 40s may eventually require reading glasses regardless of LASIK. Your provider will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific prescription during your consultation.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Both LASIK and PRK use laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap and has a faster recovery. PRK removes the surface cells before reshaping and has a slower initial recovery but may be preferred for patients with thinner corneas. Your Ideal Family Eye Care provider will recommend the best option based on your corneal anatomy and prescription.
What alternative vision correction options are available if I’m not a LASIK candidate?
If LASIK is not the right fit, Ideal Family Eye Care offers excellent alternatives including Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — custom overnight lenses that reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision without surgery. We can also refer you for evaluation for other refractive surgery options such as PRK, LASEK, or implantable lenses.
How do I schedule a LASIK consultation at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or book online to schedule your LASIK consultation. Our providers will perform a comprehensive evaluation and help you decide whether LASIK or another vision correction option is right for you.