LASIK Evaluation & Eye Surgery

How LASIK Works

LASIK uses an excimer laser (ultraviolet light) to gently remove corneal tissue and reshape the cornea so that light focuses properly on the retina.

• For nearsightedness, LASIK flattens the cornea.
• For farsightedness, LASIK steepens the cornea.
• For astigmatism, LASIK smooths out irregularities.

The procedure is quick, about 10–15 minutes per eye, and is performed with numbing eye drops, so patients feel only mild pressure. Most notice improved vision within 24–48 hours.

LASIK Evaluation: Are You a Candidate?

Before surgery, our doctors will perform a detailed LASIK evaluation that includes:

• Corneal thickness and mapping
• Prescription stability
• Pupil size measurement
• Eye pressure testing
• Retina and optic nerve health assessment
• Review of your medical and eye history

Ideal candidates:

• Age 18 or older
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least one year
• Do not have major eye diseases (such as glaucoma or severe dry eye)
• Are in good overall health

During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether LASIK is the right option or if another vision correction treatment may be better.

Preparing for LASIK

• Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least 3 days before your evaluation (3 weeks for rigid gas-permeable lenses).
• Avoid eye makeup, lotions, or perfumes before surgery.
• Eat a light meal the day of surgery and take prescribed medications as directed.
• Arrange transportation home after surgery, vision will be blurry immediately afterward.

What to Expect During LASIK

1. Numbing drops are applied to the eyes.
2. A suction ring holds the eye steady.
3. A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea.
4. The flap is gently lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue.
5. The flap is repositioned to heal naturally without stitches.

Most patients report mild pressure during the procedure and little to no discomfort.

LASIK Recovery

• Rapid healing: Clearer vision usually within 1–2 days.
• Eye drops prescribed: To prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain moisture.
• Minimal downtime: Most return to work within 1–2 days.
• Follow-up visits: Scheduled within 48 hours, then at intervals over the first 6 months.

Benefits of LASIK

• Better vision: Many patients achieve 20/25 vision or better.
• Reduced dependence on glasses or contacts: Some eliminate them entirely.
• Safe and precise: Complications are rare, occurring in only about 1 in 10,000 cases.
• Quick procedure and recovery: Just minutes per eye, with most patients resuming normal activities within days.
• Cost-effective: Reduces long-term expenses of glasses and contacts.
• Improved quality of life: Easier sports, travel, and daily activities without the hassle of visual aids.

​​​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule a LASIK Consultation in the Coachella Valley

If you’re ready to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, LASIK may be right for you. At Coachella Valley Optometry, we provide thorough evaluations and co-manage your surgery with skilled local surgeons.

​​​​​​​Schedule your LASIK consultation today at our offices in Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, or Palm Springs, CA and take the first step toward clear,
comfortable vision.