LASIK

Name: LASIK
Brand: Chicago Cornea Consultants
Rating: 4.2 (348 reviews)

LASIK surgery is a laser vision correction procedure that treats refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (oval curvature), etc., by removing tissue beneath the surface of the cornea.

Leaders in Vision Correction

Chicago Cornea Consultants are leaders in cutting-edge laser vision correction, and we have helped thousands of patients reclaim their visual clarity, self-confidence, and quality of life. We are proud to offer advanced LASIK surgery in Chicago with four locations in Chicago, Highland Park, Crystal Lake, and Hoffman Estates.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Here at Chicago Cornea Consultants, our LASIK surgeons use the latest in advanced laser vision correction technology to ensure each patient receives the highest quality results.

In addition to LASIK, our surgeons also offer Epi LASIK, LASEK, and PRK, which are forms of “Advanced Surface Ablation”, or ASA. These procedures may be more suitable for patients with significant refractive errors, thin corneas, or both.

How is LASIK Surgery Performed?

During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea using femtosecond laser technology. A computer-controlled excimer laser is then used to remove the proper amount of corneal tissue. In less than one minute, the excimer laser reshapes the internal layer of the cornea, or “stroma”. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position, where it bonds after only a few minutes.

The entire LASIK surgery usually takes about five to seven minutes per eye. No stitches or eye patches are required after LASIK, and the healing time is typically rapid. In fact, most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities the day after their LASIK surgery. Also, the results of LASIK are long-lasting, so you can view the world with a clear, crisp vision for years to come!

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery in Chicago:

Are you over the age of 18?
Have you had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years?
Are you affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism?
Do you have sufficient corneal thickness?
Are you free of diseases that may reduce the effectiveness of LASIK or your ability to heal properly and quickly?
Are you adequately informed about the benefits and risks of LASIK?

If you think you may be a good candidate for LASIK, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants in Chicago, Highland Park, Crystal Lake, or Hoffman Estates to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, caring surgeons.

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What are the Potential Benefits of LASIK?

Most patients who undergo LASIK experience significantly improved vision, and many patients can return to work or normal daily activities the day after surgery. Visual recovery is rapid, and patients report little or no postoperative pain. The risk of scarring or developing corneal haze is minimal in comparison to other vision correction procedures.

Are there Risks Associated with LASIK?

There are some risks associated with LASIK, including dry eyes, persistent eye pain or discomfort, glares, and/or halos when driving at night. Fortunately, the risk of significant complications is low.

Blade-free Femtosecond Laser LASIK Surgery

Although LASIK eye surgery is an extremely successful procedure, and there are very few cases of complications, there are risks. In many cases, the microkeratome, the tool that was originally used to create the corneal flap, was the source of the problem.

Femtosecond laser LASIK has replaced the mechanical microkeratome with enhanced precision, making LASIK at Chicago Cornea Consultants safer than ever before!

During the procedure, the femtosecond laser is used to precisely create a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, just like the traditional LASIK procedure.

Some patients who were ineligible for traditional LASIK surgery because their corneas were too thin may be better candidates for femtosecond laser LASIK. Femtosecond laser LASIK is also associated with fewer complications than traditional LASIK since no blade is used. The outer layer of the cornea experiences no trauma, and the procedure is relatively painless. Recovery after femtosecond laser LASIK is similar to that after traditional LASIK, with a few exceptions. Following femtosecond laser LASIK, you may experience some eye irritation for up to two days, and it may take a little longer to recover optimal vision. However, there is a lower incidence of dry eyes, corneal complications, and re-operations with femtosecond laser LASIK than with traditional LASIK.

LASIK Recovery

LASIK eye surgery is a quick outpatient procedure. Patients will return home in sunglasses or protective eye shields.

We recommend that our patients plan to rest their eyes for several hours after undergoing surgery.

Following this initial period of rest, vision may be slightly blurred. However, most patients do notice an immediate improvement in vision.

Eye drops will be prescribed to help patients avoid infection and keep the eyes moist.

Other side effects include mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, halos, and/or glare when driving at night. These side effects usually subside within a week or two after surgery but can persist for a few months. Following recovery, most patients gain 20/20 vision or better.

What Kind of Technology does Chicago Cornea Consultants Offer?

Our LASIK surgeons utilize femtosecond laser technology, which precisely forms the corneal flap without the need for cutting, as well as the most advanced excimer laser technology available, the Alcon Allegretto Wavelight excimer laser, enabling our surgeons to customize your LASIK treatment using Wavefront-guided treatment profiles. We also work with the VISX Star S4 IR, which uses ActiveTrak technology to monitor eye movement in all three dimensions while avoiding pupil dilation.

With access to virtually all currently available technology, our surgeons can specify which laser is best for your individual vision correction needs. In addition to LASIK, Chicago Cornea Consultants offers SMILE vision correction and is one of only two practices in the region to do so.

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Patient Testimonials

I recently had LASIK at Chicago Cornea and overall I am very impressed. The entire team of staff and doctors were amazing! The process was simple and everyone made me very comfortable. The doctor even called me the night I had the procedure to make sure I was doing okay. The office is very nice and I am very pleased. Best of all, I dont need glasses or contacts anymore!

Mike A.

A family member who had LASIK with Dr. Randy Epstein suggested I go see him for a consultation. Dr. Epstein explained the procedure to me throughly and made me feel comfortable with moving forward... I'm beyond happy with my vision after LASIK. I am now able to wake up and see without worrying about where I left my glasses or having to put on contacts. If you're looking for somewhere to get LASIK I highly recommend Chicago Cornea Consultants.

Francisco L.

Dr. Rachel Epstein and the entire team was amazing! I received LASIK surgery here, and I cannot recommend it enough. They walked me through all my options, my surgery was quick, painless, and comfortable. Post surgery I had all my questions answered and my vision is now perfect. If you are thinking about doing LASIK come here!

Jaden M.

I had a wonderful LASIK consultation and surgery with Dr. Rachel Epstein. She was knowledgeable, clearly explained the risks of the surgery, and was reassuring with her professionalism and experience... The procedure went very smoothly and lasted no more than 10 minutes... I had zero complications, they answered all my questions, and the office was thorough in their follow-ups. I would recommend her and the office to anyone seeking LASIK.

Hyeng K.

Why Choose Us for Your LASIK Surgery?

Our success is driven by our caring, board-certified ophthalmologists who have earned a reputation for clinical excellence and innovative surgical approaches. Consistently named among “Chicago’s Top Doctors” by Chicago Magazine, our specialists have performed thousands of successful procedures and regularly educate other physicians. We use the most advanced laser technology available to ensure every patient receives the best possible LASIK treatment, helping you regain the clear vision needed to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Chicago LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that offers a long-term solution to minimize the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are tired of constantly keeping track of your corrective lenses, please contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today to schedule a free consultation. Call our office at (800) 8-CORNEA and speak to one of our experienced Refractive Coordinators or request an appointment online!

More Resources

LASIK Surgery FAQs

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

Will I see clearly right after LASIK surgery?

Are the results of LASIK permanent?

What does recovery after LASIK look like?

What vision problems can LASIK fix?

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The actual laser portion takes only minutes per eye, and most patients are in and out of the surgery center in under an hour.

Will I see clearly right after LASIK surgery?

Many patients notice improved vision almost immediately or by the next day, though full visual clarity can continue improving for a few weeks.

Are the results of LASIK permanent?

LASIK reshapes your cornea permanently, but normal aging changes in your eyes can still affect vision over time — for example, the need for reading glasses later in life.

What does recovery after LASIK look like?

Most people return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours, though your eyes may be a bit dry and sensitive to light initially. Eye drops and simple precautions help ensure a smooth recovery.

What vision problems can LASIK fix?

LASIK can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina.

LASIK

Leaders in Vision Correction

What is LASIK?

How is LASIK Surgery Performed?

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

See the Best withChicago Cornea Consultants

What are the Potential Benefits of LASIK?

Are there Risks Associated with LASIK?

Blade-free Femtosecond Laser LASIK Surgery

LASIK Recovery

What Kind of Technology does Chicago Cornea Consultants Offer?

Patient Testimonials

Why Choose Us for Your LASIK Surgery?

More Resources

LASIK Surgery FAQs

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

Will I see clearly right after LASIK surgery?

Are the results of LASIK permanent?

What does recovery after LASIK look like?

What vision problems can LASIK fix?

See the Best withChicago CorneaConsultants