Ask Your Doctor: LASIK, PRK & ICL FAQs

Before any procedure, you’ll likely have lots of questions about what to expect, recovery, post-op and more. Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about vision correction surgery with ICON Eyecare’s top surgeons to help you understand more about LASIK, PRK and ICL eye surgery.

LASIK

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

It varies, but usually $1500-2500 per eye. The total cost of a LASIK or other vision correction procedure can depends on several factors, including the level of vision correction and customization you may need.

We understand that cost is one of the most important factors when deciding on LASIK eye surgery. ICON Eyecare offers flexible payment and financing options for your procedure. Learn more about how to make vision correction surgery more affordable.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

LASIK lasts about 7-10 years on average.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. Lasers are used to reshape the front of the eye to correct vision

Does Insurance Cover LASIK?

Traditionally, no. But it is slowly becoming more common.

Does LASIK Hurt?

The surgery is painless due to the eye being numb. There may be some mild, and rarely moderate, discomfort the day of the surgery but typically not beyond that

Is LASIK Safe?

Absolutely. The complication rate for LASIK is extremely low.

Can LASIK Fix Astigmatism?

It sure can. The ability and accuracy of correcting astigmatism is one of the biggest improvements in LASIK since its conception.

How Long Does LASIK Take?

The entire procedure usually takes less than ten minutes, and the actual laser correction takes mere seconds

Is LASIK Permanent?

The corneal tissue that is removed is permanently gone. However, natural aging changes will eventually cause vision to change in most cases

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?

The FDA requirement for LASIK is 18 years old.

Can You Get LASIK Twice?

Yes. The options for this will vary from clinic to clinic, but it can be repeated if necessary

Are You Awake During LASIK?

Yes. Patients are traditionally offered an oral sedative and/or anti-anxiety medication prior to surgery

How Long is LASIK Recovery?

The majority of patients will have functional, and often very good, vision the following day after surgery. You may be able to return to normal activities (including driving and working) the next day, although we recommend you take a long nap immediately following your procedure. You should avoid certain activities (swimming, vigorous workouts, rubbing your eyes) for a period of time after the surgery.

Many patients report greatly improved vision as soon as they sit up after the procedure, with many more seeing significant improvement by their first follow-up visit. We schedule regular follow-up visits after laser eye surgery to ensure your eyes are healing properly.

PRK

What is PRK Surgery?

PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. It is very similar to LASIK with the main difference being a longer recovery. PRK is a type of refractive surgery and the first laser vision correction technique. During this procedure, your ICON Eyecare surgeon removes the thin, outer layer of the cornea to access deeper layers to reshape the cornea using a computer-guided laser. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to create the exact corneal contours needed to sharpen vision.

How Much Does PRK Cost?

It is generally the same or very similar to LASIK.

How Long Does PRK Last?

Studies have shown comparable long-term results to LASIK.

How Long After PRK Can I Watch TV?

While there is no harm in watching TV after PRK, vision tends to be blurry and may affect your ability to see it clearly for up to a week or more.

Is PRK Better Than LASIK?

Studies show that visual outcomes of both surgeries similar.

Is PRK Safer Than LASIK?

While LASIK is very safe, PRK tends to be a little safer due to there not being a flap created in the cornea. Therefore, any and all flap complications are not possible with PRK.

How Long After PRK Can I Drive?

The majority of patients can drive within 3-6 days, but some patients can take up to a week or more to achieve functional vision.

How Long Does PRK Surgery Take?

Very similar to LASIK. Likely even slightly faster.

How Long Does PRK Take to Heal?

The large majority of healing will take place in the first week, but there is continued healing for months after the surgery.

What is the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?

The main difference is that LASIK requires a flap to be made in the cornea and PRK does not.

Can You Get PRK Twice?

Most patients can get PRK multiple times if necessary.

Does PRK Hurt?

The surgery is painless due to the eyes being numb, but discomfort, and sometimes even pain, is common for the first few days after surgery.

Does PRK Fix Astigmatism?

Yes. The ability to correct astigmatism is the same as that of LASIK.

ICL

What is ICL Surgery?

EVO® ICL™ is a biocompatible polymer lens that is implanted inside the eye to correct vision. Think of it as a soft contact lens (that you don’t feel) implanted inside your eye, right behind the iris, to correct your vision.

What Does ICL Correct?

ICL is currently approved in the United States to correct for myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

How Much Does ICL Cost?

Prices will vary by clinic but will commonly be in the range of $3000-5000 per eye.

How Long Does ICL Last?

Typically, the ICL lenses will remain in the eyes until the need for cataract surgery (average age of 60s to 70s). However, the EVO® Visian ICL™ is intended to remain in place as long as you are satisfied with your vision. If at any point your vision changes or you wish to have them removed, it can be done easily and without compromising your current vision whatsoever.

Is ICL Painful?

No. The eyes are numb during surgery, and patients rarely report pain during recovery.