LASIK
Achieve sharper, clearer vision with the most trusted laser eye surgery—safe, precise, and tailored to your eyes.
Candidates Eligible for LASIK
LASIK is considered a safe procedure, yet it is not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patient’s eyes must be performed to determine whether the LASIK procedure is appropriate. Good candidates for LASIK are patients who:
- Are over 18 years old
- Not pregnant or nursing
- In general good health
- Have had stable vision for at least 6 months
- Have healthy corneal tissue, thick enough for a flap
- Have refractive errors that fall within the treatable range
It is also important for patients to fully understand the details and risks of the procedure, and to maintain realistic expectations for the outcome.
Benefits of LASIK
One of the primary benefits of LASIK is that patients immediately experience improved vision after surgery. For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision sufficiently to permit them to perform all, or most, of their daily activities without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Approximately 90 percent of patients who have undergone LASIK achieve 20/20 to 20/40 vision as a result of the procedure.
LASIK has the advantage of being a short procedure that results in permanent vision improvement. Most patients who choose to undergo LASIK achieve clear vision without corrective lenses while also benefiting from minimal downtime and only mild post-operative discomfort.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using only numbing eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort. The entire surgery takes less than 5 minutes to perform, although patients can expect to spend a few hours at the doctor’s office. If requested, patients can receive an oral sedative prior to surgery to reduce any anxieties about the procedure.
During the LASIK procedure, the patient lies down in a reclining chair as the doctor positions the laser precisely over the eye. A speculum is used to keep the eye open while the eye is cleaned and anesthetic eye drops are administered. A corneal flap is created with either a blade or a laser. The surgeon gently lifts the surface of the cornea aside, enabling the excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea.
The excimer laser delivers customized pulses of light energy based on each patient’s prescription. The measurements for customization are determined prior to surgery, with the precise positioning confirmed prior to the start of the procedure. The second eye is treated immediately after the first. Following the surgery, the patient is provided with a protective shield to protect the eyes from bright lights.
Risks of LASIK
Any surgical procedure carries some risks, and patients should be aware that changes to the cornea made during LASIK cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, LASIK is considered safe for most eligible patients. While rare, complications may occur after the procedure, including:
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Flap complications
- Postsurgical infection
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Visual problems, such as halos or night glare
- Fluctuating vision
Only 1 percent of patients undergoing LASIK experience complications.
Recovery After The LASIK Procedure
After LASIK, patients rest in the ophthalmologist’s office for a short time before having someone else escort them home. Medication may be prescribed to relieve any discomfort experienced during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but most patients tolerate this procedure well. The doctor will likely recommend a few hours of rest after treatment. Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities the very next day. Patients who have undergone LASIK are instructed to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.
Typically, patients experience a significant improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, but the full benefits of LASIK may not be apparent for several months. While patients can achieve clear vision from LASIK, this procedure does not prevent the development of presbyopia, the age-related vision changes that occur after the age of 40. Many patients will need reading glasses for this condition, but their distance vision will remain clear.
Meet Lasik Surgery Specialist Dr. Babak Shabatian
Dr. Babak Shabatian is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Cali Eye Institute, providing advanced LASIK vision correction in Torrance, Lancaster, and Ventura. He helps patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses through safe, customized laser vision correction.
LASIK is a life-changing procedure, and Dr. Shabatian takes a personalized approach to ensure each patient is a good candidate and achieves the best possible results. He uses modern laser technology and detailed eye mapping to create treatment plans tailored to each individual’s vision and lifestyle needs.
With his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, ophthalmology residency in New York where he served as Chief Resident, and additional fellowship training in retinal diseases, Dr. Shabatian brings a high level of expertise to refractive surgery. His experience allows him to carefully evaluate eye health and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Patients choose Dr. Shabatian for his honest recommendations, clear communication, and focus on comfort throughout the LASIK process. From consultation to recovery, he ensures patients feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Through Cali Eye Institute and its affiliated locations,Lancaster Eye Institute in Lancaster and Anacapa Vision in Ventura, Dr. Shabatian provides advanced LASIK care focused on precision, safety, and long-term visual freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive eye surgery that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By improving how light focuses on the retina, LASIK helps produce clear, sharp vision.
Does LASIK permanently fix eyesight?
LASIK provides permanent correction of the treated refractive error by reshaping the cornea. Most patients enjoy long-term clear vision, though age-related changes such as presbyopia may still occur later in life.
How successful is LASIK surgery?
LASIK has a very high success rate. Approximately 90% of patients achieve 20/20 to 20/40 vision after the procedure, allowing many to perform daily activities without glasses or contact lenses.
Who is not allowed to have LASIK?
LASIK may not be suitable for patients who are:
- Under 18 years old
- Pregnant or nursing
- Experiencing unstable vision
- Lacking sufficient corneal thickness
- Outside the treatable refractive range
A comprehensive eye evaluation at Cali Eye Institute is required to determine eligibility.
Is LASIK a painful procedure?
LASIK is generally not painful. The procedure is performed using numbing eye drops, and most patients experience only mild discomfort during the first 24–48 hours after surgery.
How many days of rest are required after LASIK?
Most patients only need a few hours of rest on the day of surgery and can return to work and normal activities the very next day. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one week.
Is LASIK very expensive?
LASIK is an investment in long-term vision correction. While costs vary based on individual needs and technology used, many patients find LASIK cost-effective when compared to years of glasses and contact lenses.
What are the risks associated with LASIK?
LASIK is considered safe, with complications occurring in only about 1% of patients. Possible risks include dry eyes, glare or halos at night, undercorrection or overcorrection, and temporary visual fluctuations.
Where is LASIK surgery offered at Cali Eye Institute?
LASIK consultations and care are provided by Dr. Babak Shabatian and his team at Cali Eye Institute locations in Torrance, Ventura, and Lancaster, offering convenient access across Southern California.
Does insurance cover LASIK at Cali Eye Institute?
LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure and is not usually covered by insurance. However, patients are encouraged to discuss payment options and vision plan benefits during their consultation.
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Dr. Babak Shabatian and his team are committed to providing compassionate, customized care in Torrance, Ventura, and Lancaster.
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