Do you wear glasses or contact lenses but dream of seeing clearly upon waking? Or perhaps you are athletic and would like to participate in high-performance activities without the inconvenience of prescription eyewear. If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, LASIK may be the solution for you.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe and effective laser vision correction procedure that can dramatically reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. At Beach Eye Medical Group, our experienced ophthalmologists provide customized LASIK treatment throughout Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Orange County, using advanced laser technology and personalized care to achieve outstanding visual outcomes.
LASIK is an advanced laser vision correction procedure that permanently reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The outpatient procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes, requires minimal discomfort, and offers a quick recovery, with many patients noticing clearer vision within 24 hours. At Beach Eye Medical Group, every LASIK treatment is customized using advanced diagnostic technology to help patients achieve long-lasting visual freedom with results tailored to their unique vision goals.
Refractive vision disorders are related to the shape of the cornea–the clear outermost layer that covers the iris and pupil. When light enters the eye, the dome-shaped cornea refracts (bends) the light and focuses it on the photosensitive cells of the retina–the part of the eye that signals our brains to form images. If the cornea has an anomalous shape, it prevents the light from being accurately focused onto the retina. As a result, the brain processes a blurry image.
LASIK uses laser technology to gently reshape the cornea, correcting its curvature so that light precisely reaches the retina. To carry out the procedure, the laser device is programmed with the exact specifications for the patient’s correction.
LASIK¹ offers more than just clearer vision. For many patients, it provides greater convenience, confidence, and freedom from corrective eyewear.
Benefits may include:
During a LASIK procedure, the patient remains awake but feels little to no discomfort. When the procedure begins, topical anesthesia will be administered via an eyedrop. After the eye has been numbed, a flap will be created in the cornea. To reshape the cornea, microscopic amounts of corneal tissue will then be removed with a calibrated excimer laser. The corneal flap will then be replaced to its natural position. The corrective procedure is fast, only taking about 10 minutes per eye. Patients should arrange for a friend or family member to drive or accompany them home after the procedure.
Although the recovery time can vary from individual to individual, most patients can expect little downtime. Typically, patients can return to their normal activities 1-2 days following the procedure. After LASIK, patients often report mild discomfort of the eyes, but these symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. As the eyes heal and adjust, minor fluctuations in vision are normal. It can take the eyes one to two months to fully stabilize. Before your LASIK, our physicians at Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County, will inform you of any potential complications related to the procedure.
LASIK is a highly effective procedure. Usually, patients experience clearer vision almost immediately. Once fully healed, approximately 95-98% of patients can enjoy a glasses- and contact-free day-to-day life.
Because LASIK reshapes the cornea, the correction is a permanent one. However, as time progresses, the eye can change; any such change is likely to be gradual and, therefore, future treatment would not be needed for many years to come.
Our team offers LASIK eye surgery in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Long Beach and Newport Beach. It is an excellent option for adults who want greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Many ideal candidates include active individuals, athletes, professionals, and anyone whose prescription has remained stable for at least one year. During your consultation, our ophthalmologists will perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine whether LASIK is the safest and most effective option for your eyes.
LASIK has been performed for over 20 years and is considered a safe corrective eye surgery. However, like any medical procedure, it is not appropriate for everyone.
You may be an ideal candidate for LASIK if you meet the following criteria:
You are not eligible to undergo a LASIK procedure if:
If you are not a candidate for our LASIK eye surgery in Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach or Long Beach, other surgical options can help you eliminate or reduce your dependency on prescription eyewear. Our doctors regularly perform a variety of procedures that can improve your sight and minimize your need for corrective glasses or contacts.
Choosing an experienced LASIK provider is just as important as choosing the procedure itself. At Beach Eye Medical Group, our board-certified ophthalmologists combine advanced laser technology with individualized treatment planning to provide outstanding visual outcomes.
Patients throughout Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Orange County choose Beach Eye because of our:
The LASIK process at the Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County, begins with a consultation with a qualified physician to help determine the best course of treatment and to maximize the benefits of your LASIK procedure. Please contact our physicians for a comprehensive evaluation of your needs.
References
1 LASIK eye surgery. Available:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
2 LASIK vs LASEK vs PRK: advantages and indications. Available:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12759854/
Yes. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. Although normal age-related vision changes can still occur later in life, the laser correction itself is permanent.
Yes. LASIK effectively treats astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness, by reshaping the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina.
Yes. In most cases, LASIK is performed on both eyes during the same appointment, allowing patients to recover more quickly and enjoy balanced vision sooner.
Many patients are able to drive within one to two days after surgery once their vision meets legal driving standards. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume driving.
Light walking is usually encouraged shortly after surgery, but strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact sports should be avoided until your ophthalmologist confirms your eyes have healed sufficiently.
To reduce the risk of irritation or infection, patients should avoid eye makeup for about one week after LASIK or until their surgeon advises it is safe.
LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure and is not typically covered by medical insurance. Many patients choose financing options to make treatment more affordable.
LASIK has an excellent safety and satisfaction record. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and the vast majority experience significantly reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Medically Reviewed by
Samir Shah, MD
Samir Shah, MD, MS, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in custom laser cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. A Johns Hopkins fellow and UCLA alumnus, he is nationally recognized as an expert in refractive cataract surgery. Recently, he was named the Top Doctor 2026 by the Orange County Medical Association and Orange Coast Magazine.
