LASIK

You must be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription for at least one year. FDA-approved treatment ranges are up to -12 diopters for nearsightedness, +6 for farsightedness, and 6 diopters of astigmatism. Your corneas must be thick enough (typically 540-550 microns) and your eyes must be free of active disease or severe dry eye.

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea and results typically stabilize within 3-6 months, remaining stable for at least 10 years with average regression of roughly 0.11 diopters per year for moderate to high myopia. LASIK does not prevent presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision starting in the 40s). Over 20 years, about 31% of patients opt for a retreatment.

PRK reshapes the cornea surface without a flap, suitable for thinner corneas though recovery takes longer. ICL places a tiny lens inside the eye and can correct up to -18 diopters — ideal for very high prescriptions — and is reversible. SMILE is a flapless option with lower dry eye risk but currently only treats nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Most eye surgeons clear patients to fly 3-5 days after uncomplicated LASIK, once the initial healing check confirms the corneal flap is secure. Cabin air is drier than normal, so use preservative-free artificial tears frequently during the flight. Plan a minimum 5-7 day trip to allow for the pre-operative assessment, procedure day, and at least one follow-up visit.

Look for centers with the latest excimer laser technology (wavefront-guided platforms from major brands like Zeiss, Alcon, or J&J Vision), ISO-certified or JCI-accredited facilities, and a surgeon who has performed 5,000+ refractive procedures. Confirm they offer comprehensive pre-operative testing including corneal topography, pachymetry, and wavefront analysis. A transparent package price covering both eyes, all follow-ups, and an enhancement policy is also important.