LASIK FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Whether you are exploring LASIK for the first time or comparing it to other vision correction options, you deserve clear, medically grounded answers from surgeons with genuine academic and clinical expertise. Boston Vision serves patients throughout Andover, MA, and the greater Boston region from seven convenient locations. If you are ready to take the first step, we invite you to take our vision correction self-test or call us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK in Andover, MA
What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and may help reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. During the procedure, a thin flap is created in the outer corneal tissue, the underlying cornea is gently reshaped to improve how light focuses on the retina, and the flap is repositioned.
How does LASIK work to correct vision?
LASIK corrects vision by precisely reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses accurately on the retina rather than in front of or behind it. The excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue based on a detailed map of your eye. Boston Vision also uses wavefront technology to diagnose and address optical aberrations that standard glasses or contacts cannot fully correct.
What vision conditions can LASIK treat?
LASIK may help reduce dependence on corrective lenses in patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure is FDA-approved for the correction of these refractive errors within specific ranges. Not every prescription is within the treatable range for LASIK, which is one reason a thorough candidacy evaluation is essential. Patients whose prescriptions fall outside LASIK parameters may be better served by alternatives such as PRK laser eye surgery or EVO ICL.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Candidacy for LASIK is determined through a comprehensive evaluation that examines corneal thickness and shape, pupil size, refractive stability, overall eye health, and tear film quality. Generally, good candidates are adults with a stable prescription, adequate corneal thickness, and no significant corneal or systemic conditions that would affect healing. Dry eye disease, thin corneas, or certain corneal irregularities may make a patient a better fit for an alternative procedure.
Who is LASIK not right for?
LASIK may not be appropriate for patients with corneal conditions such as keratoconus, patients with insufficient corneal tissue, those with uncontrolled autoimmune disorders, pregnant or nursing individuals, or those whose prescriptions have not been stable for at least one year. In these cases, our surgeons may recommend alternatives such as EVO ICL implantable collamer lens surgery or clear lens exchange.
What should I expect during a LASIK procedure at Boston Vision?
On the day of your LASIK procedure, your eye will be numbed with topical anesthetic drops. The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using blade-free laser technology, reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser, and repositions the flap, which adheres naturally without stitches. The laser treatment itself typically takes less than a minute per eye, though the full appointment takes longer due to preparation and post-procedure assessment.
How long do LASIK results last?
For most patients, the corneal reshaping achieved through LASIK is long-lasting, and many maintain significantly improved vision for years after the procedure. However, some patients may experience changes in their prescription over time due to natural aging of the eye, a process unrelated to the surgery itself. Conditions such as presbyopia, which affects near vision in patients typically over 40, may develop independently of LASIK.
What is the recovery like after LASIK?
Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours of their LASIK procedure. Mild fluctuations in vision, light sensitivity, and a temporary sensation of dryness or scratchiness are common in the initial days following treatment. Most patients are able to return to routine daily activities within a day or two, though strenuous activity and swimming are typically restricted for a longer period. Healing timelines vary from person to person, and your Boston Vision surgeon will provide specific postoperative guidance tailored to your situation.
Do you serve patients from Andover, MA, and surrounding communities?
Yes, Boston Vision welcomes patients from Andover, MA, and communities throughout the greater Boston region, including the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and surrounding areas. With seven locations across the region, Boston Vision is designed to make world-class refractive care accessible wherever you are based.
What makes Boston Vision different from other LASIK providers in the area?
Boston Vision is structured as a private academic medicine practice. Founding surgeon Dr. Samir Melki, MD, PhD, holds an appointment as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and completed his fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Dr. Jason Brenner, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School, serving as a staff surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Both lead a team of fellowship-trained surgeons who publish research, train residents, and bring institutional-level expertise to a patient-centered practice.
What factors influence the cost of LASIK?
The cost of LASIK at Boston Vision depends on several individualized factors, including the complexity of your prescription, the technology used during your procedure, whether both eyes are treated, and any post-operative care requirements. Because every patient’s anatomy and refractive profile is unique, pricing is best discussed during a one-on-one consultation with your surgeon. Boston Vision believes that cost transparency is part of respectful patient care, and your consultation will include a clear explanation of all associated fees.
Is LASIK safe, and what are the most common concerns patients have?
LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgical procedures performed today, with a well-established safety profile for appropriately selected candidates. Common concerns include dry eye symptoms in the weeks following surgery, temporary visual fluctuations such as halos or glare, and the possibility of needing a future enhancement. Boston Vision uses strict, standardized protocols and blade-free technology designed to support safety and predictability. Thorough pre-operative screening is the most important factor in minimizing risk, which is why Boston Vision conducts detailed evaluations before recommending any procedure.
Why Choose Boston Vision for LASIK in Andover, MA?
Boston Vision was founded by Dr. Samir Melki, MD, PhD, a charter fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Alongside Dr. Jason Brenner, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and Harvard Medical School lecturer, the practice has built a team of fellowship-trained surgeons who actively teach, conduct research, and publish in the field of refractive surgery. Patients benefit from direct access to their treating surgeon, blade-free and wavefront-guided technology, and a rigorous pre-operative screening process designed to match each patient with the most appropriate procedure.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Boston Vision
If you are considering LASIK in Andover, MA, the surgeons at Boston Vision are ready to answer your questions in person. Begin with our vision correction self-test to see whether you may be a candidate, then call us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with your surgeon. Contact Boston Vision to take the next step toward clearer vision.
