LASIK at Milan Eye Center: Freedom from Glasses and Contacts

See the world clearly again with LASIK, gaining freedom from glasses and contacts made possible through advanced bladeless technology. LASIK laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, delivering sharper vision and faster recovery for active patients.

At Milan Eye Center, our experienced LASIK doctors, serving the greater Atlanta area, combine leading technology with personalized care to help you achieve your best vision possible.

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Why Choose Milan LASIK Eye Center?

As a patient at Milan Eye Center, our knowledgeable surgeons and coordinators will walk you through every step. The procedure usually takes 5-8 minutes per eye, with an average of 10-15 minutes total.

Our eight locations across Atlanta, Georgia ensure that the finest eye services and surgeons are just around the corner. Meet our team of award-winning surgeons to discover what sets us apart. Our ophthalmologists and optometrists will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the surgery.

Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe and effective outpatient procedure designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By gently reshaping the cornea with a precision laser, LASIK helps the eye focus light more accurately, leading to clearer, sharper vision.

The Safest Elective Surgery in the World

LASIK is the safest, most successful, and most widely studied elective procedure globally, with the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective procedure (95% to be exact). A good LASIK candidate has a low risk of complication, especially when screened and treated with the correct equipment by an experienced surgeon.

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Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

With recent advances in technology, more and more people are prime candidates for laser eye surgery. Here are the characteristics of LASIK patients we take on:

  • 18 years to 55 years old. Are you over 55? See other options below
  • Stable vision for at least one year (same prescription)
  • Healthy cornea based on pre-operative screening
  • Lack of eye diseases that may affect healing after surgery
  • Understanding of risks and benefits of LASIK or other refractive surgery

If LASIK is not right for you, our specialists may recommend alternatives such as PRK or implantable lenses.

LASIK Eye Surgery: What to Expect

Before the Surgery: Exam & Consultation

Your LASIK journey begins with a comprehensive eye exam and consultation. During this visit, we measure your corneal thickness, check for eye health conditions, and map the unique shape of your eyes using advanced imaging. This helps our surgeons confirm if LASIK is the best option for you and allows us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your vision needs.
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During the Surgery: Quick & Comfortable

The LASIK procedure itself is surprisingly fast, usually taking less than 15 minutes per eye. This is the process that a patient can expect during bladeless LASIK eye surgery:

  1. Anesthetic, numbing eye drops are applied to reduce any discomfort
  2. Eyes are cleaned to keep them sterile for the procedure
  3. An eyelid speculum is used to keep the eye open
  4. A femtosecond laser creates a smooth, precise, and thin flap of the cornea
  5. The flap is gently lifted to reshape the underlying cornea with the excimer laser beam
  6. Finally, the surgeon carefully repositions the flap to its original location
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After the Surgery: Recovery & Results

Recovery from LASIK:

  • You’ll be ready to leave 10 minutes after the procedure
  • Notice dramatically better vision in 12-24 hours
  • Get back to normal activities in 1-2 days
  • Apply eye drops for 1 week to speed recovery
  • There are no stitches to worry about – your eyes will heal on their own

LASIK Results:

After LASIK, you won’t need your glasses or contacts to see clearly anymore. Your specific results depend on your desired vision outcome. Our experienced physicians will help you determine the best option for you:

  • Monovision: One eye is corrected for distance vision, while the other is adjusted for close-up tasks.
  • Blended vision: Both eyes are corrected to provide clear distance vision with improved focus at intermediate ranges.

LASIK Alternatives: What If I Don’t Qualify For LASIK?

Choosing the right vision correction option can be complicated, especially with so many advanced technologies available today. Be it LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), or RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange), each offers effective pathways to clear vision, but they differ in technique, eligibility, and recovery time. Understanding their similarities and distinctions might help you align your vision goals with the right treatment.

LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and RLE: A Side-By-Side Comparison

Features LASIK PRK EVO ICL RLE
How it works A femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap, and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea, correcting your vision Epithelium is removed to reshape the corneal surface with the excimer laser A biocompatible lens is implanted in front of the natural lens and behind the iris The natural crystalline lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) for vision correction
What it corrects Low-prescription myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism Moderate to high myopia and astigmatism Presbyopia, high hyperopia/myopia, and cataracts
Ideal age range Adults aged 18–55 18–45, and those not suitable for LASIK 21–45 years of age and older 40+ (for older adults)
Corneal tissue removal Yes, under a flap Tissue is removed from the surface (no flap creation) No substantive tissue removal (a small incision is created) No corneal tissue removal
Suitability for thin corneas Not for those with insufficient corneal thickness Better for people with thin corneas Suitable in cases where LASIK or PRK may be contraindicated Corneas aren’t reshaped
Presbyopia correction Cannot stop presbyopia Doesn’t prevent presbyopia Might still develop presbyopia Can address presbyopia
Initial discomfort Minimal to moderate Higher initial discomfort Mild to moderate Mild to moderate
Dry eye risk Flap creation can lead to dry eye issues Lower than LASIK Lower than LASIK Lower dry-eye risk but higher lens-related side effects
Recovery speed Very fast; functional vision can return within 24 hours Slower recovery; vision clarity returns after weeks Moderate; requires some settling time Moderate and staged between both eyes
Cataract correction Not possible Not possible Not possible Possible, by replacing the natural lens and removing the future substrate for cataracts
Advantages Precise, popular, quick, advanced, and safe Good for patients with thin corneas, high-impact occupations, and those who don’t need a flap Best for thin corneas, high myopia, and when reversal may be needed Better for presbyopia patients, severe refractive errors, and early cataracts
Downsides Dry eye, glare, halos, and flap complications Slow recovery, epithelial healing risks, and early discomforts Infection, increased IOP, and higher costs Infection, IOL issues, retinal detachment, more invasive, and expensive

The Cost of LASIK Surgery in Atlanta

LASIK is more affordable than continuing to spend money on glasses and contact lenses every year. The average national cost of LASIK in 2025 was approximately $2,500 per eye. The cost of LASIK surgery in Atlanta usually includes the initial consultation, the procedure, and post-operative follow-up care.

While this is a large upfront LASIK surgery cost, Atlanta patients typically save money in the long run as they no longer need prescription glasses or contact lenses and supplies.

Milan Eye Center accepts most insurance providers and has financing options through Healthcare Finance Direct (HFD). Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) and Health savings accounts (HSA’s) are employer-sponsored programs allowing pre-tax dollars to be set aside for medical costs. You may be able to get LASIK virtually tax-free.

Learn More about the Cost of LASIK in Atlanta

LASIK FAQs

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery? These FAQs answer how LASIK works, its benefits, alternatives, downsides, and what you can expect from the treatment:

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea, improving how light focuses on the retina. The procedure is effective for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, offering quick healing and lasting visual clarity.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Ideal candidates for LASIK are adults with healthy eyes and stable vision. A comprehensive assessment by one of our Atlanta qualified LASIK doctors can determine eligibility depending on prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
How Does Bladeless LASIK Surgery Differ From Traditional LASIK?
Bladeless, or all-laser, LASIK surgery uses two lasers instead of a microkeratome blade. It’s an advanced technique to deliver enhanced precision and greater comfort, contributing to excellent visual outcomes and a smoother recovery.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery?
The procedure takes less than 15 minutes per eye. It uses advanced lasers to reshape the cornea and correct your vision. Most patients notice visual clarity within 24 hours and return to routine in no time.
How Does LASIK Compare to PRK Eye Surgery?
While both treatments reshape the cornea with a laser, PRK removes the corneal surface layer while LASIK creates a flap. PRK takes longer to heal and is suitable for certain patients, whereas LASIK is common and heals quickly.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of ICL vs. LASIK?
In ICL, an artificial lens is placed inside the eye, whereas LASIK reshapes the cornea. ICL is ideal for higher prescriptions/ thin corneas, but it’s more invasive and costlier. LASIK, on the other hand, has no implants and offers a speedy recovery.
Are There Any Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery?
Possible side effects of LASIK eye surgery can include temporary visual fluctuations, redness, dryness, halos, and glare, but these can improve as your eyes heal.
How Long Do LASIK Results Last?
LASIK eye surgery provides lasting vision correction, but age-related changes can affect your near vision, requiring enhancements. Regular checkups are important for monitoring long-term issues. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination today with Milan Eye Center ophthalmologists and explore how LASIK can help you see the world more clearly.
Is LASIK covered by health insurance?
In most cases, insurance plans do not cover LASIK because it's considered an elective procedure. However, there are many ways to help pay for LASIK. For example, Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs) or Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), financing plans, or group discounts offered by employers.

It’s the right time for clearer vision

Make an appointment today to discuss which procedures best meet your refractive goals. Come to one of our eight convenient Atlanta-area locations.

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