Refractive correction with excimer laser | Nearsightedness · Farsightedness · Astigmatism
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Laser eye surgery, or LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the world for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. An excimer laser reshapes the curvature of the cornea so that light rays focus correctly on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
During surgery, a thin corneal flap is created and lifted so the excimer laser can be applied to the underlying tissue; the flap is then repositioned and acts as a natural bandage, so no stitches are needed. The procedure is performed with topical anesthetic drops and takes only a few minutes per eye.
There are several laser refractive surgery techniques. LASIK uses a corneal flap, while PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) removes the cornea’s outermost layer without creating a flap, so initial visual recovery is slower but it may be preferable for thinner corneas. SMILE is a newer technique that uses a minimal incision without a full flap. The most suitable technique for each patient depends on corneal thickness, topography, and the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and is determined during the preoperative evaluation.
Good candidates have a stable prescription for at least one year, sufficient corneal thickness, normal corneal topography, and no active eye conditions such as keratoconus or severe dry eye. The recommended age is generally 21 and older, once the prescription has stopped changing. The only way to confirm candidacy is with a complete preoperative evaluation that includes corneal topography, pachymetry, and aberrometry.
LASIK has a well-documented safety and efficacy profile when performed on properly selected candidates. The preoperative evaluation —corneal topography, pachymetry, and aberrometry— helps rule out patients who are not safe candidates and anticipate the expected outcome, minimizing the risks of the procedure.
After the procedure, it is normal to feel burning, tearing, or a gritty sensation for the first few hours, which subsides with rest. Lubricating and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed during recovery, along with avoiding rubbing your eyes, exposure to dust or non-potable water, and contact exercise for the period indicated by your doctor. Standardized postoperative follow-up helps confirm proper healing and address any questions you may have.
Dr. Sebastián Diener performs a rigorous preoperative evaluation and provides complete information about the benefits, limitations, and alternatives of laser eye surgery before recommending the procedure. His ophthalmology training was certified by the Instituto de Oftalmología Conde de Valenciana. If you’d like a second opinion or want to review other alternatives before deciding, you can schedule an eye exam.
If you’d like to find out whether you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery (LASIK), schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sebastián Diener.
In addition to reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses, laser eye surgery supports visual independence in sports, work, and daily activities where wearing glasses is inconvenient. Since it is an outpatient procedure, most patients can resume their daily activities within a few days, following the postoperative follow-up instructions.
LASIK is not recommended for corneas that are too thin or have irregular topography (such as keratoconus), uncontrolled severe dry eye, active autoimmune diseases that affect healing, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when the prescription has not yet stabilized. In these cases, the preoperative evaluation is used to identify more suitable refractive surgery alternatives for each patient.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
The main requirements are: a stable prescription for at least 1 year, cornea with sufficient thickness, normal corneal topography (no keratoconus), absence of severe dry eye, and age over 21. The only way to know for certain is with a complete preoperative evaluation including topography, pachymetry, and aberrometry.
Does LASIK hurt?
No. The procedure is performed with topical anesthetic drops. During surgery the patient may feel slight pressure for a few seconds, but no pain. In the first few hours afterward there may be burning, tearing, and a gritty sensation, which subside with rest.
Is the effect of LASIK permanent?
Corneal correction is permanent. However, with age, presbyopia (age-related difficulty reading up close) may develop, which is a physiological process independent of LASIK. In cases of high myopia, minimal partial regression may occur over the years.
What are the risks of LASIK?
In well-selected candidates, LASIK has an excellent safety profile. Risks include temporary dry eye (the most common), halos or glare at night —which usually improve within weeks— and, very rarely, corneal flap complications or infection. Rigorous preoperative selection significantly minimizes these risks.
How much does LASIK cost in Mexico City?
The cost varies depending on the technology used (conventional LASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK, SMILE) and whether one or both eyes are treated. The preoperative evaluation is essential to confirm candidacy and provide an accurate quote. Contact us for updated pricing information.
What's the difference between LASIK, PRK, and SMILE?
LASIK creates a corneal flap to apply the laser and offers faster initial visual recovery; PRK removes the cornea’s outer layer without a flap, so initial recovery is slower but it may be preferable for thinner corneas; SMILE is a newer technique using a minimal incision. The most suitable technique is determined based on each patient’s corneal thickness, topography, and degree of refractive error during the preoperative evaluation.
Does insurance cover LASIK surgery?
LASIK is an elective procedure, so it’s typically not covered by Mexico’s public health insurance (IMSS). In private practice, it may be covered through direct billing arrangements with some major medical insurance providers or by reimbursement, depending on the policy; the preoperative evaluation is the first step to learning about the options available in each case.
