Two weeks ago, I got LASIK. Now, I feel like it’s my duty to share what I found out about the procedure (versus my prior misconceptions) and why I chose to have it done. Most importantly, why it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’ve had glasses since I was eight years old. Some really cute pinkish-purple ones to be exact. I got contacts when I started 6th grade and my prescription went up and up until it stopped at 5.5, which is pretty darn high. Last year my eye doc told me I should consider LASIK when I turned 25 since my prescription hadn’t changed. I had no clue if I’d actually go through with it because it sounded pretty scary and expensive..but I was very curious.

I had a LOT of questions going into the free consultation, namely “can I go blind”? Apparently they get that a lot. And no, you can’t go blind.

There are some minor complications that can happen, like some people don’t reach perfect 20/20 vision, some people see halos around lights and others have dry eyes, but both of those go away after a couple months. I can definitely live with that.

The Process

This is essentially how the surgery works:

• It takes literally 10 minutes. Plus, the time you’re sitting waiting for the Valium to kick in.
• They use a laser to cut a flap in the top of your cornea. I know I know, “flap”. Yuck. But it doesn’t hurt at all and your eyes just get blurry.
• Once the “flap” is pulled back, they use the laser to skim the top layer off and even out the surface, which is apparently why you can’t see clearly.

After they’re done, you pop a Xanax and pass out at home wearing plastic goggles. Not surprisingly, I slept for 14 hours, minus a one hour break where I tried to be a real person on a Friday night and hang out in the living room. It was way too bright even in a dark room (light sensitivity is crazy right after), I was still super out of it, and I felt like I had sand in my eyes (also normal) so I gave up and went back to bed.

The next day I woke up with 20/20 vision and felt like a champ. And my eyes are still improving!

How Much Is It?

As far as cost, it depends on your prescription and what you’re a candidate for since there are 3 different types. At the place I went at least, they range from $1700-2900. Not bad for perfect vision when you think about the cost of contacts & glasses over the years!

One other thing to clear up – I thought you had to get it done every 10 years. Apparently only 4% of people’s eyes change within 10 years without it being due to getting older and needing reading glasses, since that’s unavoidable.

So there you have it. I can already tell my quality of life is going to be that much better moving forward. Heck, I can even open my eyes under water now!