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Custom LASIK

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What is Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure works by reshaping the cornea so that light can focus more accurately on the retina.

During Custom LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created and gently lifted. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to your individualized treatment plan. The flap is repositioned following treatment and begins to heal naturally.

Custom LASIK treatment is planned using detailed measurements of your eyes and prescription. Your candidacy and treatment plan are determined through a comprehensive eye examination and advanced diagnostic testing at Herzig Eye Institute.

Custom LASIK Facts

  • Customized vision correction: Your LASIK treatment is planned using detailed measurements of your eyes and prescription.
  • Corrects common refractive errors: Custom LASIK can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in appropriate candidates.
  • Laser-based treatment: An excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error.
  • Corneal flap: LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap that is repositioned following treatment.
  • Short procedure: LASIK is generally completed within minutes for each eye.
  • Recovery: Many patients notice an improvement in vision during the early recovery period, although healing and visual recovery vary between patients.

Why Patients Choose Custom LASIK at Herzig Eye Institute

Herzig Eye Institute has a longstanding history in laser vision correction. Dr. Sheldon Herzig is a pioneer in refractive surgery and began adopting advanced vision correction procedures into his practice as early as the 1980s. His early involvement in the field helped shape Herzig Eye Institute’s approach to individualized vision correction.

Our surgeons have experience across Custom LASIK, SMILE/SMILE Pro™, Custom PRK, EVO ICL™, and Refractive Lens Exchange, allowing treatment recommendations to be based on your prescription, corneal characteristics, eye health, lifestyle, and vision goals.

Comprehensive diagnostic testing and individualized treatment planning help determine which vision correction procedure may be most appropriate for your eyes. This clinical experience is complemented by a highly personalized, concierge-level approach to patient care throughout your treatment journey.

It is this combination of longstanding laser vision correction experience, individualized treatment planning, and personalized patient care that defines the Herzig Eye Institute experience.

Who is a Candidate for Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK may be an option for adults with stable nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK candidacy depends on more than your prescription. Your corneal thickness and shape, prescription stability, overall eye health, tear film, lifestyle, and vision goals are all considered when determining whether LASIK is appropriate for your eyes.

During your consultation at Herzig Eye Institute, you will undergo a comprehensive eye examination and advanced diagnostic testing. Your eye doctor will review the results and determine whether Custom LASIK, SMILE/SMILE Pro™, PRK, EVO ICL™, or another vision correction procedure may be appropriate for you.

If you are not a candidate for Custom LASIK, we are pleased to offer other laser vision correction procedures, including SMILE Pro/SMILE and Custom PRK, or, one of our intraocular procedures: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL).

What’s the difference between Custom PRK, Custom LASIK and SMILE Pro/SMILE?

What’s your treatment of choice for patients 20-40 years of age?

Before your Custom LASIK procedure, your Herzig Eye Institute team will provide instructions to help prepare your eyes for treatment. You may be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for a specified period before your procedure so your corneas can return to their natural shape.

Your pre-operative measurements and diagnostic testing will be reviewed to confirm your treatment plan. You will also need to arrange transportation home following your procedure.

From the moment you arrive, our team will be there to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and prepared. You’ll have time to settle into our pre-operative area while our clinical team prepares you for your Custom LASIK procedure and walks you through what to expect.

Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye. A thin corneal flap is created and gently lifted, allowing the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue according to your individualized treatment plan. The flap is then carefully repositioned.

Following your procedure, you’ll have time to relax in our comfortable post-operative lounge, where you can enjoy refreshments and light snack while our team continues to care for you. Your eyes will be examined before you leave Herzig Eye Institute.

Once you return home, we recommend resting and allowing your eyes time to recover. Your vision may initially be blurry or fluctuate, and temporary sensitivity, irritation, watering, or discomfort may occur during the early healing period.

You will receive a medicated eye drop regimen and detailed post-operative instructions. Our team will review your drop schedule, activity guidelines, and recovery instructions so you know what to expect in the days following your Custom LASIK procedure.

Visual recovery varies from patient to patient, and your vision and eye health will continue to be monitored during your follow-up examinations.

Follow-up examinations are an important part of your Custom LASIK care and recovery. These appointments allow your eye doctor to monitor your healing, assess your vision, and evaluate the health of your eyes following treatment.


It is important to attend all recommended post-operative appointments at Herzig Eye Institute or with your referring optometrist. Your care team will continue to monitor your recovery and address any questions or concerns as your eyes heal.

Custom LASIK FAQ

No, you shouldn’t feel any pain during Custom LASIK. You’ll receive numbing eye drops before the procedure begins to ensure you’re comfortable. You may feel some slight pressure at most, but this should only last for a few seconds.

The only way to know if you’re a good Custom LASIK candidate is to schedule a complimentary vision correction consultation at Herzig Eye Institute. You may be a good candidate for Custom LASIK or another vision correction procedure if:

While Custom LASIK is an excellent procedure having been performed on millions of patients worldwide, it’s not suitable for everyone. At Herzig Eye Institute, our surgeons match the right procedure with the right patient in order to provide you with the best possible visual outcome. If you’re not a Custom LASIK candidate, you may be a candidate for another procedure offered at Herzig Eye Institute, such as Custom PRK, SMILE Pro/SMILE, or the Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL).

PRK is the first-generation of laser vision correction. It provides patients with virtually identical results compared to Custom LASIK. It has a longer recovery time, but you’ll be able to see clearly and achieve visual freedom.

SMILE Pro/SMILE is the third-generation laser vision correction procedure. SMILE Pro/SMILE is minimally invasive to the surface of the cornea, so patients typically experience less post-operative dryness following the procedure.

The Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL) is an intraocular procedure as opposed to a laser-based procedure. Therefore, it does not remove any tissue from the cornea. ICL is also an acronym for Implantable Collamer Lens. The procedure involves resting a thin collamer lens in front of the eye’s natural lens and behind the iris. It is a reversible form of vision correction, often used to treat patients with thin corneas, which are not suitable for laser vision correction, and/or higher levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Custom LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The vision correction is usually stable and permanent but about 2% of patients need a small enhancement procedure months to years after the initial Custom LASIK procedure.

After Custom LASIK, you can look forward to a quick recovery. At first, you may notice that your eyes feel scratchy or irritated, but this is normal as the numbing eye drops wear off. Everyone experiences instant visual improvement, but vision is initially slightly blurry. As the eyes heal, vision improves quickly.

Recovery and visual improvement vary between patients, and your eye doctor will monitor your healing and vision during your post-operative examinations.

Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments, which you’ll need to schedule in the days and months following your Custom LASIK procedure. Most patients end up with 20/20 vision or better, making their goal of achieving visual freedom a reality.

Custom LASIK is designed to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Individual results vary, and some patients may still require glasses for certain activities. Natural age-related changes to vision can also occur over time, and reading glasses may eventually be needed due to presbyopia.

Most patients notice clearer vision within 24-48 hours. Many return to work, school, or daily activities in 1–2 days.

Want to learn more about Laser Vision Correction?

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