LASIK Eye Surgery

If you’re searching for the best LASIK in Lubbock (and across west Texas), you want three things: proven surgeons, advanced laser technology, and results that fit your lifestyle.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a laser vision correction procedure that changes the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. When the cornea does not focus light properly, vision can appear blurry because of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. LASIK reshapes the corneal tissue to a microscopic degree so light can focus more accurately inside the eye.

Are You a LASIK Candidate?

You may be a great LASIK candidate if you:

  • Are 18 years or older with a stable prescription for at least 12 months.
  • Have a prescription within treatable ranges (commonly nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism).
  • Have healthy corneas (adequate thickness; no advanced risk of ectasia).
  • Are not pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery.

If your corneas are thinner, if you have specific occupational/athletic needs, or if your prescription falls outside typical LASIK ranges, PRK or ICL may be the better path. Our screening is intentionally thorough to match you with the safest and most effective option.

See If I Am A Candidate

woman getting rid of glasses after LASIK
Man receiving drops for the best LASIK eye surgery in Lubbock, TX.

What to Expect on the Day of LASIK

  1. Pre-op visit – Final measurements, plan review, and instructions.
  2. Procedure – Numbing drops only; most patients are in the suite for minutes per eye.
  3. Go home & rest – Mild scratchiness or watery eyes for the first several hours is common.
  4. Next-day check – Most patients are already driving to this visit (per doctor clearance).
  5. Ongoing follow-up – We track healing and visual quality to fine-tune care.

The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is an outpatient surgery. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to perform under the guidance of an ophthalmologist (surgeon).

Before the procedure, topical anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes to prevent any discomfort. Medication may also be approved to help the patient relax. After the drops are used, a lid speculum is placed to keep the eyes open, and a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap over the cornea. Some corneal tissue is removed using a specialized excimer laser. The LASIK process helps focus light onto the retina, improving vision.

Each LASIK procedure is customized to meet each patient’s vision goals. The type of LASIK surgery will vary slightly depending on the vision challenge.

Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is replaced over the tissue that was removed. The cornea will then heal naturally.

Advanced LASIK Technology

In the LASIK procedure, surgeons use highly specialized lasers, known as excimer lasers, to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.

Femtosecond Lasers are used at West Texas Eye Associates to create the initial flap. These lasers are the pinnacle of laser technology development. This laser makes the flap to exact dimensions, helping it conform to your eye’s unique anatomy and ensuring the flap fits back in place securely.

Wavefront-guided lasers are used in LASIK to enable surgeons to map defects in the eye’s optical system. These devices demonstrate how light travels through the eye and aid in producing a customized LASIK treatment plan for each patient.

We use the most advanced technology to evaluate your eyes and perform your laser vision correction. This includes the amazing iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio System. The iDesign System generates a scan of the eye that is 25 times more precise than traditional methods used to measure and correct vision. The technology developed in the iDesign was utilized by NASA for a telescope designed for use in space.

When combined with our Intralase femtosecond laser and VISX S4 refractive laser, we offer comprehensive laser-based surgery that utilizes no blades and achieves unparalleled precision.

LASIK Recovery

  • Visual recovery: Many patients experience clear vision within 24–48 hours, with their vision refining over several weeks.

  • Activity timeline: Most desk work can be completed in 1–2 days. Gym and light cardio can be started after your surgeon clears you. Eye makeup, pools, and contact sports follow a guided timeline.

  • Enhancements: If a touch-up is ever needed, we’ll discuss candidacy and timing based on your corneal stability.

 

Safety & Outcomes

LASIK is among the most studied elective procedures worldwide. The keys to safety are proper screening, surgeon experience, and the selection of appropriate technology. We’ll talk transparently about rare risks (such as glare/halos, dry eye, or enhancement needs) and how our protocols aim to minimize them. If you’re not an ideal LASIK candidate, we’ll tell you—and offer a better alternative.

Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation

During your FREE LASIK Consultation, our team will evaluate your eyes, discuss how you use your vision every day, and explain whether LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, RLE, or another option may be appropriate. See what life could look like with less dependence on glasses and contacts.

FAQS: LASIK Eye Surgery in Lubbock & West Texas

Numbing eye drops are used before LASIK to help keep the eyes comfortable. You may notice pressure during portions of the procedure. Temporary irritation, watering, burning, or a gritty sensation can occur afterward as the eyes begin healing.

LASIK is generally a relatively quick outpatient procedure. The laser treatment itself takes only a short amount of time, although you should expect to spend additional time at the center preparing for surgery and completing postoperative checks.

Most office-based professionals return within 1–2 days (surgeon-dependent). If your work is dusty, physically intense, or involves eye risk, we’ll tailor your timeline.

Yes, modern platforms routinely treat astigmatism. For prescriptions outside LASIK’s safe range or if corneas are thinner, we often recommend PRK or ICL for outstanding clarity and safety.

LASIK corrects your current distance prescription. As natural presbyopia develops (typically mid-40s+), reading glasses or other solutions may be needed. We’ll discuss monovision LASIK, ICL, or future RLE options based on your goals.

There is not one maximum LASIK age that applies to everyone. However, the eyes naturally change with age. Patients in their 40s and beyond may begin experiencing presbyopia, while older patients may eventually develop changes in the natural lens of the eye. In some cases, another procedure such as RLE may better match a patient’s long-term vision goals.

West Texas Eye Associates offers multiple vision correction procedures. If LASIK is not recommended, your doctor may discuss alternatives such as PRK, EVO ICL, or Refractive Lens Exchange.

LASIK pricing can vary depending on your treatment and individual needs. During your consultation, our team can explain the cost of your recommended procedure as well as available payment or financing options.

Locations

4804 S Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79414

Surgery Center

Doctors

Timothy T. Khater, MD, PhD
Timothy T. Khater, MD, PhD

Fellowship-trained Ophthalmologist, Cornea Specialist & Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

Jay C. Bradley, MD
Jay C. Bradley, MD

Fellowship-trained Ophthalmologist, Refractive Surgeon, Cornea Specialist