LASIK Vision Correction in San Diego
Personalized Laser Vision Correction From a Fellowship-Trained Cornea & Refractive Surgeon
LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses by reshaping the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—to improve the way light is focused.
At One to One, we believe successful vision correction begins with careful patient selection. Not every patient is best served by LASIK, and our goal is not simply to determine whether we can perform LASIK, but whether LASIK is the best option for your eyes.
Depending on your prescription, corneal anatomy, age, lifestyle, and visual goals, we may recommend LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, or another approach to vision correction.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure used to treat common refractive errors, including:
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism
During LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created and an excimer laser precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, where it heals naturally.
The procedure itself generally takes only minutes per eye. Most patients notice substantial improvement in their vision quickly, although healing and stabilization continue after surgery.
Is LASIK Right for Me?
A LASIK evaluation involves much more than checking your glasses prescription.
We carefully evaluate your:
- Corneal shape and thickness
- Prescription and its stability
- Ocular surface and tear film
- Pupil size
- Overall eye health
- Age and future visual needs
- Lifestyle and visual goals
Some patients who initially inquire about LASIK ultimately discover that PRK or EVO ICL may be better suited to their eyes. For patients approaching cataract age, lens-based vision correction may sometimes make more sense than corneal laser surgery.
Our recommendation is based on what we believe offers the best balance of visual quality, safety, and long-term benefit for your individual eyes.
Advanced LASIK Technology
We perform bladeless LASIK using femtosecond laser technology to create the corneal flap and an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
Modern treatment planning allows us to consider both your prescription and the unique characteristics of your cornea when determining the appropriate treatment.
Technology matters—but technology alone does not determine a good result. Careful examination, appropriate patient selection, thoughtful surgical planning, and realistic expectations are equally important.
Meet Your Surgeon
Angelique Pillar, MD
Fellowship-Trained Cornea & Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Angelique Pillar has performed thousands of cataract, corneal, and vision-correction procedures. She earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School, served as Chief Resident in Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, and completed fellowship training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. She later served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland.
Her corneal training provides an important perspective when evaluating patients for laser vision correction. Dr. Pillar carefully considers corneal anatomy, ocular surface health, prescription, and long-term visual needs before recommending surgery.
The Difference Is the Time We Spend
We want you to understand your options before making a decision. Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss not only whether you are a candidate for LASIK, but also whether another vision-correction option may better suit your eyes and your goals.
LASIK vs. PRK
LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but they differ in how the corneal tissue is accessed.
With LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created before laser treatment. Recovery is typically rapid, and many patients have functional vision by the following day.
With PRK, no corneal flap is created. Instead, the surface epithelium is removed and regenerates after treatment. Recovery takes longer, but PRK may be preferable for certain corneas, prescriptions, occupations, or lifestyles.
What About EVO ICL?
Patients with higher degrees of nearsightedness, thin corneas, or other characteristics that make corneal laser surgery less desirable may be candidates for the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).
Unlike LASIK or PRK, EVO ICL does not remove corneal tissue. A customized lens is implanted inside the eye while your natural lens remains in place.
LASIK Recovery
Most patients experience relatively rapid visual recovery following LASIK. Vision may fluctuate initially, and temporary dryness, glare, halos, or light sensitivity can occur during healing.
You will receive detailed postoperative instructions and scheduled follow-up examinations so we can monitor your recovery.
As with any surgical procedure, LASIK has potential risks and limitations. These will be reviewed with you before surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LASIK hurt?
The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops before treatment. Patients commonly notice pressure or unusual sensations during portions of the procedure, but significant pain during LASIK is uncommon.
Will I still need glasses?
The goal of LASIK is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, not to guarantee that glasses will never be needed again. Vision and prescription can change over time, and most people eventually develop presbyopia—the age-related loss of near focusing ability.
Can LASIK correct reading vision?
For selected patients with presbyopia, monovision may be considered, in which one eye is targeted more for distance and the other for near vision. We generally recommend demonstrating or trialing monovision before permanently creating it surgically.
How do I know whether LASIK or PRK is better for me?
Corneal thickness and shape, prescription, dry-eye status, occupation, lifestyle, and other factors influence this decision. We recommend the procedure that best fits your individual anatomy and visual goals.
Find the Right Vision Correction Option for You
LASIK is an excellent procedure for appropriately selected patients—but it is not the only option.
Our goal is to help you understand the choices and determine which approach makes the most sense for your eyes.
Call 858-273-0200 to schedule a vision correction consultation.
This article was originally written on 5/29/2023 by Angelique Pillar, MD and updated 09/16/2026