LASIK Eye Surgery
in Meridian, Idaho
Experience the Full Beauty of Life with Clear Vision
Idaho is full of breathtaking moments just waiting to be enjoyed. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a sunset, the joy of watching your loved ones, or the thrill of an outdoor adventure, life is meant to be experienced clearly. At Merkley Eye Surgery Center, we believe you deserve to savor every moment—without the limitations of glasses or contacts. LASIK eye surgery may allow you to embrace life with greater clarity and confidence.
While glasses and contacts are remarkable inventions that have served many well, they can sometimes be a burden. Foggy lenses at the worst times, a contact lens slipping out just when you need it, or the frustration of dry, uncomfortable eyes—these are common challenges. Maybe you’re tired of glasses sliding down your nose when you’re out exploring. Whatever your frustrations, we’re here to help you leave them behind.
At Merkley Eye Surgery Center, we offer a full range of advanced vision correction options, including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, as well as lens-based solutions like ICL, refractive lens exchange, and cataract surgery. These procedures are designed to give you the freedom to live with crisp, vibrant vision. Many people are candidates for one of these life-changing surgeries. Conveniently located in Meridian, we proudly serve patients from across Meridian, Boise, and the wider Treasure Valley. Let us help you see the beauty in every moment—free from the daily inconvenience of glasses and contacts.
What is LASIK?
The Clear Choice for Clear Vision
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe and highly effective laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It works by reshaping the cornea—the clear, outer layer of your eye—so light can focus properly on your retina, providing sharper vision. You’ve likely heard about LASIK eye surgery; its reputation speaks to both its safety and effectiveness.
LASIK eye surgery is commonly chosen to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure itself is quick, typically taking less than 15 minutes, and most patients notice significant improvements in their vision the same day. In many cases, the results can last 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
A Surgery Tailored Just for You
At Merkley Eye Surgery Center, we believe your vision correction plan should reflect the uniqueness of your eyes and your lifestyle. During your complimentary screening evaluation, you’ll undergo a comprehensive analysis in our state-of-the-art imaging suite. This detailed evaluation gives our team a complete understanding of your eyes’ unique anatomy and optical properties, allowing us to determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK. If LASIK eye surgery isn’t right for you, we’ll let you know the same day if you might be a candidate for another procedure, such as SMILE laser vision surgery, PRK, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) —ensuring we find the best solution tailored to your needs.
Generally, LASIK surgery is most suitable for adults with stable vision who are in good overall health. Patients with certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, severe dry eye, or keratoconus may not be eligible for LASIK eye surgery, but other options may be available.
What to Expect on the Day of Your LASIK Procedure
LASIK eye surgery is a quick, effective in-office procedure. You can wear your normal clothes, but be sure to bring someone with you to drive you home afterward. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes, as modern lasers complete their work in just a few seconds. Most patients opt to take an oral medication beforehand to help them relax. Your eyes will be completely numbed during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything as the lasers do their work.
During the surgery, advanced laser technology is used to gently create a flap in the cornea, followed by a second laser to reshape it for clearer vision.
Once you’re home and the numbing medication wears off, you may experience some discomfort for about four hours. During this brief period, it’s common to feel some stinging or burning, along with significant tearing. While this isn’t the most comfortable part of the process, it’s short-lived. Imagine waking up the next day—and every day after—with clear, sharp vision. LASIK can make that dream a reality.
After the procedure, you’ll need to use medicated eye drops for about a week, and lubricating drops for longer to keep your eyes comfortable and promote healing. Most people can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, though you should be cautious not to bump, rub, or expose your eyes to contamination for at least a week. We’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth experience and a swift recovery.