LASIK Utah: LASIK Eye Surgery & PRK at Excel Eye Center

For nearly 30 years, Excel Eye Center has been the name Utah trusts for LASIK eye surgery. Since 1995, our board-certified surgeons have helped thousands of patients across Provo, Orem, Lehi, American Fork, and the rest of Utah County trade contacts and glasses for clear vision. LASIK Utah patients come to us because we help them figure out which procedure fits their eyes best: LASIK, PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange.

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LASIK eye surgery being performed at Excel Eye Center

What is the LASIK Procedure

LASIK and PRK are both types of laser eye surgery. The difference is in how each reshapes the cornea, which is why choosing the right one matters. LASIK eye surgery is a life-changing procedure that can eliminates the need for contacts or glasses. LASIK surgery can correct vision problems caused by:

Nearsightedness (myopia)
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism

Before the procedure, our Utah LASIK eye doctor and surgeon will each evaluate your eye health and other factors to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. The evaluation is painless and includes:

Checking for infection, inflammation, dry eyes, large pupils, and high eye pressure
Measuring and evaluating your corneas
Discussing the risks and benefits of LASIK surgery and any questions you may have

On the day of the surgery, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. LASIK eye surgery generally takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You will remain conscious during the entire procedure and receive numbing drops so your eyes will not feel any pain. If you are receiving LASIK surgery for both eyes, your surgeon will complete both eyes during the same session.

Long-term complications and risks from surgery are rare. Temporary side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos, and temporary visual problems that clear up within a few weeks after surgery. LASIK surgery in Utah often causes dry eyes for up to six months, and your doctor will prescribe artificial tears or drops to keep your eyes moist while they heal.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best way to know for sure is a consultation with one of our doctors, but here’s what generally determines candidacy:

Age: The FDA has approved LASIK for adults 18 and older, but most surgeons, ours included, recommend waiting until your eyes have fully stabilized, usually in your mid-20s. There’s no upper age limit for LASIK itself. As you reach your 40s and beyond, presbyopia and early cataracts become more common, which is why Refractive Lens Exchange is often the better long-term fit for patients 45 and up.
Stable vision: Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should have stayed roughly the same for at least 12 months.
Healthy corneas: Adequate corneal thickness and no significant irregularities, confirmed with corneal mapping during your consultation.
General eye health: No active eye infections, severe dry eye, or uncontrolled conditions like glaucoma.
Realistic expectations: LASIK dramatically reduces dependence on glasses and contacts for most patients, but it doesn’t guarantee 20/20 vision forever. Some patients still need reading glasses later in life, particularly after age 40 to 45.

Not sure where you fall? Our doctors can confirm your candidacy, including which procedure fits your eyes and age best, during a free consultation.

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PRK vision correction procedure being performed

PRK Procedure

PRK is an eye surgery that can correct vision problems caused by:

Nearsightedness (myopia)
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism

PRK is an excellent option for people who are not candidates for LASIK eye surgery. PRK differs from LASIK because your eye surgeon does not create a flap to fix vision problems. Some consider PRK to be safer and more effective long-term because no flap is created, and the risk of more significant injury is thus lower than LASIK.

You will meet with our eye doctor and surgeon before the procedure to evaluate your eye health, measure your cornea(s), discuss the risks and benefits of PRK, and answer any questions you may have.

On the day of the surgery, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. PRK eye surgery generally takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You will remain conscious during the entire procedure and receive numbing drops so your eyes will not feel any pain. If you are receiving PRK surgery for both eyes, your surgeon will complete both eyes during the same session.

Recovery from PRK takes longer than LASIK. Temporary side effects last up to six months and include dry eyes, glare, halos, and temporary visual problems. Long-term complications and risks from surgery are rare.

Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure

Refractive Lens Exchange is the replacement of the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). By exchanging the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens, light can then be properly passed through the lens to the retina to allow light and color to be processed clearly once again.

More than providing clarity to the patient’s vision, Refractive Lens Exchange corrects issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism, and even glaucoma. These issues are corrected as an Excel Eye Care specialist assesses each patient, fitting them with either a monofocal or multifocal lens that is suited to their specific needs.

Monofocal lenses address patients with cataract deformities while also ensuring excellent vision and contrast with minimal disturbances. Multifocal lenses address patients struggling with either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

During a Refractive Lens Exchange procedure, a surgeon will carefully remove the existing lens of the eye by creating a small opening in the side of the cornea with a thin, needle-like tool. Through the cornea’s opening, the tool will be inserted and will carefully break up the center of the lens without damaging the eye or interfering with other eye functions. Then the lens is suctioned out. With a slightly wide tool, a surgeon will then insert the intraocular lens (IOL), completing the procedure.

How long does a Refractive Lens Exchange last?

The procedure only lasts around 15 minutes. The new intraocular lens will stand the test of time, providing the patient with vivid, clear vision for the rest of their life.

What is the recovery time from a Refractive Lens Exchange?

With a quick recovery time, most patients regain full eye function and resume normal activities after 3 days.

$Refractive lens exchange procedure for vision correction$

Meet Our LASIK Surgeons in Utah

Drs. Ricks, Schmutz, Wilkinson, and Lambert are the LASIK surgeons Utah patients have relied on for board-certified vision correction since 1995.

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All LASIK Doctors

Christopher J. Ricks, MD

Joseph S. Schmutz, MD

Justin T. Wilkinson, MD

Nathan G. Lambert, MD

Locations Providing LASIK Surgery

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Provo

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LASIK Eye Surgery & PRK FAQs

Many patients and potential candidates have questions about our LASIK and PRK procedures. Our doctors and surgeons can answer any questions you may have at your evaluation appointment. For frequently asked questions about our two popular procedures, see below:

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How long does LASIK last?

LASIK eye surgery is a permanent laser vision correction; the effects will last your lifetime, with few exceptions. Most LASIK patients enjoy at least ten to twenty years of perfect vision. However, your eyesight may change due to age and other factors unrelated to your surgery, usually occurring around age 40 or later.

How long does PRK last?

PRK eye surgery is a permanent laser vision correction that will last your lifetime with few exceptions. Most PRK patients enjoy at least ten to twenty years of perfect vision with no side effects or signs that surgery has ever been completed. However, your eyesight may change due to age and other factors unrelated to your surgery, usually occurring around age 40 or later.

How long does it take to heal from LASIK?

Your eyes begin healing as soon as surgery ends, and most patients report being able to see and perform routine tasks 24 hours after surgery. It takes most eyes between 1 to 6 months to heal completely. You may experience minor, temporary side effects, including dry eyes, glare, halos, and temporary visual problems during healing. Long-term complications and risks from surgery are rare.

How long does it take to heal from PRK?

PRK has a longer recovery time but a quicker healing time. Your eyes begin healing as soon as surgery ends, and pain and pressure in the eye(s) usually last a few days after surgery. Most patients report being able to see and perform routine tasks 30 days after surgery. It takes most eyes about one month to heal entirely and about one to three months for your vision to stabilize after surgery. During healing, you may experience temporary side effects, including dry eyes, glare, halos, and temporary visual problems. Long-term complications and risks from surgery are rare.

What is the aftercare for LASIK?

You will need to take it easy the first few days after surgery. You will have a follow-up visit within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to check your eye health and vision. Your aftercare routine will include:

Eye drops for inflammation or infection
Artificial tears
Regular follow-up visits
Avoiding non-contact sports the first 1-3 days
Avoiding lotions, creams, or make-up around the eye for the first two weeks
Avoiding swimming and hot tubs or whirlpools for 1-2 months
Avoiding strenuous contact sports such as boxing, football, karate, etc., for at least four weeks

You need to protect your eyes while they heal from anything that might get in them or from being hit or bumped. Let your doctor know immediately if you experience severe pain or worsening symptoms.

What is the aftercare for PRK?

You may experience discomfort and pain the first one to three days after surgery and will need to take it easy the first few days. You will have a follow-up visit within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to check your eye health and vision and another one a week later to remove your bandage contact lens. Your aftercare routine will include:

Eye drops regimen for inflammation and infection
Eye drops to keep your eyes moist
Regular follow-up visits
Avoiding non-contact sports the first 1-3 days
Avoiding lotions, creams, or make-up around the eye for the first two weeks
Avoiding swimming and hot tubs or whirlpools for 1-2 months
Avoiding driving for 1-3 weeks, depending on your vision

You need to protect your eyes while they heal from anything that might get in them and from being hit or bumped. Full recovery takes about a month, and your vision may not fully stabilize until one to three months later. It is common for your vision to be blurry or unclear for one to three months after PRK. Let your doctor know immediately if you experience severe pain or worsening symptoms.

How long does a LASIK procedure take?

LASIK eye surgery generally takes less than 30 minutes to complete, usually around 10 minutes per eye. You will remain conscious, with your eyes open, during the entire procedure. You will receive numbing drops so your eyes will not feel any pain. If you are receiving LASIK surgery for both eyes, your surgeon will complete both eyes during the same session. On the day of the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home from your appointment.

How long does a PRK procedure take?

PRK eye surgery generally takes less than 30 minutes to complete, usually around 10 minutes per eye. You will remain conscious during the entire procedure and receive numbing drops so your eyes will not feel any pain. If you are receiving PRK surgery for both eyes, your surgeon will complete both eyes during the same session. On the day of the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home from your appointment.

How much does LASIK cost in Utah?

LASIK cost depends on your prescription, the technology used, and whether both eyes need treatment. During your free LASIK consultation at Excel Eye Center, we measure your eyes and provide a personalized quote, along with financing options.

What age can you get LASIK?

The FDA has approved LASIK for adults 18 and older, but most surgeons recommend waiting until your vision has been stable for at least a year, usually in your mid-20s. There’s no upper age limit for LASIK itself, though patients over 45 are often better candidates for Refractive Lens Exchange due to natural age-related changes in the eye’s lens.

We Will Help You Stay Current

Our physicians are experienced in virtually every eye care specialty, and we’re committed to provided the very highest quality service and personal care.

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