Get Excited: Benefits of LASIK With Chu Vision

  • Freedom from glasses and contacts
  • One of the safest elective surgical treatments now available
  • Quick, painless procedure
  • Comfortable recovery
  • Quick recovery – drive yourself to work the next day
  • Save money over time
  • One of the most-studied elective procedures, with more than 7,000 peer-reviewed studies confirming its safety and effectiveness

"With Dr. Chu, you are getting the best care possible and the best knowledge possible.

You’re getting someone who has done this many times. I feel he’s the best at it. After years and years of putting in contacts, the morning after my procedure, I woke up and had perfect vision."

Kelly • LASIK Patient, Runner & Mom

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Why Chu Vision for Your LASIK?

  • Dr. Chu is a world-renowned surgeon who is passionate about patient care.
  • You’ll meet with Dr. Chu before the surgery day. We don’t fly in surgeons for the day like some practices.
  • A leader in the industry, Chu Vision has been selected for more than 100 FDA clinical trials.
  • Serving the vision correction needs of the Twin Cities for more than 20 years.
  • Featured on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Channel 4 Morning News, CBS, ABC, and more.
  • Chu Vision offers the most vision correction technologies in Minnesota to help you see and be your best.
  • Dr. Chu was one of the first in MN to perform LASIK and trains surgeons across the country.

Learn More about Dr. Chu

What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is FDA-approved to correct common vision issues, including:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing far away
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty seeing up close
  • Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregular cornea

By adjusting the shape of the cornea with a precise laser, LASIK helps patients achieve clear,
crisp vision, often within just one day.

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See the Difference LASIK Can Make

At Chu Vision Institute, we want everyone to see the world through clear eyes without glasses or contact lenses. We know that sharp vision can have a tremendous effect on daily quality of life. In fact, having the most precise vision possible can optimize everything from performing activities at work to enjoying your hobbies. Schedule an appointment at our office in the Twin Cities to receive a LASIK consultation with an extensively trained eye surgeon and find out if laser vision correction could be the most effective refractive error treatment for you and your eye health.

Who’s a Candidate for LASIK?

Most healthy adults age 18+ with a stable prescription may qualify, but candidacy depends on corneal thickness and overall eye health. You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your prescription has been stable for at least a year
  • You have adequate corneal thickness
  • You don’t have significant eye disease or uncontrolled health conditions

If LASIK isn’t the best fit, Dr. Chu also offers alternatives like PRK and SMILE to match each patient with the safest and most effective procedure.

Find out if LASIK is right for you now

Take The 60 Second Self-Test

Your LASIK Procedure

At Chu Vision Institute, LASIK surgery is an incredibly quick, precise, state-of-the-art laser eye surgery to improve vision. 

The procedure takes less than 15 minutes, and most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours.

Numbing and Preparation

Special eye drops keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Flap Creation

A thin flap is gently created on the surface of the cornea.

Laser Reshaping

An advanced excimer laser reshapes the cornea in seconds.

Flap Repositioned

The cornea begins healing naturally without sutures.

See the World Anew: Watch Nicole’s Inspiring LASIK Experience

mnbucketlistmom:

"I will shout about LASIK from the rooftops for the rest of my life. Thank you so much to @chuvisioninstitute for the ability to see clearly for the first time in 25 years. Was it scary? Kind of. Was it worth it? 1000%. The team was absolutely amazing and walked me through every single step. The whole thing took just a few minutes from start to finish and I don’t think Dr. Chu stopped reassuring me the entire time!

I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being able to open my eyes and see. Honesty I hope I don’t because it feels like a gift every single morning."

See Nicole's Story on Instagram

LASIK Recovery & Results

  • Day of Surgery: Vision may be hazy, and patients should rest with closed eyes.
  • 1 Day Later: Many return to work, drive, and enjoy clearer vision.
  • First Few Weeks: Temporary sensitivity, glare, or mild dryness are common.
  • 3 Months: Vision typically stabilizes with lasting, sharp results.

Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better and enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts.

See Our Affordable Financing and Payment Options

Learn More About Our Financing Options

Long-Term Clear Vision Today

Current innovations in LASIK technology are allowing countless people to benefit from laser vision correction. If you have been informed years ago that you weren’t suitable for LASIK, schedule an evaluation at Chu Vision Institute to find out if your eligibility has changed. Patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK may be qualified for a different vision correction option, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). We are here to give our LASIK patients in the Minneapolis, Bloomington, & Twin Cities area their sharpest eyesight yet.

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Is LASIK Safe?

  • Recent clinical studies show that for many patients, LASIK is safer than long-term contact lens wear* study
  • With hundreds of thousands of procedures performed each year, it’s one of the safest elective treatments now available
  • One of the most studied elective procedures, over 7,000 peer-reviewed studies confirm it’s safety and effectiveness
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LASIK Common Questions Answered

See All LASIK FAQs

Is LASIK permanent?

While LASIK surgery’s effects are permanent, its advantages might decrease slightly with time. The changes made to the cornea during LASIK will last a lifetime and are permanent. Anatomical changes to the eye or eyes may require enhancement surgery in around 10–12 percent of individuals worldwide. Most people will develop presbyopia in their 40s, a condition where they have trouble seeing up close. This happens regardless of whether you’ve had LASIK or not. Your highly qualified laser eye surgeon will determine which vision correction procedure is best for you and your individual needs.

How long does the procedure take?

On the day of your procedure, you should plan to be at Chu Vision Institute for two hours in order to complete any paperwork and testing and allow time for recovery. However, the LASIK eye surgery takes only 15 minutes or less to complete.

How can I pay for LASIK surgery?

Chu Vision accepts cash, checks, or credit. You can also use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for your LASIK eye surgery, as it is an eligible expense. We do have financing and payment options available for those who qualify.

Can you move during LASIK eye surgery?

During LASIK surgery, very precise lasers and equipment that can track eye movement are utilized. Our lasers will immediately respond to even the tiniest movement and stop treating until your eyes are fixated on the target once again. With that being said, shifting your eye during LASIK is not a cause for worry. Our systems will carefully monitor everything and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the operation proceeds as planned, whether you move your eye or not. To keep everything moving quickly and smoothly during the treatment, you simply keep your eyes fixated on the target. If your eye does move for any reason, our lasers will pause until your eyes are back in proper alignment. Therefore, don’t worry that you could disrupt your treatment by accidentally moving your eyes, since it’s literally impossible to do so. Our leading-edge technology will safeguard your vision.

Is LASIK eye surgery safe?

LASIK is regarded as a safe surgery with a very low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. LASIK is considered one of the safest elective surgical treatments now available, with a complication rate of less than 1%. In fact, there is actually more of a risk when wearing contact lenses (due to the chances of infection) than there is of having LASIK surgery.

What is recovery after LASIK surgery like?

The LASIK initial recovery time typically lasts six to twelve hours; however, it varies from patient to patient and depends on a number of factors. After having vision correction surgery, most patients can see clearly within 24 hours, while others need two to five days to recover. Following LASIK, some patients may experience blurred vision and vision fluctuations for a few weeks. It is normal to experience blurry vision immediately after surgery but this usually clears up within a few hours. You should plan to have someone drive you home after your LASIK eye surgery and are advised to nap and relax for the remainder of the day. You should avoid straining your eyes by avoiding reading or watching television. Most patients are cleared to return to work and normal activities the following day.

How long will I be off work after LASIK surgery?

You should plan to be off work for two to three days, but most of our patients are able to return to work the day following their LASIK surgery.

Does insurance pay for LASIK surgery?

LASIK is considered an elective procedure, and most insurance plans do not cover it. However, you are able to use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for your LASIK eye surgery, as it is an eligible expense.

Can eye makeup be worn after LASIK surgery?

For at least a week after LASIK, Dr. Chu and most skilled LASIK doctors advise against wearing makeup. Although there is no perfect time to start wearing makeup again, a week should be plenty to give your eyes time to heal and become less vulnerable to bacterial infections and other problems

What is monovision LASIK?

For patients who experience both myopia and presbyopia, we may recommend a technique known as monovision LASIK. Using this method, our staff creates a blended vision that corrects one eye for nearsightedness and one for farsightedness. The brain is then able to combine these differences in vision in order for you to be able to see both near and far. Though this may sound like your vision will be a bit odd or uncomfortable, most patients are very happy with their results and become completely accustomed to their new vision within just a few weeks. In order to ensure patients will love their results, we usually recommend that patients undergo a short trial before undergoing monovision LASIK, in which they wear a pair of lenses that simulate monovision. In this way, patients can see for themselves what to expect from the procedure. Monovision LASIK is typically suitable for any patients over the age of 40 who are noticing symptoms of presbyopia and myopia.

How does LASIK save you money in the long term?

We all prefer to save money, but many patients don’t understand how having LASER eye surgery may do that. But it’s crucial to take a step back and consider the larger picture. The cost of contact lenses and glasses each year adds up. When you compare the cost of LASIK eye surgery to how much you would normally spend on glasses or contact lenses in a year, the expense might be daunting. Now consider the annual expenditure spread across 5 and 10 years. You can clearly understand now how choosing to get LASIK surgery will save you money. Depending on where you obtain them, the average cost of a single pair of new glasses is about $187 each year; this does not account for the possible need for additional pairs or prescription sunglasses. A year’s worth of contact lenses typically costs about $325, although the price might vary greatly based on your prescription and the kind of lenses you use. The price of annual eye examinations and additional expenses like contact lens solution, carrying cases, and other items are also to be considered.

So, is LASIK financially viable?

It becomes apparent that eyeglasses and contact lenses may not truly be less expensive in the long run if you start to factor in these fees. Consider the additional time and effort that these may need in addition to the financial expenditures. In certain circumstances, wearing contacts and glasses may be uncomfortable and awkward, which comes with a price. For many, having superior vision without the need for glasses or contacts seems much more practical and usually more fun. Enjoy wearing glasses as a fashion statement? You’re welcome to wear non-prescription glasses to accessorize a favorite outfit, but thankfully, now you won’t be dependent on them!

"I highly recommend Chu Vision.

Dr. Chu, thanks to you and your team for helping me reach GOLD for the US Sled Hockey Team! My LASIK procedure and being able to see with such clarity were a huge part of my success. I highly recommend Chu Vision.”

Manuel • LASIK patient & US Gold Medalist

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