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Who is LASIK for?

LASIK is for people who want to see the world without relying on glasses or contacts. You may be a great candidate if you are over 18 years of age, have healthy eyes, and your prescription is fairly stable. Our doctors will evaluate your corneal thickness and perform a thorough exam before recommending any vision correction procedure. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or struggle with astigmatism, LASIK may help you gain the freedom to live, work, and play with confidence.

👉 Schedule your LASIK consultation today.

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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Feel good about your investment! 
Many patients spend thousands over time on glasses, contacts, and prescriptions. LASIK can reduce those ongoing costs while giving you more freedom day-to-day.

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"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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Get Excited: Benefits of LASIK

  • Freedom from glasses and contacts
  • Wake up and open your eyes to clear mornings
  • Fall asleep without having to take out your contacts
  • NOT constantly cleaning your glasses
  • Save money over time (the average person spends $8,000 over a ten-year period on contacts and glasses!)

What to Expect We obsess over the details so you can just show up, relax, and enjoy new vision.

Step 1: Find Out if You're a Candidate

FREE CONSULTATION

Here's where all your questions are answered, and you get a feel for what care is like with us! One of our expert doctors will guide you through all of the vision correction options available and determine which is best for you. You leave feeling excited and confident in your decision.

Doctor performing an exam

Step 2: Correct Your Prescription

PROCEDURE DAY WITH DR. CHU

Numbing drops and a mild relaxant keep you nice and comfortable, and in less than 15 minutes, you're in and out of the laser suite (the procedure itself takes a few seconds per eye!). Most patients describe the feeling as 'weird' but not painful, and you head home for a nice recovery nap.

Dr. Chu performing an eye test for a patient

Step 3: Love Your Vision!

QUICK RECOVERY

Back on your feet with functional vision the next day, your schedule has been barely interrupted. Recovery is simple: medicated eye drops over the next few weeks make sure your eyes fully heal. That's it! Now you're enjoying freedom from contacts and glasses.

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Dr. Chu

Meet the Doctor Other Doctors Trust

With over 150,000 successful procedures and a career defined by innovation, board-certified Dr. Chu has built a reputation on one thing: outcomes you can trust. A globally recognized leader in vision correction, he's regularly called upon to train and lecture fellow surgeons around the world. In ophthalmology, Dr. Chu doesn't just set the standard. He helps teach it. 

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LASIK Procedure Options

Dr. Chu was one of the first in Minnesota to perform LASIK, but he's also at the forefront of innovation. We offer more types of vision correction than anyone else in the state, so we're not a one-size-fits-all LASIK center. This means:
  • If you've been told "No" to LASIK before, we may be able to safely tell you "YES!"
  • We help you choose the right procedure for you, not just LASIK
Dr. Chu using Zeiss to examen patient

Behind the scenes: Watch Nicole's 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

After Your LASIK Procedure

Imagine waking up the next morning and seeing the world clearly. Patients are usually surprised by how smooth their recovery is and how little LASIK interrupts their daily lives.

  • Day of: After the procedure, vision may be foggy or hazy. Patients should take a long nap. 
  • Day after: Most patients return to work, driving, and normal activities within 24 hours
  • First few weeks: Some patients experience temporary dryness, mild light sensitivity, glare, or halos. These minor effects typically fade quickly. 
  • First three months: Vision sharpens, improves, and stabilizes for lasting, sharp results.

What Our Patients Are Saying

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

Within 24 hours of the surgery, I’m seeing clear and my eyes feel normal.

Got LASIK done in both eyes yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. I’d recommend Chu Vision to anyone interested in LASIK surgery. Dr. Chu & everyone there did an ...

David A.

Best thing that I ever did for myself

I had lasik done with Dr. Chu in April 1998. Best thing that I ever did for myself !! Now that I needed cataract surgery this fall, I would never go to anyone else. He was my he...

Sandy

Chu Vision is the best in the business!

Got LASIK done in both eyes yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. I’d recommend Chu Vision to anyone interested in LASIK surgery. Dr. Chu & everyone there did an ...

David A.

I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I cannot recommend Chu Vision enough. I went through the LASIK procedure in November, and the entire team was so supportive and caring. It was an amazing experience and I would ...

Kate
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Ready to See Clearly?

  • Quick, safe, and effective
  • Trusted care from nationally recognized eye surgeon Dr. Ralph Chu
  • Flexible payment and financing options available

👉 Schedule your LASIK consultation today.

Dr. Chu

Why Choose Chu Vision Institute For LASIK?

✔ Compassionate, personalized care

✔ Trusted by Minneapolis for 25 years

✔ Experience you can feel: Dr. Chu has performed over 150,000 vision correction procedures

The most advanced options: Among the first (and current few) in Minnesota to offer Light Adjustable Lenses (customized vision!)

✔ On-site federally accredited surgery center complies with the highest safety standards

✔ Advancing Eyecare: Dr. Chu has participated in 100+ FDA clinical trials + the first surgeon to perform femtosecond laser cataract surgery in Minnesota

Request a Consultation

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LASIK All Your Questions Answered

Is LASIK safe?

Yes. LASIK is one of the most studied elective procedures available and has a long track record of safety and effectiveness. Millions of procedures have been performed worldwide, and extensive research continues to support its safety and outcomes. In fact, studies have shown that for many patients, LASIK can be safer than long-term contact lens wear.

Does LASIK hurt?

LASIK is surprisingly comfortable for most patients. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure to keep your eyes comfortable. Many people report feeling light pressure during the treatment, but not pain.

What happens if I blink or move during LASIK?

You can relax during the procedure. Advanced laser technology uses a precision eye-tracking system that monitors even the smallest movements. If you blink or move slightly, the laser pauses instantly and resumes safely once your eye is back in position. Your only job is to relax and breathe.

How long does LASIK take?

LASIK is very quick. The laser is only active for a few seconds per eye, and most patients are in and out of the laser suite in less than 15 minutes.

What is recovery after LASIK like?

Most patients notice improved vision quickly and return to normal activities within about 24 hours. You may experience temporary dryness, light sensitivity, or mild fluctuations in vision during the early healing period, but these symptoms typically improve as your eyes continue to heal.

How long will I need to be off work after LASIK?

Many patients return to work and their regular routine within 24 hours. Depending on your schedule and the timing of your procedure, you may choose to take the next day off or return to work the following day.

Can I wear makeup after LASIK?

Most patients can return to their usual routine quickly, including wearing makeup, often within about 24 hours. Your care team will provide specific guidance on what to do and what to avoid while your eyes heal.

How much does LASIK cost?

The cost of LASIK can vary depending on the type of vision correction procedure that is best for your eyes. During your consultation, our team will help determine the right option for you and review the associated cost. The good news is that LASIK is often more affordable than many people expect.

How can I pay for LASIK?

We offer several convenient payment options to help make LASIK accessible. Payment plans are available, and we accept HSA and FSA funds as well as cash, check, and major credit cards. Our team can help you review the options and find a solution that works for your budget.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

Most insurance plans consider LASIK an elective procedure, so it typically isn’t covered by standard medical benefits. However, some vision plans offer special discounts. Our team can help check your plan and explain any available savings.

Is LASIK permanent?

LASIK is designed to permanently correct your prescription. However, natural age-related vision changes can still occur over time. For example, many people over 40 develop presbyopia, which can require reading glasses, and cataracts may develop later in life. Fortunately, additional vision correction options are available to address these changes if they occur.

Can LASIK get rid of reading glasses?

LASIK is designed to correct distance vision. Reading glasses are usually needed because of a natural age-related change called presbyopia. During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your eyes and discuss the best options to help you achieve the clearest vision possible for your lifestyle.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (952) 592-4424.
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