Disclaimer

Sightlume is not a doctor or clinic

Sightlume is not an ophthalmologist, optometrist, surgeon, clinic, hospital, or insurance company. We do not perform eye exams, diagnose eye conditions, prescribe treatment, recommend one procedure for you, or perform surgery.

Our role is limited to general education and helping you get matched with licensed eye surgeons near you for a consultation. The decision about whether any procedure is appropriate for you can only be made by a qualified eye surgeon after an in-person exam and testing.

You should not rely on anything on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have urgent eye symptoms, contact a licensed medical professional right away.

This site is educational, not medical advice

Everything on Sightlume is intended as general information. It is meant to help you ask better questions and understand common procedures such as LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, and cataract or lens surgery.

But education is not a diagnosis. It is not a treatment plan. It is not a promise that you are a candidate. Candidacy depends on your eyes, your health, your prescription, your corneal measurements, your age, and other findings that only show up in an exam.

If you want a better sense of what surgeons look for, read candidacy and exam or are you a candidate for LASIK. Then confirm everything with a licensed surgeon in person.

Results vary, and every surgery has real risks

No vision-correction surgery is risk-free, and no honest source should pretend otherwise. Results vary from person to person. Some people are happy with their outcome. Some need more time to heal. Some are told they are not good candidates at all.

Possible risks and side effects can include:
- dry eye
- glare, halos, or trouble with night vision
- under-correction or over-correction
- regression or the need for enhancement
- infection or inflammation
- flap-related problems in LASIK
- corneal haze in some PRK cases
- lens-related complications in ICL or lens surgery
- rare but serious loss of vision

Different procedures have different benefits, limits, recovery times, and risk profiles. Learn more in our guide to LASIK risks and side effects. Most important: only an examining surgeon can explain how these risks may apply to your eyes.

Cost information is an estimate, not a quote

Any prices you see on Sightlume are typical ranges, not exact quotes and not guarantees. In the US, many people see ballpark ranges like:

1. LASIK: about $2,000-$3,000 per eye
2. PRK: about $1,800-$2,800 per eye
3. SMILE: about $2,200-$3,200 per eye
4. ICL: about $3,000-$5,000 per eye

Both eyes are often roughly double, but the real cost depends on the procedure, your eyes, the technology used, the surgeon, and your local area. Surgery is also rarely covered by insurance.

Sightlume does not set surgical fees, offer financial advice, or guarantee financing terms. For a broader overview, see costs.

What we collect, and what you should verify yourself

To help with matching, we collect contact details only:
- name
- phone number
- email
- ZIP code
- preferred language
- which procedure you are curious about

We do not ask you to send us your medical history, prescriptions, test results, or health records.

You should also verify a surgeon and clinic for yourself before moving forward. A simple checklist:

1. Confirm the surgeon is licensed in your state and is an ophthalmologist.
2. Ask who will do your exam, your surgery, and your follow-up care.
3. Ask about risks, alternatives, recovery time, and total cost.
4. Compare consultations and take your time.
5. Walk away if you feel pressured.

You can use our guide on how to choose an eye surgeon. You choose who to trust. It is always OK to wait, get another opinion, or keep wearing glasses or contacts.

Final reminder: this page is information, not medical advice. No surgery should happen without an exam, and only a licensed eye surgeon can tell you whether you are a candidate.