How Sightlume works

What Sightlume is — and what it is not

Sightlume is not a clinic, surgeon, or medical provider. We do not do eye exams, diagnose eye problems, perform surgery, or tell you which procedure you should get.

What we do is simpler: we help people in the US understand common vision-correction options like LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, and cataract or lens surgery, then we help them get matched with licensed ophthalmologists near them for a consultation.

This is especially helpful if you are new to the US, speak a language other than English at home, or just want a clearer, less salesy starting point.

A few important truths:
- Matching is free to you.
- You are in control. You decide whether to book, who to meet, and whether to do anything after that.
- No surgery happens without an in-person exam first.
- Not everyone is a candidate. A careful surgeon may say no, and that can be the right answer.

If you are still learning the basics, you can also explore our pages on LASIK and candidacy and the exam.

How the process works, step by step

1. You tell us basic contact details.
We ask for things like your name, phone, ZIP code, email, preferred language, and which procedure you are curious about.

2. We use that information to help connect you.
We look for licensed eye surgeons in your area who may be able to offer a consultation.

3. You hear from a local surgeon's office.
They can explain availability, consultation scheduling, office location, and next steps.

4. You attend a consultation if you want to.
That visit is where the real medical decision-making happens. A licensed eye surgeon examines your eyes, talks through risks and possible benefits, and explains whether you may or may not be a candidate.

5. You compare and decide.
You can meet more than one surgeon. You can ask questions. You can wait. You can keep glasses or contacts. It is your choice.

We do not ask you to send us medical records, prescription details, or your health history. If a surgeon's office needs medical information, they will ask you directly as part of their own consultation process, not through Sightlume.

What it costs you

Sightlume's matching service costs $0 to the reader.

That said, the surgery itself is usually not free and is rarely covered by insurance when it is elective. Real pricing depends on the procedure, your eyes, the technology used, and where you live.

Typical US ranges are:
- LASIK: about $2,000-$3,000 per eye
- PRK: about $1,800-$2,800 per eye
- SMILE: about $2,200-$3,200 per eye
- ICL: about $3,000-$5,000 per eye
- Both eyes: often roughly double the per-eye price

These are estimates, not quotes. A consultation is the only way to get a more exact price for your situation. If you want a fuller breakdown, see costs.

Also important: low price alone is not the same as good value. Ask what is included, what follow-up care costs, and what happens if your result is not what you hoped for. A careful comparison matters.

Your control matters more than any ad

Vision-correction surgery can help some people reduce their need for glasses or contacts. It can also come with real downsides. Results vary from person to person.

Every procedure carries risks, including:
- dry eye
- glare or halos at night
- under-correction or over-correction
- regression or the need for enhancement
- infection
- flap-related problems in LASIK
- rare loss of vision

That is why your job is not to rush. Your job is to ask clear questions and decide whether the trade-offs make sense for you.

Useful questions to ask at a consultation:
- Am I a candidate for this procedure, and why or why not?
- What are the main risks in my case?
- What happens if I still need glasses afterward?
- What does the full price include?
- How much follow-up care is included?
- If you do not think I am a good candidate, will you tell me clearly?

A good surgeon should be willing to explain limits, not just benefits. For more on comparing consults, read how to choose an eye surgeon.

Why many people use Sightlume

A lot of people do not know where to start. They see ads, prices, and big promises, but still do not know what applies to their own eyes.

Sightlume helps by giving you a simpler path:
- one place to start
- plain-language information
- support for different language needs
- a free way to connect with licensed surgeons near you

But we want to be clear about something important: educational information is not the same as medical advice. Only an in-person exam can determine candidacy, and sometimes the honest answer is that surgery is not a good fit.

If you want to take the next step, you can get matched. If not, that is fine too. It is always OK to wait, get more opinions, or keep wearing glasses or contacts.