When Uche finally decided to ditch his contact lenses, he thought LASIK would be a walk-in, walk-out kind of thing. But after a quick consultation at an eye clinic in Lekki, he found out he wasn’t even a candidate — and no one had told him why.
What Uche experienced is common across Nigeria: a lot of buzz about LASIK eye surgery, but very little real understanding of what it entails, who it’s for, and what could go wrong if you rush into it unprepared.
So if you’re wondering whether LASIK eye surgery in Nigeria is worth it, safe, or even right for you — this article breaks it all down.
What Exactly Is LASIK and How Does It Work?
LASIK (short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that corrects vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using a high-precision laser.
The idea is simple: by adjusting how light enters your eye, your vision becomes sharper — no glasses, no contact lenses.
But LASIK is not magic, and it’s not for everyone.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider LASIK?
This is where most Nigerians get it wrong. LASIK is powerful, but it’s also selective. Not every blurry eye can be fixed with a laser.
You’re a strong candidate if you:
Are between 18 and 45 years old
Have had a stable prescription for at least a year
Don’t have major health issues like uncontrolled diabetes
Have healthy corneas and no history of eye infections or injuries
LASIK may not be for you if you:
Are pregnant or nursing
Have dry eyes or thin corneas
Are dealing with chronic diseases that affect healing
Have unrealistic expectations (LASIK can improve vision, but it’s not a superpower)
Most importantly, only a full pre-surgery assessment (not a quick eye test) can tell if LASIK is the right path.
How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in Nigeria?
There’s no flat rate, prices vary depending on:
Surgeon experience
Clinic equipment (bladeless LASIK often costs more)
Type of LASIK (traditional, custom wavefront, SMILE, etc.)
Whether post-op care is included
And no, cheaper isn’t always better — especially when it’s your eyesight at stake.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After LASIK
Before Surgery
You’ll undergo extensive eye tests
Your corneas will be mapped using advanced tech
You’ll get guidance on whether LASIK is safe for you
During Surgery
It takes 15–30 minutes, usually pain-free
You remain awake, but relaxed
The laser reshapes your cornea in seconds
After Surgery
Most people see better immediately
Full clarity may take a few weeks
Avoid makeup, swimming, or dusty areas during recovery
Follow-up visits are a must
Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?
Yes — when done right.
In skilled hands and the right conditions, LASIK has over a 95% satisfaction rate globally.
Possible short-term side effects:
Dry eyes (common but temporary)
Glare or halos at night
Light sensitivity
Long-term risks (rare but real):
Undercorrection or overcorrection
Infection (linked to poor hygiene or bad aftercare)
Corneal flap issues
That’s why choosing the right clinic in Nigeria is crucial. Look for one with:
- Certified ophthalmologists
- Post-op care plan
- Transparent pricing
- Modern LASIK tech (like bladeless or SMILE)
Alternatives to LASIK: What If You’re Not a Candidate?
Not everyone qualifies, and that’s okay. Vision correction has options:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): no flap, slower recovery
Implantable contact lenses (ICL): suitable for very high prescriptions
Refractive lens exchange (RLE): more common for 45+ patients
A good clinic won’t pressure you into LASIK. They’ll help you find the safest and best option for your vision goals.
Why Nigerians Are Choosing LASIK More Than Ever
With remote work, fashion culture, and tech-savvy millennials on the rise, more Nigerians want hassle-free, permanent vision correction. LASIK gives that — if done right.
Your Vision Deserves Better Than Guesswork
A lot of eye clinics will tell you LASIK is “quick and easy.” But what they won’t say is that the wrong LASIK can make your vision worse, not better.
Don’t gamble.
📍 Get a comprehensive LASIK screening with qualified eye surgeons.
📍 Ask about technology, risks, and follow-up care.
📍 And always — always — verify that you’re a good candidate before booking.
Final Thought: What Should You Do Now?
You only get one pair of eyes. If you’re even thinking about LASIK, start with a real eye exam.
Book a full evaluation at Soteria Eye Clinic, ask questions, and decide with the facts — not the hype.
Want to find out if LASIK is right for you? Book a consultation today.
📞 Call 08063363506 or visit any of our locations –
LAGOS OFFICE
Atlantic Shopping & Ent. Centre, Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos Nigeria
CORPORATE OFFICE
Shop 53A Delta Mall, Shoprite, Effurun Delta State, Nigeria
UYO OFFICE
Tropicana Mall Shop GBA Udo-Udoma Avenue Uyo, Nigeria.
HEAD OFFICE
28 Kotie Street Off Okumagba Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
