Free LASIK Candidacy Screenings  ·  Same-Day Appointments Available  ·  Call 832-499-9722
Bellaire, Houston TX Free Candidacy Screening Navy-Trained Technique

She performed LASIK
for the U.S. Navy.
She can take care of you.

Dr. Nisha Shah is one of Houston's only ophthalmologists with military refractive surgery experience. Blade-free, custom-wavefront LASIK performed by the surgeon who trained on the most demanding patients in medicine.

TechniqueBlade-Free All-Laser
GuidanceCustom Wavefront
ScreeningFree for all patients
Recovery24–48 hr typical
Refractive Options

The right procedure
for your specific eyes

Not every eye is a LASIK candidate. Dr. Shah evaluates your corneal thickness, prescription, and pupil size to recommend the procedure that delivers the best outcome for you specifically.

Most Popular

LASIK

Blade-free, all-laser procedure. A thin corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser, then an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue. Fast recovery, minimal discomfort, excellent outcomes for most prescriptions.

Thin Corneas / High Rx

PRK

Photorefractive Keratectomy — no flap is created. The surface epithelium is gently removed and the excimer laser is applied directly. Slightly longer recovery but excellent long-term outcomes, especially for athletes or patients with thin corneas.

Extreme Myopia

ICL (Visian)

Implantable Collamer Lens — a tiny lens is implanted behind the iris without removing corneal tissue. Ideal for patients with extreme nearsightedness or those who are not LASIK/PRK candidates. Reversible procedure.

40+ / Presbyopia

RLE — Refractive Lens Exchange

The natural crystalline lens is replaced with a premium IOL — eliminating glasses dependence and preventing future cataracts simultaneously. The preferred option for patients over 45 with moderate to high prescriptions.

Candidacy Criteria

Are you a candidate?
Find out for free.

Good Candidates

Age 21+ with stable prescription for 12+ months
Nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic
Adequate corneal thickness (evaluated at screening)
No active corneal disease or severe dry eye
Not pregnant or nursing
Realistic expectations about outcomes

May Prefer Alternatives

Very thin corneas → consider PRK or ICL
Extremely high myopia (above -9D) → ICL preferred
Keratoconus → requires dedicated management first
Age 45+ with presbyopia → RLE often better choice
Severe dry eye → treat first, then evaluate
The Process

What to expect,
step by step

01
Free candidacy screening

Corneal topography, pachymetry (thickness), wavefront analysis, and a detailed refraction. Dr. Shah personally reviews your results.

02
Procedure planning

Dr. Shah reviews your maps, selects the optimal treatment algorithm, and answers every question. No scripted sales pitch.

03
LASIK procedure (15–20 min total)

Blade-free flap creation with femtosecond laser. Custom wavefront excimer ablation. Flap repositioned. You will see clearly within hours.

04
Next-day follow-up

Dr. Shah examines your eyes the following morning. Most patients achieve 20/20 or better within 24 hours.

05
Follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months

Dr. Shah tracks healing and fine-tunes if needed. You have 24/7 direct access for any concerns during recovery.

LASIK Questions

Answers from Dr. Shah

The procedure itself is painless — numbing eye drops are used and the laser portion takes under 60 seconds per eye. Mild pressure sensation is normal during flap creation. Some patients experience light sensitivity and mild discomfort for a few hours afterward, which resolves overnight.
For most patients, LASIK results are permanent. The correction is made to the cornea and does not change over time. Some patients notice minor changes in their prescription decades later due to natural aging of the eye — not regression of the LASIK itself. Enhancement procedures address this if needed.
Dr. Shah will discuss the best alternative — PRK (same laser, no flap, slightly longer recovery), ICL (implantable lens, no corneal tissue removed), or RLE (lens replacement, eliminates future cataracts). Approximately 15–20% of patients who want refractive surgery are not ideal LASIK candidates but are excellent candidates for one of these alternatives.
LASIK and other elective refractive procedures are generally not covered by insurance. However, many FSA and HSA plans can be used to pay for LASIK tax-free. Dr. Shah's office provides transparent out-of-pocket estimates at the screening visit. Financing options are available.
Most patients return to desk work and normal activities within 24–48 hours. Strenuous exercise and swimming should be avoided for two weeks. Contact sports require protective eyewear for approximately one month. Dr. Shah provides specific guidance based on your occupation and activities.

Start with a free screening.

No commitment. Dr. Shah personally evaluates every LASIK candidate and provides a candid recommendation — including if she thinks you shouldn't have it done.