LASIK in Maine — Ravi Shah, MD | Portland, Maine LASIK Surgeon

LASIK in Portland, Maine

LASIK is an FDA-approved vision correction procedure that allows patients to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Shah performs LASIK at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine, serving patients from across the state — including South Portland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Brunswick, Lewiston, and Augusta.

The procedure corrects refractive errors — including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — by precisely reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses correctly on the retina.

The entire procedure takes less than ten minutes per eye. The corneal flap heals without stitches, and most patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours.

How LASIK Works

Dr. Shah utilizes the latest Alcon refractive laser suite to deliver exceptional precision, safety, and visual outcomes.

This advanced platform includes the EX500 excimer laser, FS200 femtosecond laser, and Contoura mapping technology for highly personalized vision correction.

A thin corneal flap is created using the FS200 femtosecond laser — no blade
The flap is gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue
The EX500 excimer laser precisely reshapes the cornea to correct your prescription
The flap is repositioned and heals naturally — no stitches required

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LASIK Candidacy Checklist

At least 18 years of age
Stable vision prescription for over a year
Adequate corneal thickness
No active glaucoma or cataracts
Not currently pregnant
Good overall eye health

A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation will confirm your candidacy.

What is Contoura Vision?

Contoura Vision is an FDA-approved topography-guided LASIK treatment that goes beyond correcting your glasses prescription. It maps up to 22,000 unique points on the surface of your cornea to create a highly personalized treatment plan.

Clinical studies have shown that Contoura patients achieve sharper, higher-quality vision compared to standard LASIK — with many patients seeing better than 20/20 after surgery.

Dr. Shah uses the Alcon EX500 excimer laser with Contoura to deliver outcomes tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient's eyes.

Contoura Vision vs. Standard LASIK

Maps 22,000 unique points on your cornea
Corrects corneal irregularities beyond your prescription
FDA-approved with superior clinical outcomes
Reduced glare, halos, and nighttime visual disturbances
More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision

Ask About Contoura

The Day of Your LASIK Procedure

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients are at the surgery center for about 90 minutes, though the laser portion of the procedure itself typically takes less than ten minutes per eye.

After check-in, anesthetic eye drops are placed to numb the surface of the eye. Dr. Shah and the surgical team confirm your treatment plan, then you're brought to the laser suite. The femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap, the excimer laser reshapes the cornea according to your custom treatment plan, and the flap is repositioned. You'll feel pressure but no pain.

Plan to have a friend or family member drive you home. Most patients rest with their eyes closed for several hours after surgery and notice clearer vision the same evening.

What to Bring on Surgery Day

A driver — you cannot drive yourself home
Sunglasses for the ride home
Loose, comfortable clothing
No eye makeup, perfume, or cologne
A list of all current medications
Your prescription eye drops, if already started

LASIK Recovery Timeline

LASIK has one of the fastest recovery timelines in modern surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

The First 24 Hours

Mild burning, watering, and light sensitivity are normal. Most patients sleep for several hours after surgery and wake up with substantially improved vision. Protective eye shields are worn at night.

The First Week

Vision continues to sharpen day by day. Patients return to most normal activities — work, light exercise, screen time — typically within 24 to 48 hours. Antibiotic and steroid drops are used as directed.

The First Three Months

Final visual results stabilize over weeks to months. Some patients experience temporary dryness or nighttime glare during this period, which typically resolves with lubricating drops. Follow-up visits track healing.

PRK — An Alternative for Some Patients

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure that uses the same excimer laser as LASIK to reshape the cornea, but without creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed and regenerates over several days.

PRK is often the preferred option for patients with thinner corneas, certain corneal surface conditions, or active lifestyles where eye trauma is a concern (military, contact sports, law enforcement). The long-term visual results of PRK and LASIK are comparable.

As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, Dr. Shah evaluates each patient individually to recommend the procedure best suited to their corneal anatomy and lifestyle. PRK is performed on the same Alcon laser platform at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine.

Why Choose Dr. Shah for LASIK in Maine

20+ Years of Experience

Dr. Shah has over two decades of laser vision correction experience and has performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures.

Cornea Specialist

As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, Dr. Shah brings an unmatched depth of understanding of corneal anatomy and refractive surgery.

Advanced Alcon Laser Suite

Dr. Shah uses the Alcon EX500 excimer laser, FS200 femtosecond laser, and Contoura mapping technology — delivering precise, personalized outcomes for each patient.

LASIK in Maine — Common Questions

Where can I get LASIK in Maine?

Dr. Ravi Shah performs LASIK at Eyecare Medical Group, located at 53 Sewall Street in Portland, Maine. The practice serves patients from across the state, including South Portland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Brunswick, Lewiston, and Augusta.

How much does LASIK cost in Maine?

LASIK pricing in Maine varies depending on the technology used and your individual prescription. Dr. Shah's office will review pricing, financing options, and what is included during your complimentary LASIK consultation.

How do I choose a LASIK surgeon in Maine?

Look for a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery, significant LASIK volume, and access to modern laser platforms such as the Alcon EX500 and FS200. Dr. Shah is fellowship-trained in cornea at the Cleveland Clinic and has performed thousands of laser vision correction procedures over more than 20 years.

How long is the recovery from LASIK?

Most LASIK patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours and return to normal activities the following day. Eye drops are used for several weeks during healing, and final visual results stabilize over the first one to three months.

Am I a candidate for LASIK?

Most adults over the age of 18 with a stable prescription for at least one year, healthy corneas of adequate thickness, and no active eye disease are candidates for LASIK. Conditions like dry eye syndrome and certain corneal conditions can affect candidacy — a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation with Dr. Shah will confirm candidacy and identify the best procedure for your eyes.