LASIK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

Treating nearsightedness,
the cornea is made flatter

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

Treating farsightedness,
the cornea is made steeper

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical -- like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Treating astigmatism,
the cornea is made more spherical

LASIK is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• are at least 18 years of age
• have had a stable eye prescription for at least six months
• have no health issues affecting their eyes

What to expect on surgery day:

You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. You will have been given a prescription for a mild relaxant to take prior to your arrival. You will then be prepared for surgery. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. Antibiotic eye drops will be used to protect you from infection. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. An eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure and allow you to fixate on a blinking red light.  Your surgeon will talk you through the entire procedure.

The area around your eyes will be cleaned
and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye

Next, an instrument called a microkeratome will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue, and your doctor will gently fold the flap out of the way. During this process, you may feel a little pressure, but no pain.  It is important to relax, center yourself with slow breathing and "allow things to happen."

You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed.


To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Since you have taken a mild sedative and  because for the next several hours your vision will be blurry, someone will need to drive you home. You should go home and close your eyes for the next five hours. After that, avoid squeezing your eyes but normal blinking is encouraged. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.

Following your procedure, your
eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope

You will be asked to come back the next day for another examination of your eye(s). Most people can actually see well enough to drive the next day but it's best not to drive until you feel completely comfortable with your vision. You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after surgery.

Vision can fluctuate for up to six months, but most people can see well enough to pass a driver's license vision exam rather quickly following their procedure.