LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments. The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.

The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour or two. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.

A common complaint after surgery is sensitivity to light, but this will subside. Antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed for a few days, along with any other post-operative instructions. Full recovery takes a few weeks.

The LASIK Procedure
A thin flap of corneal tissue is surgically created and folded back.	The laser makes precise contact with the cornea, reshaping it.	The flap of the cornea is replaced and vision is improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LASIK hurt?

Because the cornea is easily numbed with "eye drop" anesthesia, patients report little, if any, discomfort both during and after the procedure.

When will I be able to see after the procedure?

Results vary from patient to patient. Most patients have functional vision in one to three days. Full visual results are usually realized within one to four weeks.

Will I have 20/20 vision?

We hope so, but as with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision or that you will not need distance or reading glasses again. However, almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses.

What are the primary benefits of LASIK over PRK?

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, or PRK, treats the surface of the cornea with the Excimer laser while LASIK treats the inner tissue of the cornea. For this reason, with LASIK there is less area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative pain, less postoperative medications, and vision often returns very rapidly. It can also be used to treat higher amounts of refractive errors.

What are the risks associated with LASIK?

Like any medical procedure, LASIK has some risks. Because LASIK uses a microkeratome, results are more dependent on surgical experience than with PRK. Your doctor will give you more detailed information regarding risks and complications prior to your having LASIK, and all of your questions will be answered.

Is LASIK approved by the FDA?

The FDA does not usually approve procedures; they approve medical devices such as the Excimer laser. Several Excimer lasers have been approved, and others are in the final stages of clinical trials.