LASIK is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK, which stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a form of refractive surgery that changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina in the back of the eye and objects can be seen clearly. The procedure is effective for many patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium. Patients are given topical anesthesia and a mild sedative so they are awake but calm and cannot feel the instruments. The epithelial flap is lifted and an excimer laser beam adjusts corneal curvature so objects no longer appear blurry. The cornea is steepened for hyperopic patients, flattened for myopic patients, and made more spherical for patients with astigmatism. The flap is then closed.

The entire LASIK procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave the office within an hour or two. 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.