LASIK is an elective laser eye surgery that reshapes the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to improve vision. It is the most popular vision correction procedure performed in the United States and worldwide. LASIK can correct a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

LASIK eye surgery is a two-step procedure:


Step 1: Flap creation

After numbing eye drops are applied to decrease the sensitivity of the cornea, a surgical instrument is attached to the eye with suction and creates a thin flap of corneal tissue.

In most LASIK surgeries, this instrument is a mechanical microkeratome, which contains a surgical blade. But the corneal flap can also be created with a laser.

When the corneal flap is created with a laser, there's less risk of flap-related complications. Until recently, only one company — IntraLase Corp. (Irvine, CA) — manufactured an FDA-approved laser for creating corneal flaps in LASIK surgery. For that reason, all-laser LASIK in the U.S. is sometimes called "IntraLasik."

Whether the corneal flap is created with a microkeratome or a laser, one end of the flap is left attached to the eye. The flap is folded back on this "hinge," exposing the underlying cornea for reshaping with an excimer laser.

LASIK Step 1: Flap creation. ©JirehDesign.com

LASIK Step 2: Laser re-shaping. ©JirehDesign.com

Step 2: Laser re-shaping

Once the underlying cornea is exposed, the LASIK surgeon positions the treatment laser (called an excimer laser) close to the eye and begins the corneal re-shaping process.

The excimer laser delivers a computer-programmed number of pulses of high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light. These energy pulses vaporize (or ablate) microscopic amounts of cornea tissue to reshape the front of the eye, enabling the cornea to focus light more accurately.

After the excimer laser treatment (which usually takes less than a minute), the surgeon repositions the corneal flap and gently presses it into place over the treatment area. The flap bonds to the underlying cornea relatively quickly, with no need for stitches. However, you should avoid rubbing your eyes for a week or two after LASIK.

You will also be given medicated eye drops to use for several days after surgery to decrease swelling and the risk of infection.