What is LASIK?

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery for correcting vision problems. The procedure reshapes the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision.

How LASIK Works

During LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser (bladeless LASIK). The flap is then lifted, and an excimer laser precisely removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape it. Finally, the flap is repositioned, where it adheres naturally without stitches.

What LASIK Corrects

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): When the eyeball is too long or the cornea curves too steeply, causing distant objects to appear blurry
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): When the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing near objects to appear blurry
• Astigmatism: When the cornea curves unevenly, causing blurred vision at all distances

LASIK by the Numbers

• Over 700,000 LASIK procedures are performed annually in the United States
• 96-99% of patients achieve their desired vision outcome
• The procedure takes only 10-15 minutes for both eyes
• Most patients see clearly within 24 hours