LASIK is a corneal reshaping procedure that combines the precision of excimer laser technology with the rapid visual recovery of making a corneal flap. Because of its improved accuracy, safety, and fast recovery time, LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for correcting a large variety of refractive errors throughout much of the world.

The procedure itself consists of three steps. Only anesthetic drops are required, and sutures are not needed. The entire procedure takes about 5 minutes per eye (both eyes are done the same day), and there is no pain.

Steps of the LASIK Procedure

• Step A an automated instrument creates a thin flap from the clear cornea which is folded back. Step A takes about ten seconds and during this time the lights go dim, so you don't see anything, and all you feel is a pressure like sensation but no pain.
• Step B involves the computer-driven cold beam Excimer Laser. The patients' refractive error is entered into the computer and the laser painlessly reshapes the underlying cornea through a series of pulses. The laser beam is able to vaporize microscopic amounts of the cornea enabling a precision previously unattainable.
• Step C involves folding the flap back into position.

All refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can now be corrected through laser technology. There is no age limit for LASIK but you should have a stable prescription for 1 year (stabilization usually occurs by age 18.)