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Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
Knowing how LASIK works helps you feel confident about the procedure. This section explains the science and the technology behind modern laser vision correction.
During LASIK a laser creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. A second laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue so light focuses precisely on the retina. The flap is placed back into position where it begins to heal right away.
Think of the eye like a camera. If the lens is not shaped perfectly, the image is blurry. LASIK gently removes microscopic corneal tissue to fine-tune that lens. For nearsightedness the cornea is made flatter, for farsightedness it is made steeper, and for astigmatism it is smoothed into a rounder shape.
The Benefits of LASIK
LASIK offers more than sharp vision. It also brings new convenience, confidence, and long-term value to everyday life.
LASIK removes the ongoing cost of new frames, lenses, and contact lens supplies, making it a smart investment over time.
Skip daily lens care and enjoy a faster morning routine.
Instead of frequent purchases for eyewear, you pay once for lasting visual freedom.
Wake up to crisp sight without reaching for glasses.
Enjoy activities without the worry of lost glasses or dry, uncomfortable lenses.
Most patients keep their improved distance vision for many years.
Swim, run, and play without foggy lenses or slipping frames.
Pack light because you no longer need cleaning solutions or backup eyewear.
Clear vision often boosts self-confidence and comfort in social settings.
Vision Problems LASIK Can Correct
LASIK treats the three most common refractive errors that blur vision.
You see close objects clearly but distant objects look fuzzy. LASIK flattens the cornea to move the focal point onto the retina.
Close work is difficult and distance vision may blur in severe cases. LASIK steepens the central cornea to increase focusing power.
An uneven, football-shaped cornea causes light to focus at multiple points, creating distortion at all ranges. LASIK smooths the cornea into a more regular, spherical shape.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
A detailed evaluation confirms whether LASIK is safe and effective for your eyes. Our surgeons use advanced testing to guide this decision.
Several guidelines help protect your safety and long-term results.
- You are at least 18 years old, and many patients benefit from waiting until their mid-20s.
- Your prescription has been stable for at least one year.
- You enjoy good general health without uncontrolled autoimmune disease or diabetes.
- Your eyes are free from severe dry eye, advanced glaucoma, cataracts, or infection.
- Your corneas are thick enough to allow safe reshaping.
Diagnostic imaging maps corneal shape and thickness, measures pupil size in different light, and screens for dry eye or other issues. These findings guide a personalized treatment plan.
Performing LASIK on a changing eye is like tailoring clothes for someone still growing. Stable vision helps ensure a lasting result.
Severe dry eye, keratoconus, uncontrolled glaucoma, or certain infections can raise risk. These are carefully ruled out or treated first.
When LASIK is not ideal, other options such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or refractive lens exchange may provide safe and effective vision correction.
The LASIK Procedure Step-by-Step
Knowing what to expect on surgery day reduces anxiety and builds confidence in the process.
You meet one-on-one with a fellowship-trained surgeon who reviews test results, discusses goals, and answers every question.
Stop soft contact lenses one to two weeks before surgery and rigid lenses three to four weeks beforehand. Arrive without makeup, perfume, or lotion, and arrange a ride home.
Our surgeons use two precise lasers for added safety and accuracy.
- Numbing drops keep you comfortable.
- A femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap in about 20 seconds.
- An excimer laser reshapes the cornea in under 60 seconds per eye.
- The flap is repositioned and begins healing right away.
You may feel light pressure but no pain. A blinking target light helps you focus while advanced eye tracking guides the laser for pinpoint treatment.
Recovery and Life-Changing Results
Most patients notice clearer vision within a day, with continued improvement over the next few weeks.
Your sight may be hazy and your eyes may feel scratchy for a few hours. Rest, avoid rubbing, and use medicated and lubricating drops as directed.
A follow-up visit confirms early healing. Protective shields at night, no swimming, and avoidance of contact sports help protect the corneal flap.
Additional visits over several months track stability. Routine yearly exams remain important because aging eyes can develop presbyopia or cataracts even after successful LASIK.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address common concerns about safety, comfort, and results.
No. Powerful numbing drops prevent pain during surgery. Mild scratchy discomfort for a few hours afterward is normal and resolves quickly.
The laser treatment itself lasts less than 15 minutes for both eyes, although you may be at the center for about ninety minutes for preparation and post-operative checks.
Temporary dry eye, glare, or halos may occur as the eye heals. Serious complications such as infection are rare, especially with careful screening and modern technology.
The corneal reshaping is permanent. Age-related changes like presbyopia may still require reading glasses later in life, but distance vision usually stays clear.
Most patients resume normal routines and non-strenuous work within one to two days, following surgeon guidance on driving and activity limits.
A comprehensive evaluation that measures corneal thickness, maps shape, checks tear film, and reviews medical history is the only way to know for sure.
Over 90 percent of modern LASIK patients reach 20/20 or better. Individual results can vary, and a small number may need an enhancement for fine-tuning.
Both use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. LASIK creates a flap for faster recovery, while PRK removes the surface layer and is often chosen for thinner corneas.
Fellowship training provides additional years of focused experience in cornea and refractive surgery, which enhances skill, safety, and outcomes.
Begin Your Journey to Clear Vision
LASIK has helped countless patients enjoy life without constant dependence on glasses or contacts. Our experienced surgeons and caring team are ready to guide you through every step toward sharper, more confident sight.
I have been going to Westwood Ophthalmology for years. I had LASIK, cataract surgery with lens implants. Couldn't have asked for better care.
Diane Flynn
Surgery site very organized, clean, done on time. Follow up also on time. All questions answered. So glad I had my surgery with Dr. Lee.
Doris Dunn
Dr. Chin is a brilliant doctor and a great person. My wife and I have been going to him for years and he did my wife's LASIK surgery which was perfect.
Thomas Papaleo
Dr. Chin is a brilliant doctor and a great person. My wife and I have been going to him for years and he did my wife's LASIK surgery which was perfect.
Thomas Papaleo
Dr. Lee performed surgery on both my eyes. My vision is perfect. Dr Lee is the best.
Chris Codner