Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

Mayo Clinic offers the entire spectrum of LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) eye surgery options. LASIK is a laser surgery that reshapes the middle layers of the cornea so that light rays entering the eye are correctly focused (refracted) on the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision. LASIK vision correction is a permanent change and reduces the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Procedure

Patients lie in a reclining chair during surgery and receive an anesthetic eye drop. During surgery, a flap is created with a bladeless laser or cutting instrument and lifted open. An excimer laser is used to reshape the middle layers of the cornea before replacing the flap. The surgery usually lasts less than 30 minutes. Patients can expect good vision within a few days after surgery.

Candidates

LASIK eye surgery can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, which are usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Certain people with presbyopia (normal age-related loss of near vision), also may benefit from LASIK eye surgery, although there are limitations. Presbyopic patients may still need reading glasses after LASIK for sharp near vision.

Advantages

LASIK improves vision without having to rely on glasses or contacts. The procedure offers a faster recovery time for best vision and less discomfort than similar laser surgeries like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Disadvantages

This surgery carries a small risk of complications related to the flap created on the cornea.

Read more about LASIK eye surgery at MayoClinic.com.