LASIK is performed as an outpatient in a laser suite. A drop of anesthetic medication is placed in the eye to numb the corneal surface. After you are comfortably positioned, an instrument called a microkeratome glides over the cornea to create a microscopically thin flap of tissue, the flap is gently lifted while remaining attached on one side. To gain access to the inner corneal tissue.

The Excimer laser beam is applied in pulses to the inner cornea using predetermined calculations based on your eye's degree and type of refractive error (lens prescription). By adjusting the shape and pattern of the laser beam, it is possible to treat high levels of nearsightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.

After the laser is used to reshape the inner cornea, the protective flap is gently laid back in place. This flap re-adheres itself naturally, without the need for stitches. The front surface of the eye now conforms to the reshaped inner surface. So, now the change that was made in the middle of the cornea is translated to the front surface of the cornea. Since only the edge around the corneal flap needs to heal, visual recovery is rapid and patients report little or no post-operative pain.

After resting for a few minutes and receiving instructions, you will be able to return home to rest and relax for several hours. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities the next day.