LASIK Eye Surgery

Like most contact lens wearers, you've probably heard about - and given some thought to - corrective lens surgery that makes wearing glasses and contacts a thing of the past.

The most common procedure is known as LASIK surgery, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This brief, painless procedure has revolutionized the eye care industry and provided millions of people (including some notable athletes) with perfect vision.

LASIK surgery uses something called an excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea after a small flap is first cut into it. The procedure takes as little as 15 minutes and the patient remains awake throughout, after first receiving anesthetic eye drops. Your ophthalmologist will likely do both eyes in a single visit.

Post-operative healing is rapid, though you will be required to wear plastic eye shields while sleeping for at least the first night afterward. Other activities, such as swimming or contact sports, may also be temporarily restricted on your surgeon's advice.

Laser-assisted corrective eye surgery has been around for more than a decade, but LASIK expanded its potential after the FDA approved the first generation of excimer lasers in 1998. Since then, the procedure has had a remarkable record of success and safety.

People who have had LASIK surgery often report a period of adjustment that can last up to 3 months, during which their vision may fluctuate. Beyond that period, people report few difficulties and most patients are delighted with the results.

To learn more about LASIK surgery as an alternative to wearing glasses or contacts, check out the resource links on this page.