In this Article

• What is LASIK?
• How does LASIK work?
• What is refractive error?
• What are the primary types of refractive error?
• How do glasses or contacts improve vision in people with refractive errors?
• What happens to vision when we age?
• Are there different types of LASIK?
• What is conventional LASIK?
• What is wavefront-optimized LASIK?
• What is wavefront-guided LASIK?
• What other types of refractive surgery are available?
• Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
• What is my doctor looking for during my evaluation?
• What are the risks of LASIK?
• How do I find the right doctor?
• What should I expect before, during and after surgery?
• What are the advantages of LASIK surgery?
• What are the disadvantages of LASIK surgery?
• LASIK checklist
• LASIK Eye Surgery Index

What are the advantages of LASIK surgery?

In summary, despite the risks outlined above, LASIK has been proven to be safe and effective for most people. With careful patient screening and selection, reasonable expectations, and in the care of an experienced surgeon, most patients will be very pleased with their results. These are some of the other advantages of LASIK:

• LASIK is able to accurately correct most levels of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.



• The procedure is fast, usually lasting only five to 10 minutes, and is generally painless.



• Because the laser is guided by a computer, it is very precise and results are very accurate.



• In most cases, a single treatment will achieve the desired outcome; however, enhancements are possible if needed, even many years after the initial surgery.

What are the disadvantages of LASIK surgery?

• Because each patient will heal slightly differently, results may vary from patient to patient.



• LASIK could make some aspects of your vision worse, including night vision with glare and halos.



• LASIK may make dry-eye symptoms worse in certain individuals.



• In rare circumstances, LASIK can make your vision worse and not correctable with regular glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK checklist

1. Know your refractive error.

2. Know your treatment options.

3. Know the type of laser that has been recommended for your treatment and why this specific laser was chosen.

4. Know what to look for to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.


• Career issues



• Vision stability



• Medical or eye diseases



• Age



• Corneal thickness



• Corneal Shape and curvature



• Pupil size



• Dry Eyes



• Previous refractive surgery



5. Know the risks possible with surgery.


• Over-correction or under-correction



• May still need glasses or contacts after surgery



• Results may not be permanent



• Visual aberrations



• Dry eye may worsen



• May lose vision



6. Know how to find the right surgeon.


• Experienced



• Good reputation in community



• Access to latest technology



• Available after surgery to manage any complications that may occur



• Beware of "guarantees"



7. Know what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
• Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK) - Learn about Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK) for nearsighted and farsighted vision problems.

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