LASIK is a surgical procedure to correct a patient’s vision to reduce or eliminate their need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The surgery is normally done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic eye drops.

The doctor uses a microkeratome to cut a flap in the cornea. He then uses a laser beam of light to remove microscopic bits of tissue to reshape the cornea. The flap is then laid back in place.

The actual procedure only usually takes about five minutes and you are awake the entire time.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery has become less and less in recent years as the procedure has become more popular and more surgeons have become trained in doing the surgery.

Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from LASIK surgery. First you need to visit a LASIK surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

The doctor will give you an eye exam to find out what type of vision correction you need. If you have any signs of dry eye disease, it must be cleared up before the procedure.

After having LASIK surgery, you doctor will give you any pain medication (which is usually not necessary) or drops that you may need. Someone else must drive you home from the procedure.

You should not exercise or rub your eyes for a week or so after the procedure as there is a chance you will dislodge the flap or affect the healing of your eyes.

After LASIK, most people achieve 20/20 vision or better. However a small number of patients may have vision that is not quite as good. These patients may still need glasses or contact lenses. They can also opt for a follow up surgery to enhance the original procedure.

Many LASIK eye surgeons offer one touch-up surgery as part of the cost of the original surgery.

Even if you see 20/20 after laser eye surgery, you may still require reading glasses once you are into your 40s.

Learn more about LASIK eye surgery from the U.S. FDA website or by consulting with a LASIK eye surgeon in your area.

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