LASIK | Retina Foundation

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular surgery that can correct vision in people who are nearsighted or farsighted, or who have astigmatism.
It’s one of many vision correction surgeries that work by reshaping your cornea, the clear front part of your eye, so that light focuses on the retina in the back of your eye.

Why Is LASIK Done?

When light doesn’t focus on your retina the way it should, your vision is blurry. Doctors call this a refractive error. The basic types include:

Nearsightedness (myopia). You see things clearly when they’re close to you, but things farther away are blurry.
Farsightedness (hyperopia). You see faraway things more clearly, but closer things are blurry.
Astigmatism. This can make everything blurry because of how your eye is shaped.

Talk to your doctor about whether LASIK is right for you. You shouldn’t have the surgery if you:

Are younger than 18
Are pregnant or nursing
Take certain medications
Have a lot of recent changes to your vision prescription
Have thin or uneven corneas
Have eye conditions such as glaucoma or very dry eyes
Have other health issues such as diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis

LASIK Eye Surgery Benefits

The benefits of LASIK include:

It’s been around for over 25 years. About 96% of patients reach their vision goals afterward. An enhancement can raise this number even more.
There’s very little, if any, pain involved.
There aren’t any bandages or stitches.
If your vision changes as you age, your doctor can adjust it.
You probably won’t need to use glasses or contacts as much, or at all, after LASIK.