Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are corrected by changing the curvature of the cornea. Only microscopic changes are required to dramatically improve vision.

In LASIK, the excimer laser is used to alter the curvature of the cornea. The laser is computer controlled and creates pulses of cool ultraviolet light. Each pulse of light removes a microscopic layer from the cornea, changing the curvature of the cornea ever so slightly. Only a very small amount of tissue is removed, usually less than the thickness of a human hair.

Laser is able to correct both nearsightedness and astigmatism, or farsightedness and astigmatism at the same time. To correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, the laser removes tissue in a circular pattern; to correct astigmatism, the laser removes tissue in an elliptical pattern. Low amounts of correction will require smaller amounts of tissue removal and larger corrections will require greater amounts. The total treatment usually takes less than one minute of actual laser time.

In LASIK, the top layers are lifted up and the laser energy is applied under a protective flap. The protective flap is then laid back into place where it sticks without the need for stitches.

No injection or intravenous medication is needed for the laser treatment. There is no pain whatsoever during the procedure. Patients Will experience only mild discomfort the first night and mild scratchiness for a week.The entire treatment will take about 5 minutes and you will be able to leave immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to work and normal activities the very next day.

After the initial treatment, about 95% of patients have 20/40 or better uncorrected vision and about 75% have 20/20 or better uncorrected vision. These results can be further improved through a repeat procedure, if it is needed. 20/40 vision is good enough to pass the drivers license test without glasses and 20/20 is considered perfect vision.

For patients with mild nearsighted ness, astigmatism or farsightedness the results are even better.

When performed by the proper surgeon, these laser treatments are extremely safe. Like any surgical procedure, these treatments are subject to complications, but the complication rate is very low. Most complications can be corrected through eye drops or a repeat procedure.

By far the most common complication is under-correction or over-correction, the vision will be dramatically better, but a small amount of focusing error still remains. Further laser treatment, known as an "enhancement" or a "touchup" can then be used to improve the vision by decreasing the remaining nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. There is no charge for this enhancement.

An over-correction will result in the patient being farsighted. If an over-correction occurs, the patient may need to wear glasses or contact lenses. However, laser treatments to correct farsightedness can be used in most cases to correct the vision.