LASIK and Refractive Eye Surgery
Refractive eye surgery can correct your vision and reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. An eye doctor will help you through every step, from choosing the right procedure to handling your care before and after surgery.
This is one of the most widely performed refractive surgeries. A thin flap is created on the surface of the eye using a gentle laser. A second laser then reshapes the underlying tissue so light focuses properly on the back of the eye. The flap acts as a natural bandage, and most patients see clearly within one to two days.
This procedure reshapes the eye to correct common vision problems without creating a flap. The thin outer layer of the eye is gently removed so the laser can reshape the tissue underneath. The surface layer naturally grows back over the following days. It is often recommended for patients with thinner tissue or those who play contact sports.
Instead of removing tissue, this method places a flexible lens inside the eye. The implant sits behind the colored part of the eye and in front of the natural lens. The artificial lens can be removed or replaced later if needed. It works well for patients with high prescriptions who might not qualify for laser procedures.
These procedures remove the eye's natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. A clear lens exchange helps patients without cataracts correct their vision and prevents cloudy lenses from forming later in life. Cataract surgery removes a lens that is already cloudy to restore clear vision. Both take only minutes per eye and are done without an overnight hospital stay.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not everyone qualifies for every type of refractive surgery. The right procedure depends on your age, overall health, prescription stability, and the physical shape of your eye. General guidelines include being at least 18 years old and having a stable prescription for at least one year. You also need to be free of conditions that affect healing or cause severely dry eyes. A thorough exam by an eye doctor is the only way to find the best option for your vision.
Refractive Surgery
Co-Management
Many eye doctors work together to handle your care before and after the procedure. They spend time with you before your surgery to ensure you understand your options and feel confident in your decision. They also recommend trusted surgeons in their community. After the procedure, your regular doctor will check your eyes to make sure they heal properly.
The Importance of a Thorough Eye Exam
A complete eye exam is required before any refractive procedure. Your eye doctor will check your overall eye health and measure the exact strength of your prescription. They also evaluate the shape and thickness of your eye to ensure surgery is safe for you. This detailed checkup helps determine which procedure fits your eyes best and makes sure you are ready before making a decision.
What to Expect: Pre and Post Operative Care
Proper care before and after your procedure helps ensure the best results. You will notice changes in how your eyes feel and what you see as they heal. Your eye doctor will guide you through each stage of recovery. They will answer your questions and check your progress at every follow-up visit.
This condition causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Your eye is shaped in a way that makes light focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Several procedures can reshape the eye or add a lens to correct this issue.
This common issue makes nearby objects difficult to see clearly. It happens when your eye is too short or the surface is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Doctors use laser procedures to adjust the shape of the eye and improve your near and middle vision.
This problem occurs when the front surface of your eye has an uneven shape, like a football instead of a basketball. It causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Surgeons can smooth the uneven shape with a laser or use a specialized implantable lens to correct it.
This condition develops when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy over time. It leads to blurred vision, glare, and difficulty with daily tasks like driving or reading. Doctors treat this by removing the cloudy lens and putting a clear artificial lens in its place.
Related Eye Conditions
Understanding the vision problems that surgery can fix helps you make an informed decision about your care. Read more about these common conditions below.
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Refractive Surgery Options
Each procedure offers unique benefits depending on your vision needs, corneal health, and lifestyle. Select a procedure below to learn more.