LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin flap in the cornea is created using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The surgeon folds back the flap, then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. With nearsighted people, the goal of LASIK is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

What You Should Know About LASIK:

• How LASIK Works: The nitty gritty of LASIK surgery.
• LASIK Criteria for Success: How to know if LASIK or PRK is for you.
• LASIK Surgery Risks and Complications — and how to avoid them.
• LASIK Eye Surgery Results: Are you likely to see 20/20 after LASIK?
• Which Laser Is Best? Read a review of all current LASIK lasers.
• What Does LASIK Surgery Cost? Average LASIK prices are rising.
• LASIK Financing: Learn how you can afford LASIK surgery.
• How To Choose a Surgeon — including tough questions to ask.
• Contact Lenses After LASIK: Why some people need them.

Types of LASIK and Other Laser Eye Surgery:

• PRK: Some surgeons still prefer PRK, the original laser eye surgery.
• Custom Wavefront LASIK: What makes it "custom" LASIK?
• Epi-LASIK avoids using alcohol to remove the cornea's outer layer.
• LASEK is a no-flap procedure used mostly for thin corneas.
• IntraLase "Bladeless" LASIK uses a second laser, not a blade.
• Presby LASIK is a possible laser eye surgery for presbyopes.
• Corneal Onlays/Inlays blend with your eye's surface.