LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a surgery that flattens the cornea. It is the most common laser surgery for correcting nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. LASIK makes a small flap in the cornea and removes some of the tissue exposed by the flap. The laser removes tissue from the cornea very accurately without damaging nearby tissues.

LASIK is an outpatient procedure. It is done under local anesthesia in a surgeon’s office or a same-day surgery center. The operation on one eye takes about 7 seconds. The entire process usually takes few minutes, including preparation time, care right after the surgery, and paperwork.

After surgery, you may wear a patch or contact lens on the eye and get a prescription for pain medicine. Someone must drive you home and then back to the surgeon’s office the next day. During this second visit, the surgeon will examine your eye and prescribe eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.