Laser Eye Surgery

Summary

For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision so they no longer need
glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of
the eye. This changes its focusing power.

There are different types of laser eye surgery. LASIK – laser-assisted in situ
keratomileusis – is one of the most common. Many patients who have LASIK end up with 20/20
vision. But, like all medical procedures, it has both risks and benefits. Only your eye
doctor can tell if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

National Eye Institute

Specifics

• Alternative Refractive Surgery Procedures American Academy of Ophthalmology

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Corneal Surgery, Laser National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Photorefractive Keratectomy National Institutes of Health

Statistics and Research

• Eye Health Data and Statistics National Eye Institute

Find an Expert

• Find a Doctor of Optometry American Optometric Association
• National Eye Institute National Eye Institute

Reference Desk

• How the Eyes Work National Eye Institute

Start Here

• LASIK Food and Drug Administration
• LASIK — Laser Eye Surgery American Academy of Ophthalmology
• LASIK Eye Surgery Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Shaping Clearer Vision: Is Eye Surgery Right for You? National Institutes of Health

Patient Handouts

• LASIK eye surgery Medical Encyclopedia
• Lasik eye surgery – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
• Refractive corneal surgery – discharge Medical Encyclopedia

Images

• Lasik eye surgery – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia

Journal Articles

• Laser Eye Surgery

Encyclopedia

• Refractive corneal surgery – what to ask your doctor Medical Encyclopedia

Related Issues

• What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Surgery? Food and Drug Administration