{"id":2408,"date":"2024-07-25T10:06:39","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T14:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=2408"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:39","slug":"lasik-eye-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/lasik-eye-surgery","title":{"rendered":"What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LASIK is a type of laser surgery for the eyes. It\u2019s a procedure to correct refractive errors and improve vision\u2014and is the most common type of refractive surgery. It\u2019s one possible option for vision correction, along with glasses<\/a> and contacts<\/a>. The medical term for it is \u201claser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With LASIK eye surgery, eye surgeons use lasers to change the shape of the cornea. This reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. It is an outpatient surgery, so patients go home the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this handy guide, we\u2019ll discuss what LASIK eye surgery is, what makes someone a good candidate for LASIK, and how the procedure is done. We\u2019ll also talk about what typically happens during LASIK recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Clear vision starts with eye health<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

Our expert optometrists can help keep your eyes healthy<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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What Does LASIK Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may know someone who used to wear glasses or contacts all the time but now rarely (if ever) wears them, thanks to LASIK. But what is LASIK surgery, and what does LASIK fix?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, we\u2019ll explain a bit about the cornea and how it helps vision happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cornea is the clear dome-like covering of your eye. Part of the cornea\u2019s role is to refract (bend) light and focus it onto your eye\u2019s retina. The retina converts the light into signals and sends them to your brain, which interprets the signals as images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cornea with an irregular shape keeps the light from focusing onto the retina the way it should, making the images your brain \u201csees\u201d unclear. This faulty focusing is a refractive error, the most common cause of vision problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what does LASIK surgery do, exactly? LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your cornea so light focuses properly onto the retina. The procedure corrects refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness)<\/a>, hyperopia (farsightedness)<\/a>, and astigmatism<\/a>, resulting in clearer vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have had LASIK eye surgery might be able to totally do away with their glasses or contact lenses. Others might need to wear corrective lenses only in certain circumstances, like when driving after dark or reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LASIK Surgery: What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How is LASIK eye surgery done? Here\u2019s what you can expect before, during, and after LASIK eye surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before LASIK Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re considering LASIK eye surgery, your ophthalmologist<\/a> will perform a comprehensive eye exam<\/a>. You\u2019ll probably discuss why you want the procedure, whether it might benefit you, and your expectations for the outcome. Many people envision that LASIK surgery will make their eyesight perfect all the time. In reality, LASIK often corrects everyday vision, but you may still need glasses or contacts for certain activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the exam, the doctor will check if you\u2019re a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Not everyone is considered a good LASIK candidate. Your doctor will typically go over eligibility factors with you, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n