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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.

Bearded man smiling outdoors in a city environment, symbolizing confidence and visual freedom after LASIK treatment.
Laser Vision correction

LASIK

Since its introduction in the 1990s, the LASIK procedure has improved the vision of millions of patients around the globe. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most common solutions to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia. There are two different methods of LASIK which differ in the way the flap in the cornea is created. In Femto-LASIK a laser is used to cut the flap. With the classic method, the surgeon makes the flap manually with a microkeratome (mechanical device).

LASIK can help correct:

  • Nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
  • Farsightedness with or without astigmatism
Young woman wearing glasses in bright daylight, suggesting a LASIK candidate before undergoing vision correction.

Is LASIK right for me?

In general, if you are over 18-years old, in good health and have had a stable prescription for more than a year, you should be a suitable candidate for LASIK. Your eye doctor will be able to confirm if LASIK is the best option for you after testing and examining your eyes.

Close-up 3D rendering of a human eye with the corneal flap lifted, showing the LASIK procedure in progress.

What should I expect during Femto-LASIK surgery?

After numbing your eye, your ophthalmic surgeon will use a laser to create a thin flap. This flap is gently folded back to allow your surgeon to sculpt the lower layers of corneal tissue, thereby correcting your vision. At the end of the procedure, the flap is put back in its original position.

Close-up of a man's face looking upward, emphasizing his eyes and clear vision following LASIK surgery.

How safe is LASIK?

The majority of patients report improved eyesight after LASIK surgery. However, there is a chance you may experience certain side effects such as glare, halos, hazy vision or dry, scratchy eyes while recovering. These usually improve over time or can be treated with medication.

Athletic man running confidently at night with city lights in the background, symbolizing visual freedom after LASIK treatment.

How long does it take to recover?

The time it takes to recover from LASIK varies from person to person as the flap needs to heal and connect back to the eye. You can usually resume light daily activities within a few days, but it may take a few months for your vision to completely stabilise.

Blurred outdoor image of trees and sunlight, simulating vision affected by an uncorrected refractive error.

Can LASIK help with other vision problems?

Common conditions such as astigmatism or presbyopia can be treated with LASIK. Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is irregularly shaped. With presbyopia, your lens becomes more rigid in later life. This causes a loss of focus for near objects due to the reduced ability to accommodate. Both conditions result in unfocused vision which can cause headaches and eye fatigue.

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    PRK

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  • 1

    Approved and available in selected markets.
  • 2

    Data on file (unpublished). Myopia with optical zone of 6.5 mm.
  • 3

    Data on file (unpublished). The whole procedure including extracting the lenticule lasts about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.