LASIK procedure
What happens during the procedure
Over the years, LASIK has become a trusted, proven solution to improve the vision of millions of people across the world. Along with the minimally invasive Lenticule Extraction procedure with ZEISS SMILE, it is one of the most popular laser vision corrections. Learn here what happens during surgery, and how the LASIK procedure can reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
What is LASIK?
LASIK surgery in detail
Step by step through the Femto-LASIK1 procedure
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1st Step
Before starting your Femto-LASIK1 procedure
Your eye is numbed using anaesthetic drops to minimise any pain during the procedure. To ensure you do not blink during surgery, an eyelid holder is fitted, which may cause some slight pressure.
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2nd Step
Creating the flap
With Femto-LASIK1, your surgeon uses a highly precise femtosecond laser to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. You will then be repositioned under the excimer laser.
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3rd Step
Sculpting the cornea
The flap is gently folded back to gain access to the stromal layer of corneal tissue. Your surgeon then uses the excimer laser to sculpt the corneal tissue to correct the refractive error.
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4th Step
Closing and healing of the flap
The flap is then repositioned and will start adhering to the underlying tissue within hours.
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5th Step
Recovery
After the treatment, your eye will be covered with a protective eye shield to avoid rubbing or bumping it. To prevent infection and aid the healing process, you will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops and possibly other medications.
Is LASIK the right choice for me?
Discover the benefits of LASIK and which alternative procedures are available

Why choose LASIK?
- It’s a well-known procedure
LASIK has been the standard treatment for laser vision correction for more than 20 years. As a result, many surgeons are skilled in performing the surgery and have extensive experience of the overall LASIK procedure.
- It’s widely available
Most clinics offer LASIK or Femto-LASIK1 procedures, so you are sure to find a local clinic or hospital. While cost plays an important part in the decision-making process, there are many additional factors to consider when choosing a suitable surgeon, including experience, results and technology, to name a few.

Are there alternatives in Laser vision correction available?
As well as the LASIK procedure, you may want to consider the advantages of Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE. As no flap is required, this procedure causes minimal disruption to the surface of the eye. Just like LASIK, ZEISS SMILE is considered to be very safe and effective, with a low rate of complications. Another alternative might be PRK, which might be suitable if you have thin corneas.
Depending on your eyes’ refractive error as well as your health, age and lifestyle, one procedure may be better suited to you than another. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you on your individual options.
Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK surgery
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During your initial consultation, your doctor will perform tests on your eyes to determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction and decide the most suitable type of procedure. At the same time, they will be able to answer any questions you have.
Please keep in mind, the consultation is also an opportunity for you to learn about your surgeon’s experience, the technology they use and the advantages of each type of procedure offered. Having a surgeon you feel comfortable with is probably a key factor when deciding to proceed with laser vision correction.
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Not long. The LASIK surgery itself is relatively quick and takes about 15 minutes per eye.
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Yes. There are two types of LASIK – traditional LASIK and Femto-LASIK. The difference lies in the way the flap is created during surgery. With LASIK, a manual blade (microkeratome) is used, whereas with the advanced bladeless Femto-LASIK, a flap in the cornea is created using a highly precise femtosecond laser.
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The eye is thoroughly numbed beforehand and, although they are awake during the procedure, most patients report little or no discomfort. Some minor discomfort may be experienced after treatment, but this can be minimised with eye drops and will soon dissipate. Rubbing the eye should be avoided.
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If you are at least 18 years of age, have a stable prescription in the year before the surgery and have eyes with no signs of cataracts or other eye conditions, you should be eligible for laser vision correction. There is no strict upper age limit for LASIK. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a suitable candidate and if the procedure is right for you.
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1
The difference between the Femto-LASIK and the classic LASIK method is the way the flap in the cornea is created. A laser is used to cut the flap in Femto-LASIK. With the classic method, the surgeon opens the cornea manually with a microkeratome (mechanical device).
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2
In terms of revenue, ref. Market Scope Report 2023