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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.

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 correction treatments. 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?

Which refractive errors can LASIK correct?

Since the 1990s, LASIK has been a widely accepted laser vision correction procedure. LASIK is suitable for correcting most eye conditions, including near-sightedness and far-sightedness, as well as astigmatism. Find out more about how the LASIK procedure works.

What is LASIK?

  • LASIK surgery in detail

    Step by step through the Femto-LASIK² procedure
  • 1st Step
    1st Step

    Before starting your Femto-LASIK² procedure

    Your eye is numbed using anesthetic drops to minimize any pain during the procedure. To ensure you do not blink during surgery, an eyelid holder is fitted, which may cause some slight pressure.

  • 2nd Step
    2nd Step

    Creating the flap

    With Femto-LASIK², 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.

  • 3rd Step
    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.

  • 4th Step
    4th Step

    Closing and healing of the flap

    The flap is then repositioned and will start adhering to the underlying tissue within hours.

  • 5th Step
    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-LASIK² 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.

Want to know more about LASIK?

Find a provider near you

Not all eye clinics or hospitals use ZEISS technology. With a history that stretches back over 175 years, ZEISS is a well-established, world leader in advanced medical lasers and scientific optics³. Make sure your eye doctor is equipped with ZEISS medical technology by searching for a clinic here.

Find a clinic or hospital near you

Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK surgery

  • 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.

  • Not long. The LASIK surgery itself is relatively quick and takes about 15 minutes per eye.

  • 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.
     

  • 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 minimized with eye drops and will soon dissipate. Rubbing the eye should be avoided.

  • 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.

  • Go to our FAQ page

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This might also interest you

Learn more about alternative laser vision correction solutions.

ZEISS SMILE

PRK

Discover how laser eye surgeries compare

Treatment comparison

LASIK

To find out more about LASIK and your personal suitability, don’t hesitate to talk to an eye doctor that offers LASIK.

Clinic Finder
  • 1

    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.
  • 2

    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).
  • 3

    In terms of revenue, ref. Market Scope Report 2023