What is LASIK laser eye surgery?

If you’ve been researching laser eye surgery, you’ve probably come across the term LASIK. It’s one of the most well-known laser vision correction procedures and for good reason.

At Blink Vision Clinic, we perform LASIK for people who want to reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. But before deciding if it’s right for you, it’s important to understand exactly what it is, how it works, and who it might suit.

What does LASIK stand for?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It’s a type of laser surgery that reshapes the clear front surface of your eye, the cornea, to help light focus properly on your retina. This improves how clearly you see.

What can LASIK treat?

LASIK can correct common vision problems, also called refractive errors:

• Short-sightedness (myopia) – you see better up close, but distance vision is blurry
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – you see better far away, but near vision is blurry
• Astigmatism – vision is distorted because of an irregularly shaped cornea

How does LASIK work?

In LASIK, a thin flap is created in the top layer of the cornea using a specialised laser. This flap is lifted to expose the underlying tissue. A second laser then reshapes the cornea based on your exact prescription.

When the reshaping is done, the flap is gently replaced. It naturally adheres without stitches.

What’s the process like?

1. Preparation – Numbing drops are applied so you won’t feel pain.
2. Creating the flap – You may feel gentle pressure, but no sharp sensations.
3. Reshaping the cornea – The laser works in seconds for each eye.
4. Flap replacement – The flap is smoothed back into place.

The whole procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes for both eyes, with the actual laser treatment lasting less than a minute per eye.

What’s recovery like?

One of the reasons LASIK is so popular is its fast recovery time. Most people notice improved vision within 24 hours. You may experience:

• Slight grittiness
• Mild dryness
• Light sensitivity

These symptoms usually settle within a few days. We’ll give you eye drops and aftercare instructions to help your healing.

Is LASIK painful?

No. The procedure is not considered painful thanks to the numbing drops. Some people feel mild pressure during the flap creation step, but discomfort is minimal.

Who is LASIK suitable for?

You might be suitable for LASIK if you:

• Are over 18 years old
• Have a stable prescription
• Have healthy eyes with a cornea of adequate thickness
• Want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts

It’s not suitable for everyone. If you have thin corneas, certain eye conditions, or an unstable prescription, another procedure such as TransPRK might be recommended instead.

What should I do next?

To find out if LASIK could work for you, start with our free online self-test. It’s quick, easy, and helps you understand whether a full consultation is worth booking.