LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

How it works:
The procedure reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye.

What to expect:
- Before: Your eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy enough for the procedure. They will map the shape of your cornea and determine the exact amount of tissue to remove.
- During: The surgery takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes. Numbing drops are applied, and you'll be asked to look at a target light while a laser precisely alters your cornea.
- After: You may experience some discomfort, scratchiness, or blurry vision immediately following the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly. Most patients see clearly the very next day.

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. Pregnant women, people with certain autoimmune diseases, and those with very thin corneas or severe dry eye might need alternative options.