Laser Eye Surgery Overview

Anyone who's ever worn glasses has dreamed of waking up to a perfectly clear view of the world--no contacts, no glasses necessary--just crystal clear vision. That's the dream, and the advertisements for laser eye surgery would have us believe that we can make it a reality (for a not-so-small a fee). But how realistic is this dream? Is it possible for someone with blurry, poor vision to wake up to 20/20 eyesight?

The Trusty Guide to Laser Eye Surgery examines the sometimes confusing world of laser eye surgery. After reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea of your options, what’s right for you, the risks, finding a doctor, and more. Here's a brief summary of the guide:

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What are my options?

Lasik is the most common and involves cutting a hinged flap on the outer rim of your eye and then using a laser to reshape your cornea. Lasek is similar to Lasik, only it involves cutting a much thinner piece of the cornea. It's a good option for people with thin corneas or who for one reason or another can't undergo Lasik. PRK involves a thin layer of the surface of the cornea being taken away and slowly healing in the correct shape. It's older than Lasik, and is often an option for patients with low to moderate vision problems. LTK is a relatively new procedure used to treat farsightedness and astigmatism. The heat of a laser beam is used to shrink and reshape the cornea.