Understanding Laser Vision Correction

The innovative procedure that corrects eyesight problems.

Two young Asian women looking at a cellphone

Jump to:

How Do Your Eyes Actually Work?

In eyes with normal vision, the cornea, the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of your eye, refracts – or bends – light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in clear eyesight.

Father and daughter with a pink hairbow smiling

Amazing, right? But with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, the light is bent incorrectly, resulting in blurred vision. Wearing glasses or contact lenses can correct it, but surgically reshaping the cornea itself can also provide the necessary refraction to achieve better eyesight.¹

How Does the Procedure Fix Your Vision?

Laser vision correction is performed to correct vision problems, including myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, and can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses. During the procedure, a special type of laser is used to precisely change the shape of the cornea, to improve your vision.¹

The iLASIK^™ procedure offers a personalized approach to laser vision correction, and uses iDESIGN^™ Refractive Studio technology to create a unique eye map that is 100% specific to your optical pathway.² It’s completely customized for you and you only. The ophthalmologist then uses this map as a custom guide to correct your vision.

Is iLASIK^TM Right for You?

Are You a Good Candidate?

Since your vision may continue to change throughout your teenage years, it’s a good idea to wait until your vision has steadied, like when you require fewer changes to your glasses or contact lenses prescription over time.

In general, laser vision correction is most appropriate for people who have a moderate degree of refractive error and no unusual vision problems.

Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes to make sure you do not have any conditions that might result in complications or poor outcomes from the procedure.³

A doctor performing an eye test on a Black woman

Certain conditions and medications, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or steroid drugs, may also cause temporary vision fluctuations, so it's recommended you wait until your vision has stabilized before considering laser vision correction.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about any eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that may run in your family, even if you don't have any symptoms. Your doctor may ask you about eye injuries you may have suffered, or if inflammation, infections or Dry Eye have occurred in the past.

Consultation

Your Consult, At a Glance

Once you've found an ophthalmologist, you’ll have a pre-operative eye exam to ensure  you’re a good fit for iLASIK^TM.

Doctor talking to patient in the eye exam chair

What to Expect

It's the ideal opportunity to get prepared for your procedure. Remember to bring a list of all allergies and current medications. You may be advised to discontinue use of these products prior to iLASIK^TM. For the most accurate eye measurement, stop wearing contact lenses 2-4 weeks before examination and treatment.

Your Consult Typically Includes:

A discussion of your complete medical history
Disclosure of all medications or supplements
A thorough eye exam to identify any current conditions and prescriptions
A look at your overall eye health
A discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure

Laser Vision Treatment

Millions of people have chosen iLASIK^TM.

Learn More

As with any medical procedure, risks and potential complications may occur.  Please consult your eye care specialist for detailed information and to discuss these possible risks and complications with you prior to the procedure.

References:

Mayo Clinic. LASIK eye surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774. Accessed September 6, 2022. REF2021OTH4009
iDESIGN^TM Operator Manual INT Edition - 0110-0891, p. 1-1, current revision.
Mayo Clinic. LASIK surgery: Is it right for you? https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751. Accessed September 6, 2022. REF2023OTH4284

PP2023RF4333