How LASIK Works
A Complete Guide to Vision Correction
Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to see clearly—without fumbling for your glasses or struggling to put in contact lenses. For millions of people, LASIK has turned this dream into reality. But is it right for you?
Before you make a decision, let’s walk through everything you need to know, from how the procedure works to its benefits, and whether you’re a good candidate.
Understanding LASIK Better
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is quick—typically taking less than 15 minutes—and has a high success rate.
Here’s how it works:
- Creating the Flap – A small flap is made on the surface of your cornea using a laser or microkeratome blade.
- Reshaping the Cornea – A precise laser removes a tiny amount of corneal tissue to improve how light is focused onto the retina.
- Flap Repositioning – The corneal flap is placed back in position, where it heals naturally without stitches.
Who are Good Candidates for LASIK?
Here are some key factors to consider:
✅ You must be at least 18 years old.
✅ Your vision should be stable (no significant prescription changes for at least a year).
✅ Your corneas must be thick enough to allow for safe reshaping.
✅ No major eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eyes.
✅ You have realistic expectations about the results and recovery.
✅ You are not pregnant or nursing, as hormonal changes can affect vision.
Still, the Comprehensive Eye Screening is the ONLY way to know if one is eligible for LASIK or not.
The Long Term Benefits of LASIK: More Than Just Clear Vision
One of the biggest perks of LASIK is the freedom it offers. Imagine going for a swim, playing sports, or traveling without worrying about glasses or contact lenses.
Other key benefits include:
Fast recovery – Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours.
High success rate
Minimal discomfort – Numbing drops keep the procedure virtually painless.
What to Expect Before, During, and After LASIK
Before: You’ll undergo a Comprehensive Eye Screening to assess your eligibility. You’ll also be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for at least a week (7 days) before your evaluation, as they can affect corneal shape.
You can read our article regarding preparation for your lasik surgery.
https://shinagawa.ph/preparing-yourself-before-your-lasik/
During: The procedure itself is quick—about 10 minutes, more or less for both eyes already. You’ll be awake, but numbing drops ensure you don’t feel pain. Here’s what happens step by step:
- Anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eyes.
- A protective lid speculum is placed to prevent blinking.
- The corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser.
- The cornea is reshaped with a highly precise excimer laser.
- The flap is repositioned and naturally adheres back into place.
After: Most people return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. Your vision will gradually sharpen over the next few days to weeks. You will be given eye drops to prevent infection and dryness, and follow-up check-ups are required to ensure proper healing.
Pro Tip: Have a pair of UV-protective sunglasses ready for post-surgery recovery!
If LASIK isn’t right for you, all is not lost as there are other effective vision correction alternatives available at Shinagawa which will be discussed to you by our doctors as well, if ever.
Why choose Shinagawa for your LASIK?
If you’re considering LASIK, choosing the right clinic with experience surgeons is essential. Shinagawa has helped thousands of patients regain clear vision using state-of-the-art technology with experienced specialists.
Book a consultation today to see if LASIK is right for you. Start your journey to perfect vision!
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