LASIK eye surgery is a procedure designed to help people who depend on glasses or contact lenses to correct their eyesight. This laser surgery reshapes the cornea of the eye, helping to change its focusing power.

Many people have undergone LASIK surgery easily and painlessly, with good results. However, LASIK is not for everyone. It is very important to consult with your doctor if you are considering this treatment. There are both benefits and risks to this surgery, and you should be aware of all of them before you decide to have the treatment. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. You will want to be in good health before considering surgery, as it is much easier for your body to recover from any kind of treatment if it is healthy to start with.

Do your research: gather up information on LASIK from different sources. A doctor or hospital will have pamphlets or other documents you can read. The Internet is a great source of information as well, with websites such as the National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov) providing specific information on procedures such as LASIK eye surgery. You may also find it helpful to speak with someone who has undergone this treatment. Find out what their experience was like. Ask questions like, how long did the surgery take? Was it painful? How long did it take for you to recover? Have you noticed a big improvement in your eyesight? Have you noticed any side effects?

If you decide to undergo LASIK treatment, recruit a friend or family member to be with you during this process. It is always good to have the support of another person, and you will need them there for practical reasons, as well. For example, you will need to be driven home following the surgery. And, if you have taken any anesthetic or other painkillers, you will want your friend to listen in as the surgeon or nurse explains to you the proper care for your eyes. Then, if you forget any of the details, your friend will be able to remind you.

Following your surgery, you will need to rest as much as possible to allow your body to heal. You should book some time off from work - a couple of days at least.

Although it may seem complicated and even a bit frightening, LASIK eye surgery is a widely-practiced procedure that has helped to improve the eyesight of many people. If you feel this is something you want to do, and if your doctor says it is right for you, be confident as you look forward to the surgery, and to better eyesight!