Anyone above the age of 18 years with a stable spectacle prescription for the last six months would qualify for the procedure. Your eye doctor would, of course, do a through check before he gives a final OK. Your prescription should be between -14 and +7. The astigmatism should be less than 6.

The procedure does not hurt as we put numbing or anaesthetic drops for the pain, though there might be discomfort or pulling sensation. Irritation and watering after the procedure persist for five to six hours.

A soft spring is used to keep the lids apart so that the eyes don't close during the surgery.

Moving your eye during the procedure does not cause any damage because the machine has a very fast and sensitive 'eye-tracker' which stops the laser delivery immediately if the eye moves, but it certainly helps if you can keep the eye steady.

This procedure is not just accurate but also extremely safe. International research by reputed journals has demonstrated that it is a very safe procedure and millions of people the world over have undergone the procedure and have recommended it strongly to others.

The flap is made be separating the layers of the cornea. The flap is put back in place after laser delivery and we wait for about one minute for the flap to stick by itself. No suture is required.

In 97%, the treatment is completely successful in removing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. A few patients, especially ones with very high prescriptions, may still require glasses for activities such as driving or fine work.

In exceptional cases, delayed healing or night glare can occur and can be successfully treated. However, all laser procedure are medical procedures and as with a all medical procedure the final outcome cannot be guaranteed.

In 97%, the treatment is completely successful in removing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. A few patients, especially once with very high prescriptions, may still require glasses for activities such as driving or fine work. In the rare cases where there is a residual number remaining it can be removed with a simple procedure called enhancement. You will, of course, require reading glasses once you are forty.

You have to avoid injuries and head bath for five days after the procedure after which you may resume your normal activities. You can even start working on your computer in a day or two, though your eyes might tire initially. Sitting in a dark room is not at all necessary.

Wearing contact lenses is certainly possible, though you may have to wait for a few months.

Most people attain good vision the very next day after the procedure, but it continue to improve for a month.

In India the rules are not very clear yet, but in the western countries, persons who have undergone LASIK surgery are eligible to become pilot or even astronauts.