LASIK corrects the refractive error of the eye by reshaping the cornea. It consists of 2 stages. The first stage is the creation of a corneal flap. This can be done with a motorised blade system, called a microkeratome, which can accurately and precisely create a thin corneal flap. A newer method for creating a flap makes use of a laser called the femtosecond laser. This allows the corneal flap to be created without the use of a blade (bladeless surgery).

The second stage involves partially lifting the corneal flap and using an extremely precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea tissue underneath the flap. The flap is returned to its original position and the entire surgery is completed in approximately 5 minutes per eye. The whole procedure is essentially painless. Because the treatment is done underneath the flap and the uppermost layer of the cornea is not disturbed, there is little discomfort following the procedure and the visual recovery is fast, which allows patients to return to work within 1-2 days after surgery.