LASIK is a treatment by which the cornea has its shape changed using a laser. It is most commonly used to correct myopia of around -4 to -8 diopters by flattening the cornea.

I do LASIK surgeries, but I advise patients against it. This is because spectacles and contact lenses are an effective and safe treatment for refractive errors. Indeed, ophthalmologists very rarely have LASIK surgery done to themselves, despite the improvements in the technology. The surgery weakens the structure of that part of the eye. There is also a small chance of complications, including permanent complications.

Still, people insist on the procedure despite all that. In that case, some checks for possible medical objections need to be done. If there are no medical objections, only then will I proceed with the surgery.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has a good patient information leaflet on excimer laser refractive surgery in plain english. Do bear in mind, though, that it is aimed at people in the UK.