Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Laser Eye Clinic?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A laser eye clinic is a medical facility in which laser eye surgeries are performed. A laser eye clinic may perform a range of eye surgeries to correct vision. For example, it may perform laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), epithelial laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Epi LASIK), and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) surgery to correct a person's vision. Some laser eye clinics even offer lens implants as an alternative option for those who are not good candidates for other surgeries. In most cases, a laser eye clinic is an outpatient facility, as people do not usually need to remain in a doctor's care overnight following such a procedure.

A laser eye clinic typically provides care for people who are hoping to have their vision corrected via laser eye surgery. Often, such people have spent years wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Laser eye surgery provides a way to have good vision at all times, without the use of contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

Often, laser eye clinics provide consultations and evaluations before a person commits to a procedure. Such consultations may help a doctor evaluate whether or not a person is a good candidate for laser eye surgery as well as which type of surgery may be most beneficial. They also provide a patient with an opportunity to have his questions about laser eye surgery answered. After surgery, a laser eye clinic may provide follow-up care as well.

Laser eye clinics perform surgeries to correct vision problems.
Laser eye clinics perform surgeries to correct vision problems.

One of the common procedures performed at a laser eye clinic is referred to as LASIK eye surgery. This surgery is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related changes in one’s vision. The surgery involves the laser removal of tissue from a patient's cornea. Removing this tissue is done for the purpose of changing the shape of the person's cornea, which translates into a change in his vision.

Laser eye surgery is conducted while the patient is awake.
Laser eye surgery is conducted while the patient is awake.

LASEK eye surgery is another common surgery for correcting a person's vision. Like LASIK eye surgery, LASEK can be used to correct the vision of those who are nearsighted or farsighted, have astigmatism, or are dealing with changes in vision that are associated with aging. Often, this surgery is used as an alternative to LASIK for people who have less corneal tissue with which a surgeon can work.

LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat age-related changes in a person's vision.
LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat age-related changes in a person's vision.

A laser eye clinic may perform only one type of laser eye surgery or a few different types. Interestingly, there are even some that offer lens implants to those who are not good candidates for other types of laser eye surgery. Lens implants are inserted into a person’s eye to correct his vision. This differs from other types of eye surgery that involve altering the patient's cornea.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Laser eye clinics perform surgeries to correct vision problems.
      By: auremar
      Laser eye clinics perform surgeries to correct vision problems.
    • Laser eye surgery is conducted while the patient is awake.
      By: Monkey Business
      Laser eye surgery is conducted while the patient is awake.
    • LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat age-related changes in a person's vision.
      By: Arpad Nagy-Bagoly
      LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat age-related changes in a person's vision.
    • LASIK eye surgery is effective for people who are farsighted, making it easier for them to see up close.
      By: naxaso
      LASIK eye surgery is effective for people who are farsighted, making it easier for them to see up close.
    • Those who have had their eyeglasses' prescription change in the past year may not be good candidates for laser surgery.
      By: Innovated Captures
      Those who have had their eyeglasses' prescription change in the past year may not be good candidates for laser surgery.