The flap is folded back from the surface of the eye and the cool beam of an excimer laser is applied to gently reshape the cornea. The corneal flap is returned to its original position where it adheres immediately. In the unlikely event that the required amount of vision correction is not achieved the first time, enhancement procedures are available. A small percentage of patients experience side effects and complications, including sensitivity to bright lights and glare, vision fluctuation from day to night, and halo patterns around lights at night. These conditions are usually temporary, diminishing over several weeks.
Infection is rare due to the use of antibiotic drops during and after the procedure.