Consider these things, however, before you rush out and sign up. The cornea is lifted and a laser sculpts the cornea to change its shape, which makes it focus more precisely. This is an older procedure in which the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea by sculpting the front of it. But for certain people it isn't the best procedure. Since the procedures have been performed for only a few years, long-term results aren't known.
Side effects can include poor night vision, minor light sensitivity and clouded vision.
People over 40 may still need glasses for up-close work or night driving, and in a few cases, repeat procedures are necessary. There is a slight chance that your vision could be worse after surgery, and no procedure will correct vision problems caused by aging. Ophthalmologists at the Mayo Clinic advise caution because the procedure is so new. The Intacs can be removed if problems develop, which studies say happens about 8 percent of the time. Most of those who had the acrylic inserts removed had their vision return to preoperative levels.