New LASIK technology helps people see the world more clearly
July 30, 2025
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (an irregular cornea).
It’s estimated that about 700,000 Americans have LASIK eye surgery every year, making it the most common vision correction laser procedure. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 90% of people who get LASIK achieve between 20/20 and 20/40 vision without using glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK technology has improved leaps and bounds since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999. With more customized presurgical planning and updates to the real-time surgical platform technology, patients can expect even less discomfort and downtime in recovery on their quest for near-perfect vision.
Experts at UT Southwestern Department of Ophthalmology are on the leading edge of vision correction advancements. Our residency training program is the largest in the U.S., and our physician scientists are active in the latest ophthalmology research.
Let’s look at some of the more recent LASIK updates as well as a new option for people who may not be safe candidates for LASIK but still want to see better without glasses or contacts.
More precise presurgical planning
The technology we use to plan and perform LASIK looks different than it did even 10 years ago. These advances have allowed us to take a more customized approach for each patient, have improved the accuracy of the procedure, and have shortened recovery times.
Customized mapping
One of the most significant advances in LASIK technology in recent years has been the development of customized eye mapping. We have traditionally based patients’ LASIK treatment off the prescription for their glasses or contacts.
Now, we can use wavefront mapping or topography mapping to provide the laser with an even more customized treatment plan, making it more likely that you’ll end up with 20/20 vision or better.
Wavefront mapping
This technology measures how light travels through your eye (the wavefront). Based on that information, we create a detailed three-dimensional image of your eye, including the cornea, retina, and lens. This allows the surgeon to tailor the LASIK procedure to the unique structures and imperfections of your eye.
Topography mapping
While wavefront technology maps multiple structures in the eye, topography mapping focuses on the cornea’s surface, including all its hills and valleys and slight imperfections. Topography-guided LASIK can be especially useful in patients who have irregular corneas.
Much like wavefront mapping, topography mapping is used to guide the laser for a more customized treatment. A recent study found that more patients who had topography-guided LASIK surgery had 20/20 vision or better afterward compared with those who received traditional LASIK.
I am working with my colleague in corneal surgery, William Waldrop, M.D., to evaluate the outcomes of patients at UT Southwestern’s Laser Center for Vision Care who receive wavefront-guided LASIK versus those who have topography-guided LASIK.
Optimized surgical technology
Improved femtosecond lasers
In the early days of LASIK, surgeons used a manual blade to create the corneal flap. In the early 2000s, the femtosecond laser was developed. It’s fast and precise, emitting laser pulses at a billionth of a second or faster.
Ultra-fast femtosecond laser technology increases the accuracy and safety of LASIK by creating a customized corneal flap. Advances to the surgical platforms in the past decade allow LASIK experts to create thinner corneal flaps between 100 and 120 microns thick – about the thickness of a human hair. These enhancements have minimized the risk of complications and resulted in more precise outcomes.
Eye-tracking technology
During LASIK, you will be asked to focus on a point of light. However, subtle and involuntary eye movements happen and may result in slight laser misalignment. While not dangerous to the patient, this can result in less-than-perfect outcomes.
UT Southwestern uses sophisticated laser platforms that have an automated eye-tracking system that reduces that risk. The technology follows every errant eye movement and adjusts the laser in real-time. If the targeted area of the eye moves out of range, the system automatically disengages the laser. This allows for safer, more accurate surgery.
How cataract surgical advancements improve recovery
In years past, patients put off cataract surgery for fear of a lengthy, intense recovery. But today, advances in procedures and tools allow patients to recover with less downtime, fewer restrictions, and better outcomes.
Integrating artificial intelligence
LASIK platforms integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) are on the horizon. AI tools can help ophthalmologists quickly analyze vast amounts of anonymized patient data to predict outcomes for people with specific conditions, eye shapes, and goals. These data insights could allow surgeons and patients to make more informed decisions about vision correction surgery.
LASIK might not be for everyone
LASIK is highly effective for many types of vision correction, but not every patient can safely choose this option. Some conditions that may disqualify you for LASIK include:
- Dry eyes, which can get worse after disturbing the cornea with laser surgery.
- Health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, or a history of major eye infections or inflammation.
- Preexisting eye conditions: This can include keratitis, glaucoma, keratoconus, or retina conditions.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations can temporarily affect your vision, so you’ll want to wait several months after birth or breastfeeding to get LASIK.
- Severe vision problems: LASIK only works within a standard correction change. Anything beyond that may need a different procedure.
- Thin corneas: LASIK reshapes the cornea, so you need a sufficiently thick cornea for the surgeon to safely perform LASIK.
- Unstable vision: There is no reason to make vision adjustments on a cornea that is changing. If you’ve had a vision prescription change in the past year or two, we may recommend waiting at least six months for your vision to stabilize.
A new alternative to LASIK: EVO ICL
If LASIK is not a good option for you, other cornea reshaping procedures can treat a range of vision conditions. These may include:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), which is similar to LASIK without creating a flap on the cornea
- Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), which is similar to LASIK but involves creating an even thinner flap of the corneal epithelium
Another option is to undergo a lens implantation procedure. This involves the use of an artificial lens to either replace or work in tandem with the eye’s natural lens. While this effective procedure has been in use for a few decades, a new lens technology is giving patients better outcomes.
The EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is a thin, artificial lens made of a collagen copolymer. This lens can be implanted behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and in front of your natural lens. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Since no tissue is removed and a laser is not used to reshape the cornea, this procedure may be a superior alternative for patients who have a large refractive error or thin corneas (which may make them unsafe candidates for laser vision correction). It’s also reversible; the lens can be removed if necessary.
EVO ICL can be a good option for people whose eyesight couldn’t be fully corrected with LASIK or whose corneas are too thin. The risk of developing dry eye with this procedure is much lower than with LASIK.
Having eye surgery, no matter what kind, is a big decision. Talk with your ophthalmologist to determine which type of procedure is best for your eye health, vision goals, and lifestyle.
To talk with an expert at UT Southwestern Ophthalmology about vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, make an appointment by calling 214-645-2027 or request an appointment online.
