Do you wear glasses or contact lenses but wish to see clearly without them? Though prescription eyewear can be helpful, for those of you that don’t want to depend on glasses and contacts to see, Beach Eye Medical Group has a more permanent solution. For those with refractive errors such as nearsightedness1, farsightedness or astigmatism, Flapless LASIK is an effective solution.
Flapless LASIK is an advanced form of laser vision correction that improves eyesight without creating a permanent corneal flap. Instead of cutting into the cornea, the surface layer is gently treated with a laser, preserving more natural eye strength while delivering precise vision correction. This makes it an ideal option for patients with thin corneas or those who want the safest long-term structure for their eyes.
At Beach Eye Medical Group, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samir Shah uses advanced laser technology and individualized treatment planning to deliver highly accurate, stable results. While recovery takes slightly longer than traditional LASIK, patients benefit from fewer long-term risks, improved night vision, and stronger corneal integrity, making Flapless LASIK a smart choice for lasting visual freedom.
When it comes to your eyes, you should be an informed consumer. Understanding the difference between a flap and Flapless LASIK procedures is important as you consider laser vision correction. The choice you make will impact your post-operative recovery, how soon you’ll achieve clear vision, your postoperative activity limits, and your risks of long-term complications.
During laser eye surgery, the doctors at Beach Eye Medical Group work solely on your cornea- the translucent layer on the surface of your eye. Your cornea is approximately 0.5 mm deep and consists of five layers. In LASIK, a precise cut is made in the cornea and a flap of 0.1 to 0.15 mm depth is created. The flap is then lifted up to reach the middle layer of the cornea. Using an excimer laser, this middle layer is meticulously reshaped to treat your refractive error, and then the flap is re-affixed to cover the treated area. During a Flapless LASIK procedure, instead of a cut being made in the cornea, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed and the laser treatment is performed on the external layer of your cornea. No cuts are made to create any sort of flap.
While Flapless LASIK provides certain advantages when compared to Traditional LASIK4, the latter offers quicker visual recovery, more efficient healing and a more comfortable overall experience.
However, Flapless LASIK can safely treat patients with thin corneas, because of the elimination of flap creation. This allows more corneal tissue to remain intact. Since no flap is made, Flapless LASIK patients benefit from the procedure with more structurally sound eyes. Many branches in the military actually prefer this treatment not only because of the visual accuracy but also the corneal strength it provides soldiers.
Dr. Samir Shah, a board-certified Johns Hopkins-trained eye surgeon, places the laser directly onto the surface layer of your cornea to reshape your cornea. He then removes the surface layers of the cornea and reshapes it with the latest excimer laser technology. This treatment option provides excellent vision correction and you may feel discomfort and irritation in your eyes for up to five days following the procedure. A bandage contact lens is placed on the surface of your eye to protect the cornea for a week after your Flapless LASIK treatment.
Several medications are also recommended to promote your comfort throughout the experience. A short period of rest is also recommended to promote healing. In three to five days, your eyes become more comfortable and your vision should be back to normal within a couple weeks. The biggest advantage to Flapless LASIK is a simple fact that no flap is created. Though the final decision is up to you, the benefits of Flapless LASIK often outweigh the risks in the long-term.
All Laser LASIK
Flapless All Laser LASIK
For those that require a quicker recovery, Dr. Shah can also perform All-Laser LASIK where the flap is precisely created with a femtosecond laser to decrease the intraoperative risk of any flap complications.
Do you dream of clearer vision? The experts at Beach Eye Medical Group are highly trained and passionate about restoring your vision. Please contact us today for your consultation with our board-certified doctors. The Flapless LASIK process at the Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County, begins with a consultation with a qualified physician to help determine the best course of treatment. Please contact our physicians for a comprehensive evaluation of your needs.
References
1 Nearsightedness: What Is Myopia?. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness
2 Farsightedness (Hyperopia). Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/farsightedness-hyperopia
3 Astigmatism. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8576-astigmatism
4 LASIK eye surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
5 Dry eyes. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
Flapless LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, so the vision correction itself is lifelong. While your eyes can still change naturally with age, the correction achieved by the procedure does not wear off.
There is no strict upper age limit. Many patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are good candidates as long as their eyes are healthy and their prescription is stable. A consultation is needed to determine eligibility.
Because no flap is created, Flapless LASIK is associated with a lower risk of long-term dry eye compared to traditional LASIK, making it a preferred option for patients prone to dryness.
Most patients can drive within a few days, once their vision meets legal driving requirements and they feel comfortable. Your doctor will confirm when it is safe.
Many patients return to work within 3–5 days, depending on how quickly their eyes feel comfortable and how visually demanding their job is.
If needed, enhancements can often be performed once the eye has fully healed. Because no flap was created, enhancements are typically simpler and safer.
Yes. Flapless LASIK is typically performed on both eyes in the same session for balanced, efficient vision correction.
Everything about this practice is fantastic: the staff, doctors, professionalism and location. From dealing with medical issues involving the eyes to yearly optometric exams this is the place to go.
Dr. Semaan provides excellent care and goes out of his way to ensure your vision is the best it can be.
