The laser system will vary depending on where you have the eye surgery performed, but typically it includes a large machine with a microscope attached to it and a computer screen. The laser is guided by computer, and if the laser system you use includes wavefront technology, it will have that as well.

Once you are situated in the room, and the machinery is tested and ready to go, a numbing drop will be placed in your eye. Then, the area around your eye will be cleaned so that it is sterile and will not cause infection. Once everything is nice and sterile, and numb, an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open, and keep your eye still.

At this point your eye will be operated on. Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing, a thin piece of the eye will be cut in order to help the laser gain access to the cornea. Your doctor may use a mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) to cut a flap in the cornea, or they may use another type of laser to make the flap.

If a mechanical microkeratome is used, a ring will be placed on your eye and very high pressures will be applied to create suction to the cornea. At this point, your vision will dim while the suction ring is on and you may feel the pressure and experience some discomfort, however, you should have a local anesthesia. The blade will cut a flap in your cornea, and then it and the suction cup will be removed. Your doctor may use a laser keratome (a laser device), instead of a mechanical microkeratome, to cut a flap on the cornea. If this is the case, your cornea is not suctioned, instead it is flattened with a clear plastic plate, and the energy from the laser is focused on the cornea tissue, creating a flap, then the plate is removed.

At this point the doctor will use a process to lift and move the flap, and then they will dry the exposed tissue.

The laser will then be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to stare at a light. This is to help you keep your eye in a still position.

Once your eye is in the correct position, your doctor will start the laser. It will make a sound, and you may smell a burning scent. The computer is going to be previously programmed to vaporize specific areas of your eye, and once it has completed the flap is put back into position.

At the end of the surgery a shield should be placed over your eye to protect it, no stitches or anything are used, instead, the eye flap is allowed to heal by itself, but this means that you can't run your eyes or put pressure on them, as the flap will not heal properly if you do.