Sometimes, dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses can become so strenuous that individuals turn to alternative methods of repairing and correcting their vision. Lasik eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular because of its high success percentages. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, and is a surgery by which the shape of the cornea - the clear covering of the eye - is permanently altered to improve the quality of vision.

LASIK and other corneal refractive procedures (PRK, RK) have popularized to the point that most people either know someone who's had the procedure, or have had the procedure themselves. For the most part these procedures are successful and life-changing in the positive direction, reducing or eliminating the dependence on glasses or contact lenses for vision. However, about three percent suffer from visual complications that are not regarded as official "complications", but can be life-altering in a negative way.