These illustrations were created to summarize and explain the basic steps performed in a LASIK surgical procedure for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. The steps portray: 1) the cornea marked with water soluble ink to guide eventual replacement of the flap; 2) a suction ring applied to hold the eye steady and to enable checking of intraoccular pressure; 3) a corneal flap created with the microkeratome (keratectomy) exposing the deeper stroma; 4) the flap lifted and reflected to the side; 5) the laser alignment tested; 6) the excimer laser reshaping the cornea; and 7) the flap laid back into its original position. These images were successfully used on a LASIK web site as a patient education tool.