Though I knew that the recovery from LASIK is usually quick and virtually painless, I was still nervous when I went in for my procedure.

According to a long-term research study from the University of Copenhagen, it’s likely that anyone with blue eyes shares a common ancestor. While variation in human eye colour is caused by at least 15 separate genes, mutation in a single gene produces blue, and can be traced to a specific DNA location.

The first LASIK corrective procedure took place in 1992, though the treatment can trace its roots back much farther: to the development of keratomileusis in the 1960s, and the evolution of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in the 1970s. Combined, these technologies paved the way for the modern Advanced Custom Wavefront LASIK and All-Laser LASIK procedures.

Eye shapes play a crucial role in vision. The eye works by focusing light as it passes through the cornea and the crystalline lens. The light travels through the vitreous humour, a clear gel filling the inside of the eye, and hits the retina at the back of the eye.

Prospective laser vision correction candidates often wonder if there is a best time to get LASIK: should they have it in the summer or hold out until fall? What about winter, or spring? Will they have to miss a vacation or special event while they recover? In reality, any time is a great time for LASIK. Here’s why.