What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive eye surgery procedure which treats:
- farsightedness (up to +4 diopters)
- nearsightedness (up to −15 diopters)
- astigmatism (up to ±3 diopters).
LASIK eye surgery cannot reverse presbyopia, the age-related condition usually occurring in middle and old age when the eye loses a power to focus on close objects, so the near vision is mainly affected.
LASIK is done using excimer laser. A laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, located at the front of the eye. It is done to improve the way the eye focuses rays of light onto the retina located at the back of the eye.
Using either a laser or a blade a surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea. Then this flap is folded back and under the flap a certain amount of corneal tissue is removed with the help of excimer laser. After this the flap is put into its original place where it heals.
LASIK surgery is almost painless and lasts about 5-15 minutes. The procedure is outpatient and doesn’t require staying in the hospital. After it’s done a patient can go home and look at the world with his “new” eyes since the result of LASIK is instant.
As an every surgery, LASIK has its indications, contraindications and might have side effects.
You might also want to check LASIK video to get an idea how the surgery is done.