What Is LASIK?
You have likely heard the term LASIK eye surgery many times before. Perhaps you have friends or family who’ve even opted to undergo LASIK vision correction, or maybe you have even considered LASIK surgery for yourself. Although LASIK has been performed in the US since the early 90’s, many people are unsure of what LASIK eye surgery is and how it works to improve vision.
What does LASIK mean?
LASIK (taken from the term Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision). LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed by an ophthalmologist, or eye doctor. LASIK surgery has the ability to enhance vision through the use of a laser to reshape the patient’s cornea. The cornea is a part of the eye which helps focus light rays to create an image on the retina. When the shape of the cornea and/or the eye is not perfect, the image one sees can be distorted. This is when LASIK surgery may be an option to improve vision.
How is LASIK performed?
With LASIK surgery, the LASIK doctor will begin by using anesthetic drops in the patient’s eyes. Then, he or she will create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The flap is then folded back, and the LASIK surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This is what allows for improved vision. The LASIK surgeon will use a computer to monitor and track your eye, and to direct and operate the laser during the procedure. After the cornea has been reshaped, the LASIK surgeon will carefully return the flap in the cornea to its original position where it is able to heal without the use of sutures. LASIK eye surgery can be quite short— approximately 5 to 15 minutes in duration.
What kind of laser is used for LASIK?
More LASIK physicians in the U.S., and those at The LASIK Vision Institute, choose the VISX laser technology to perform LASIK vision correction than all other lasers combined. LVI provides its patients the latest FDA clinically approved laser and diagnostic technology in the industry.
If you would like more information on LASIK eye surgery, or if you are wondering whether LASIK is right for you, you could take advantage of a no-obligation Free LASIK Consultation where you can have your vision assessed to find out whether you are a candidate for LASIK and receive more information on LASIK eye surgery.
