Laser eye surgery, called LASIK (Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis), is a procedure that was developed to correct the vision problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgery uses a guided laser to reshape the cornea of the eye without damaging the surrounding cellular layers (Eye Surgery Education Council).
In order to be accepted for laser eye surgery the patient must complete an eye examination by the surgeon. The eye examination involves determining whether or not the patient's eyes are healthy, which includes testing for glaucoma and having a retina exam. Measurements are then taken for the curvature, topography (shape), and pachymetry (thickness) of the patient's eyes. After the patient is accepted for surgery he or she must sign an informed consent form that discusses the risks and benefits of the procedure (Basic Lasik).
At the beginning of the surgery the patient is given a topical anesthetic so they experience a painless surgery (Eye Surgery Education Council). Once the eyes are numb a special machine, called a microkeratome, cuts a hinged layer in the corneal tissue off the top of the eyeball. This layer is moved aside for the laser to begin its work. An excimer laser applies waves of ultraviolet light to reshape the corneal tissue of the eye to match the prescription from the patient's glasses or contact lenses (Spectera). The hinged flap is then replaced, adhering itself to the eyeball. This LASIK surgical procedure requires no stitches allowing the eye to naturally heal itself (Basic Lasik).
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Surgeons who are trained specifically for this precise procedure perform the laser eye surgery. LASIK surgery can benefit people with farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Surgery results can range from satisfactory to excellent and many people's lives are vastly improved because they no longer have the burden of contact lenses or reading glasses (It's Your Health).
