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LASIK related information | LASIK I need to know about Alzheimer's symptoms. What are the stages of Alzheimer's Disease? Learn about Alzheimer's medications. Last Updated: 1/7/2005 Related Encyclopedia • Cataracts • Central Serous Retinopathy • Conjunctivitis • Contact Lenses More... Related Healthscout Videos Top Vision Tests for Your Child Helping a Blind Man Sail Shades of Surprise! App Helps the Color Blind Eye-Opening Gene: The Key to Treating Blindness More... Related News Articles • Health Tip: Eyeing Macular Degeneration • Health Tip: Help Contain Conjunctivitis • Risk Factors for Melanoma of the Eye • Diabetes and Sleep Apnea More... LASIK LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery is most commonly performed as a cure for myopia (nearsightedness), but can also be used to cure hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism (corneal irregularities). LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea using a special laser and thus focusing the light rays exactly on the retina. The steps of the procedure are as follows: A suction ring is placed on the eye to stabilize and check the eye pressure. The microkeratome, a cutting instrument, is attached to the suction ring. The blade of the microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea. The exposed inner layer of the cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser. The corneal flap is returned to its original position. LASIK is an ambulatory procedure; the patient can walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again and is awake the whole time. Occasionally, the doctor may administer a mild oral sedative.