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LASIK eye surgery
Definition:
LASIK is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the delicate clear covering on the front of the eye). For clear vision, the eye's cornea and lens must bend (refract) light rays properly, so that images are focused on the retina. If the light rays aren't clearly focused on the retina, the images you see are blurry. This blurriness is referred to as a "refractive error." It is caused by an imperfectly shaped eyeball, cornea, or lens. LASIK uses an Excimer Laser (an ultraviolet laser) to precisely remove corneal tissue to correct the shape for better focusing. Text Continues Below
LASIK eye surgery is performed most often on people who have nearsightedness (myopia), which means that they only clearly see nearby objects; anything far away is blurry. Alternative Names:
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis; Laser vision correction
Description:
A complete eye examination will be done before surgery to make sure your eyes are healthy. Once this is determined, the doctor will measure the curve of the cornea and the size and position of the pupils, the shape of the eyes (making sure there are no irregularities that would prevent LASIK as an option), and the thickness of the cornea (making sure there will be enough tissue left, once the cornea is cut and reshaped). A signed informed consent form is needed before the procedure, confirming knowledge of the risks, benefits, alternative options, and possible complications. LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure and will take 10 to 15 minutes for each eye. The only anesthetic used is an eye drop that numbs the surface of the eye. The procedure is done with the person awake. LASIK may be done on one or both eyes during the same session.
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