LASIK Eye Surgery Overview

LASIK laser eye surgery is an increasingly popular treatment. People are signing up in numbers to throw away their glasses and see clearly. How exactly does LASIK work? Before you decide to undergo the LASIK procedure learn how the treatment is performed and why it works so effectively to improve your vision.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is an acronym that stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. In basic terms, LASIK is a medical procedure that changes the shape of a person�s cornea to correct vision abnormalities. The cornea is a clear covering on the front of a person�s eye.

During the Procedure

During LASIK laser eye surgery, the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. First, either a laser or a surgical instrument known as a microkeratome will be used to cut a small flap in the cornea. The flap is folded back and the middle-section of the cornea, which is called the stroma, is revealed. Pulses from the laser are then used to vaporize and reshape the stroma. Once the stroma is reshaped the flap is replaced and the procedure is basically complete.

After the Procedure

After the LASIK procedure, the flap acts as a natural bandage for the stroma. The cornea may take a few days to heal when you have laser eye surgery. During this time your vision may be blurry and you may have other side effects like haloing or glare. Once the cornea heals a few days after laser eye surgery these side effects will slowly disappear.

After the procedure is completed the eye surgeon will give you special glasses to wear when you are out in the sunlight. These glasses will help protect your eyes and promote healing. Most patients resume normal activity within a few days of LASIK and some can even see clearly immediately following the LASIK procedure.