LASIK Procedure
In LASIK eye surgery, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. The surgeon folds the flap back, then removes corneal tissue using an excimer laser. When the cornea is reshaped, it focuses light better onto the retina, providing clearer vision. The flap is then laid back in place. See a LASIK slide show.
LASIK has advantages over other procedures: a relative lack of eye pain and the fact that good vision is usually achieved quickly. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from the LASIK procedure. Also, excimer lasers can correct most amounts of astigmatism.
Variations of the procedure include epi-LASIK and custom wavefront LASIK, in which wavefront technology is used to map the surface of the eye, creating a custom ablation.
Some people are confused about the purpose of LASIK. LASIK is intended to improve your visual acuity (your ability to see clearly), reducing your dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. It is not a treatment for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or other eye diseases.
Your eye doctor can further educate you about the LASIK eye surgery procedure. Although LASIK is performed by an ophthalmologist, an optometrist can often provide an initial screening, educate you about the procedure, and refer you to a LASIK surgeon if appropriate.
Need More LASIK Information?
For in-depth information on LASIK, please visit the Consumer Guide to Vision Surgery. To find a LASIK surgeon, visit some of the newer locations to have LASIK: Akron, Birmingham, Canton, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Des Moines, Hawaii, Long Island, Louisville, Minneapolis, New Hampshire, Omaha, Orlando, Pasadena, Portsmouth, Raleigh, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tampa.