Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems

Posted in Laser Eye Surgery on February 4, 2009

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure in which lasers are used to correct vision problems. A laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea. Laser eye surgery is very helpful to improve hypermetropia (long sightedness), myopia (short sightedness) or astigmatism.

In laser eye surgery, a small quantity of corneal tissue is removed with the help of an excimer which is controlled by the computer. The main aim of the laser eye treatment procedure is to restore the normal vision of people and relieve them from wearing external objects like contact lenses and glasses.

In one of the types of laser eye surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, which is called the epithelium, is removed and then an excimer laser is used for reshaping the underneath tissue. This procedure is known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

In a new procedure, a microkeratome is used for cutting the flap of the corneal tissue. This flap is then lifted and the underlying tissue is reshaped with the help of an excimer laser. The flap is then put back in place at the end. This type of laser eye surgery is known as (LASIK) laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Laser eye surgery is an ideal medical procedure by which people can get rid of their external aids like contact lenses and glasses and have correct vision. It is a short process and the recovery from surgery is done within a couple of days.