What is LASIK and what does it do?

Posted in LASIK Surgery on December 26, 2008

Lasik or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a type of refractive laser eye surgery for correcting different types of vision disorders like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. By performing a LASIK eye surgery you can get permanent freedom from hassles of wearing glasses and contact lenses.

In a LASIK eye surgery a surgeon corrects the contour of the cornea using a laser. In LASIK treatment a flap is created in the cornea, this is then folded back to carry out tissue correction. The flap is then restored to its previous position.

In most of the cases the Excimer laser is used, this produces a beam of ultra-violet light. The precision with which this laser beam etches living tissues of the cornea totally prevents any thermal damage to the surrounding area. This results in almost a painless surgery with wonderfully accurate results.

The surgery is performed with the patient completely conscious and mobile. This is possible because the whole operation process is so accurate that it affects only a very small area reducing any possibility of pain.

The post LASIK eye surgery care procedure is also very simple. It usually involves taking some antibiotics and eye drops. For about two weeks direct exposure of eyes to bright light has to be completely avoided. After the operation the patient can start normal activities within a couple of days.

LASIK eye surgery is thus one of the safest and quickest ways to get back correct vision and new life style.