LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure which is meant to lower the dependency of a person upon contact lenses or eyeglasses. The surgical procedure permanently corrects the dimensions of the cornea, which is the clear outer portion of the front of the eyeball. The cutting is done using a tool called an excimer laser.

A microkeratome, or knife cuts a corneal flap. This flap leaves a hinge at one end. The flap is folded over to reveal the mid section of the cornea, known as the stroma. A computer controlled laser tool vaporizes a thin section of the stroma to reshape the cornea. The flap is then put back into place. No sutures are required for the procedure.

Before determining whether LASIK surgery is right for you, you should know what to expect from the surgery. Your vision specialist will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for surgery. As with any surgery there are some risks. Even if you are a good candidate for improvement in vision, only you can determine if the reasons for the surgery outweigh the risks.

People usually decide to have LASIK surgery for the sake of appearance, or because of safety issues in an occupation or sports activity. Sometimes people choose to use another method of vision correction after hearing the alternatives and the risks.

There is often fear and trepidation because of the location of the procedure, but LASIK surgery has a high success rate.

You will want to make sure you understand the entire process and choose a qualified surgeon to do the procedure. You will not be under general anesthetic and there will be some discomfort during parts of the procedure, but no pain, since a numbing agent is used in the area. The entire process usually takes thirty minutes or less and is performed in a reclining chair, similar to a dentist’s chair.

There will be tools and instruments used on your eye which you should have had explained to you prior to their usage so that the level of anxiety is reduced. In fact, the entire procedure should be explained in detail before you make the decision to undergo the surgery.

Although the surgery itself takes only a few minutes, healing time may take several days. Post surgery visits with the doctor will probably be scheduled regularly during the first six months.

Some blurring of vision, watering of one or both eyes and occasionally mild pain during the first few post surgical days. An eye shield is normally worn during the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent the flap from being accidentally dislodged. Itching and burning are also common symptoms, prompting a desire to rub the eye. Of course, this should not be done, because of the danger of damaging the healing corneal flap.
The benefits of successful LASIK surgery include no more eyeglasses or contact lens and better vision throughout the range of vision. No more eyeglasses rims to block the field of vision.