LASIK or Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK is performed by ophthalmologists using a laser. LASIK is similar to other surgical corrective procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy, PRK, (also called ASA, Advanced Surface Ablation) though it provides benefits such as faster patient recovery. Both LASIK and PRK represent advances over radial keratotomy in the surgical treatment of vision problems, and are thus viable alternatives to wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses for many Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, otherwise known as LASIK, is the revolutionary ophthalmologic procedure that has given people better vision for nearly two decades. Also known as refractive surgery, LASIK is a highly specialized and increasingly customized elective procedure that corrects the imperfections in the cornea that cause common vision problems.
Since it is these tiny imperfections that are the root of vision problems, this procedure was developed to smooth out these corneal imperfections. Through the use of a blade, or even more commonly today, through highly specialized lasers, a tiny flap on the outer most surface of the cornea is sliced and retracted to expose the topographical bumps that are affecting the vision. A laser smooths over the bumps to leave an even surface. The flap is replaced, and patients are typically sent on their way no later than an hour or two after they came. Remarkably, the whole procedure in it’s entirely takes only about 15 minutes – the remaining time is pre-operative care and post-operative monitoring.
Perhaps the most appealing thing about LASIK is it’s tremendous track record. Millions upon millions of people, including athletes, actors, politicians, and other notable public figures who heavily rely on their vision have had incredibly results with the LASIK procedure – leaving them free from a life of glasses and contacts.