LASIK, or
Laser
Assisted in
Site
Keratomileusis, is a type of eye surgery performed to lower your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK accomplishes this by reshaping the cornea of your eye by vaporizing tissue with a laser. LASIK surgery is also effective in reducing the effects of astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia.
Refractive surgery is becoming safer and more affordable; however, it does have risks. LASIK surgery results in thinning of the cornea and can contribute to Keratoconus, a condition that could require corneal transplant surgery. There are additional risks that your ophthalmologist should evaluate to determine if you are good candidate for LASIK surgery. The information provided here will help you decide if the risks and rewards of LASIK surgery are right for you.
LASIK Eye Surgery
Your
cornea is the part of your eye that focuses light to create an image on your
retina. The same way the lens in a camera focuses light to take a picture; your
corneas focus light for your vision. This action of focusing light is called
refraction. If your corneas form irregular shapes the light striking your
retinas will be out of focus, or blurry.
Irregular shape of the corneas creates
three vision problems. These problems are astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.
If you have myopia you are nearsighted, and see objects that are closer to you
clearly. If you have hyperopia, you are farsighted, and see objects more clearly
at a distance. Astigmatism creates a distortion of your vision; if you have
astigmatism you probably have myopia or hyperopia as well.
LASIK
vision correction surgery removes parts of the cornea causing all three of these
conditions. Your corneas are reshaped to function as they are supposed to function.
