Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIK (laser-assisted-in-situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. In most patients, this provides an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses.

During LASIK procedures, the surgeon uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the cornea. A flap on the surface cornea is cut and rolled aside, so the surgeon can use a laser to remove tissue from inside the cornea. The amount and shape of tissue being removed depends on the condition being corrected. Once the necessary tissue is removed, the surface flap is replaced and reattached. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes. A newer variation of the surgery, called Wavefront-guided LASIK, uses a computer to map the surface of the eye. This mapping assists the surgeon in reshaping the eye, using a bladeless laser to change the way the cornea reflects light.