Millions of people have already taken advantage of the Lasik laser vision correction procedure and are enjoying life without dependency on glasses or contacts. While most folks know that Lasik laser vision correction is a procedure that uses laser technology to correct poor eye sight, the details behind it are often unknown.
So, what is Lasik laser vision correction? Lasik, or Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that helps corrective lens wearers eliminate or greatly reduce the need for contacts or glasses. It is used to fix a variety of refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
This technology uses a cold beam laser that repairs the imperfections in the cornea that cause these refractive errors by reshaping this area as needed in a custom procedure for each individual. These types of refractive errors are a result of imperfections in the shape of the cornea. The Lasik laser simply smoothes out these imperfections, reshaping the eye, which results in clear vision.
The procedure involves the cutting of a small flap at the front of the eye to give the laser access to the tissue to be repaired. A microkeratome, a knife-like instrument, may be used or the surgeon may utilize a laser to cut the flap. This flap is a thin piece of tissue at the front of the eye that is cut from one side to the other, leaving a portion attached to act as a hinge.
Once the flap is cut, the Lasik laser has access to the cornea and can then begin to repair the shape, changing it to a normally shaped eye with clear vision. With the reshaping of the cornea finished, the flap is put back in its place and the procedure is basically finished.
The changes made with the shape of the cornea in the eye are permanent but additional Lasik vision correction procedures can often be done if needed. Patients should base their decision to have Lasik performed on the benefits, but they should also be made aware of the possible side effects and risks.
The procedure is quick, typically painless, and comes with few risks and side effects. The Lasik laser vision correction surgery itself usually takes less than just a few minutes per eye. The most common patient complaint is smoky vision that usually remedies itself within the first couple of days after surgery.
Lasik laser vision correction candidates are counseled prior to having the procedure done to discuss vision correction options, possible risks and side effects, and what to expect out of the procedure. The most common risk with Lasik is a further dependency on corrective lenses even after the surgery has been performed.
Taking advantage of counseling from the eye care professional will help Lasik laser vision correction candidates make an educated decision about the procedure. Understanding what Lasik is, beyond a procedure that produces clear vision, helps enable patients to feel more comfortable with their decisions. Having the knowledge of how Lasik works gives the patient a clear vision on what to expect during and after the surgery.
About the Author:
Joe Palerma hasn’t always had great vision. But long ago, Joe started researching
Modesto laser vision correction, where he lived. He found great eye surgeons at Zeiter Eye Care, a
Stockton lasik center. There Joe received great counseling and good information, giving him the ability to make an informed decision about his
Stockton lasik surgery for eyes.
