LASIK Eye Surgery

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive surgery that corrects vision problems. Some of the most common ones treated with this surgery include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to improve your vision so that you no longer need glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is one of the most popular types of refractive surgery, but it’s not the only option. Other common types of refractive surgery include PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), Kennamer surface ablation, and refractive lens exchange.

How Does LASIK Work?

During LASIK surgery, an eye doctor will use a laser to create a thin flap in your cornea which is the clear, dome-shaped outermost layer of your eye. The eye doctor will then fold back the flap and gently remove some tissue beneath with a laser. This helps reshape your cornea so that light entering your eye can be properly focused on your retina resulting in clearer vision.

Is LASIK Safe?

The FDA has cleared lasers for use in performing LASIK surgery since 1999. Numerous studies have shown that LASIK is a safe and effective vision correction option with a high rate of patient satisfaction. In fact, a 2016 study found that 96% of survey respondents who had undergone LASIK were very satisfied with their results.

LASIK Side Effects

As with any type of surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK. However, these risks are rare and usually minor. The side effects that have been associated with it include dry eyes, temporary visual disturbances such as glare or halos around lights, and under or over-correction of your vision problem. These side effects are usually temporary and typically resolve within a few months after surgery.