How LASIK Eye Surgery Works
LASIK surgery works by permanently reshaping the cornea of the eye. The cornea is a membrane that covers the pupil and iris of the eye. The shape of the cornea has a direct impact on vision. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK eye surgery is able to improve a patient's vision.
After a LASIK procedure, the newly reshaped cornea will refract light rays on the retina in such a way as to improve vision. In simple terms, LASIK surgery is similar to the turning the focus knob on a pair of binoculars -- both adjustments will improve vision clarity.
Correcting Common Vision Problems
LASIK eye surgery is most often used on patients with one of three common vision problems: (1) myopia, or nearsightedness; (2) hyperopia, or farsightedness; or (3) astigmatism.
Although LASIK has a history of correcting the vision problems mentioned above, many eye doctors will only recommend it (or any type of eye surgery) as a last resort. The reason is that, even with a nearsightedness or farsightedness, the eyes can be considered healthy.
Some eye doctors do not endorse taking on the potential risks of laser eye surgery for a condition that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
If a patient does decide on eye surgery, LASIK is often recommended over a photorefractive keratectomy (or PRK), because LASIK surgery usually requires less recovery time and causes less pain than a PRK procedure.
Choosing LASIK
Of course, in the end it is the patient's choice whether or not to pursue LASIK eye surgery. If you choose such a surgery, you owe it to yourself to research and fully understand the process of laser eye surgery. After all, that's the whole point of this website.