LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that may lessen your dependency on glasses or even eliminate it altogether. Another name commonly used for the procedure is laser vision correction. If you suffer from mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, you may be a candidate. LASIK has proven to be excellent for correcting some vision problems, but it cannot treat cataracts, nor is it considered for presbyopia. Only a lens implant can correct vision loss from cataracts. Also, the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is FDA-approved for moderate to severe nearsightedness. If your nearsightedness is moderate to high (i.e., glasses prescription -5.0 to -20.0 D), click here to learn about the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL.

THE PROCEDURE

Evaluation & Measurement

If you decide that LASIK is right for you, your doctor will conduct an initial or baseline evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate. If you wear contact lenses, it is a good idea to stop wearing them before your baseline evaluation and switch to wearing your glasses full-time. You should tell your doctor about any past and present medical and eye conditions, all the medications you may be taking (including over-the-counter medications) and any medications you may be allergic to. If you are a good candidate, your doctor will perform a thorough eye exam. It is also important to discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of the surgery; what to expect before, during and after surgery; and your responsibilities before, during and after surgery.

Surgery

In LASIK surgery, a precision instrument called a microkeratome, is used to pull back a flap of corneal tissue from your eye. The flap, which is a few thousandths of an inch thick, is opened like the cover of a book. The laser then reshapes your cornea, changing its focusing power to the desired optical correction. By "fine-tuning" your cornea, LASIK allows you to better refract light, minimizing the blurriness associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Once the procedure is complete, the flap is closed, sealing almost immediately. You will be awake during surgery, and the actual procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

Postprocedure

The time it takes to recover after LASIK is relatively short. Immediately after your surgery, you may experience some discomfort, but your symptoms should improve considerably within the first few days. You will wear an eye patch for about 2 days after the procedure. It is usually removed at the follow-up appointment. Following that, recovery time is about 2 to 4 weeks.

Potential Complications

Like all surgical procedures, LASIK has its share of risks. Potential risks or complications include scarring, over-treatment and other forms of human error. In addition, you may still have to use glasses after receiving LASIK. Such risks are best discussed with your doctor.