LASIK

LASIK

LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK surgery is most commonly performed as a cure for myopia (nearsightedness), but can also be used to cure hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism (corneal irregularities).

LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea using a special laser and thus focusing the light rays exactly on the retina.

The steps of the procedure are as follows:

A suction ring is placed on the eye to stabilize and check the eye pressure.

The microkeratome, a cutting instrument, is attached to the suction ring.

The blade of the microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea.

The exposed inner layer of the cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser.

The corneal flap is returned to its original position.

LASIK is an ambulatory procedure; the patient can walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again and is awake the whole time. Occasionally, the doctor may administer a mild oral sedative.