LASIK stands for Laser in-situ Keratomileusis. It is one of the best procedures for correcting refractive error of the eye. It is one of the most common procedure for correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness.
The procedure used laser to reshape the cornea. The heat of the laser vaporizes small sections of cornea. The result of the procedure is often 20/20 vision for the patient.
The procedure starts with the creation of a circular hole in the cornea's upper surface. This circular hole is often created using a femtosecond laser or a mechanical device. The flap is folded back and the surgeon access the inner layer of the cornea. This is the layer that is responsible for providing the right refraction and thus the correct formation of the image at the retina.
The procedure aims to correct nearsightedness by flatting the cornea. For farsightedness, the cornea is given a steeper profile. The procedure is also able to smooth out any irregularities in the shape of the cornea. LASIK surgery is minimally invasive and usually does not require any patches or bandages. The eye is numbed by applying anesthetic eye drops. The procedure is over in just twenty minutes. The recovery period is variable but usually does not last beyond several weeks.
A common post operation complication is dry eyes. This is a condition in which the eye is unable to produce tears in sufficient volume. In order to reduce the possibility, the doctor usually order eye drops to increase moisture in the eyes