LASIK: Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis: What the Heck Is It?

LASIK or as it know as Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis is the most common used keratomileusis eye surgery. The process involves re-shaping the corneal tissue by using an excimer laser. The laser consists of powerful ultraviolet. Ophthalmologists do the surgery to correct various types of vision problems. LASIK is the most popular type of laser vision correction eye surgery because the procedure has minimal pain and discomfort and rapid recovery.

The LASIK procedure utilizes technology to the most. The surgery consists of a computer system keeping track of the candidate’s eye position 4,000 times per second. At the same time, the laser is making precise programmed incisions. This really is not a risky procedure. LASIK eye surgery is a proven safe surgery that provides high and quick results so that candidates no longer are dependent upon wearing glasses or contact lenses. The laser reshapes the corneal tissue on the outer surface of the eye. When LASIK surgery is compared to other corrective eye surgeries such as using a blade to create the corneal flap, the number of complications is very low because of the preciseness and high technology of the laser.

The candidate is awake during the procedure. The candidate is given a mild sedative and numbing eye drops. During the procedure, the pain to the candidate is very minimal. The LASIK has a very low number of reported complications and provides quick and positive visual results. Most patients obtain 20/20 vision within a few months after the surgery. As with any type of surgery, there are risk of complications such as infection, halo effect in the eye sight, dry eye, and irritated eye.

Since LASIK eye surgery uses the most advanced technology, this procedure is becoming very popular. There is no concrete evidence on the long term complications of having LASIK eye surgery.

If you are considering LASIK correction eye surgery to not have to wear glasses or contact lenses, do the research on the ophthalmologist. Have fun not having to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Ulises Tarmet is a retired ophthalmologist who has 36 years of experience working for in the San Francisco LASIK community helping people to improve their vision