Lasik Vision Correction Basics

Nearly everyone these days has heard of the Lasik vision correction method, but many have no idea what it is or what it does, or for that matter, what makes it so special and different from any other eye surgery. Because this process doesn't require the surgeon to actually cut into the surface of the eye, or the cornea, less complications and risks are involved with this process. Using laser light, the surface of the eye remains intact and unharmed by damage that can be caused by traditional surgical instruments.

Basically, Lasik, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK is one of the most popular methods to correcting vision in people who have astigmatism or are near or far-sighted. (Which is just about everyone over the age of 45)! Lasik vision correction is accomplished by reshaping the cornea, or the outer covering of the eye. By doing so, light that travels through the cornea is able to properly focus on the retina, which is located in the back of the eye and enables us to see things clearly.

Lasik vision correction surgery involves the use of an instrument called a microkeratome that is used to cut a thin flap in the cornea itself. The cornea is then lifted back out of the way while the corneal tissue beneath is reshaped using a laser. After reshaping the corneal tissues so that light properly focuses on the retina, the cornea flap is returned to its original position and the procedure is complete.

Lasik is a laser-type of eye surgery that does not require the use of traditional surgical implements like scalpels to correct vision, and it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Several advantages of Lasik vision correction is that it is successful in the majority of treatments performed, and results in very little discomfort for patients. The cornea itself is not cut into, which eliminates complications and potential damage. After laser surgery, vision is almost immediately improved and there are no bandages or stitches necessary.

However, some disadvantages are cost and the fact that corneal changes made with Lasik surgery can't be corrected, though future Lasik eye surgeries can be performed. Cost can range from $2,000 to $2,500 per eye, and more, depending on the severity of your particular vision problems and diagnosis. As with any surgery, and Lasik vision correction is a surgery even though no physical cutting is involved, complications may occur. While the cost may seem extreme for a surgical method that takes ten or fifteen minutes to complete, while under local anesthesia, long lasting results offset the initial cost, especially when compared to the cost of contacts, glasses and supplies on a yearly basis.

Discuss questions about Lasik vision correction with your eye doctor and make sure you know and understand the procedure, as well as all the risks involved. Before trusting your eyes to just anyone, make sure you know and are confident that the eye surgeon you choose to perform your Lasik vision correction is experienced in the procedure.