How does LASIK Correct Vision Errors?

LASIK eye surgery improves refractive vision errors by reshaping an irregularly shaped cornea.

The most common refractive vision errors are:

· Myopia (nearsightedness)

· Hyperopia (farsightedness)

· Astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances)

Certain eye irregularities cause light to be incorrectly focused when it enters your eye. An irregularly shaped cornea does not bend (refract) light correctly, resulting in distorted and blurry vision. The vision disorders above represent the results of the most common abnormalities of eye shape. During LASIK surgery, a laser is used to painlessly reshape the cornea, thereby changing the way the eye bends light.

LASIK takes only a minute or two for each eye, and the entire procedure is completed in about five to ten minutes. As an ambulatory surgery, LASIK does not require you to stay overnight at a medical facility, and downtime is minimal because general anesthesia is not required. You will be conscious and awake during LASIK.

Some people experience 20/20 vision shortly after their LASIK procedure. Most people experience drastically improved vision, letting them live free from contact lenses and glasses. Some LASIK recipients still benefit from the use of glasses for certain up-close tasks.

To learn more about LASIK surgery, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.