Although the term LASIK eye surgery is becoming more commonplace many people aren’t aware of what the surgery actually entails.  The LASIK acronym stands for Laser assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis and is sometimes referred to as “flap and zap” becauses the surgeon makes a small flap in the cornea and removes some of the tissue exposed by the flap. The laser removes tissue from the cornea very accurately without damaging nearby tissues. This type of eye surgery is used for correcting nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

The procedure should be performed by a certified LASIK ophthalmologist. The LASIK eye surgery is a replacement for a somewhat outdated eye surgery known as PPK.  LASIK is preferred to the PPK because it allow for a much faster recovery time and the patient does not experience nearly as much pain as they did with the PPK.  Though the LASIK procedure is relatively new, having been introduced in 1990, it is immensely popular and more and more patients are seeking the treatment as it becomes more affordable.

Prior to surgery a patient will need to meet with their eye doctor to discuss whether or not they are a candidate for the surgery through an examination with a computer controlled scanner that determines what the current shape of the cornea. This examination will also allow the doctor to obtain information in relation to irregularities in the eye, whether the patient is near sighted, far sighted, or has astigmatism.   If the doctor believes the patient is a candidate he or she will instruct the patient to stop wearing their contact lenses 7-10 days before the procedure.  Most doctors will also prescribe an antibiotic to help avoid infection after the surgery.

The actual LASIK procedure takes place when the patient is awake but sedated with a mild sedative such as Valium as well as anesthetic eye drops.  A highly sophisticated computer system will then track the position of the eye about 4,000 times per second so that the surgeon can make precise incisions.

A flap will be cut into the cornea with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser with a hinge left on one end of the flap.  This flap is then folded back to expose the stroma, which is the middle section of the cornea. Once the stroma is revealed a laser will reshape the stroma to provide better vision.

Recovery time is just a couple of days and there will be very little pain or discomfort associated with the procedure.  Most do not experience any complications, but those that do occur are usually very benign in nature, making LASIK a relatively safe and the most effective corneal surgery available today.

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