An Introduction to LASIK Eye Surgery - Basic Info

Surgeons perform LASIK eye surgery on people who have myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by using a laser that changes the shape of the cornea and corrects refractive errors. As a result, patients can reduce their need for glasses or contacts. Many people are good candidates for LASIK eye surgery. Below is an overview of the procedure.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

The word “LASIK” is formed from the phrase “laser in situ keratomileusis.” The LASIK surgeon uses a laser to cut a small flap into the surface of a cornea and correct the shape of the cornea underneath the flap. The surgeon then replaces the flap. As the eye heals, the flap heals as well, but the shape of the cornea is permanently changed.

Why is LASIK eye surgery necessary?

LASIK eye surgery can improve the vision of people who want to reduce the need to wear glasses or contacts. It is an elective, low-risk surgery to correct one or two of three possible problems:

• You might be nearsighted (called myopia) or farsighted (called hyperopia).
• In addition to being nearsighted or farsighted, you might also have astigmatism, which means that the eye is more oval (like a football) than round.

A refractive error is the source for all three problems; that is, things look blurred when the cornea and the lens, which are supposed to place images at a specific spot within the eye, are projecting images onto the wrong spot. LASIK eye surgery corrects the refractive error by changing the shape of the cornea.

Who Are the Best Candidates for LASIK Eye Surgery?

To have LASIK Eye Surgery, you should have the following characteristics:

• An appropriate age. Your eyes should be done developing and your vision should be stable.
• A good medical profile. Some illnesses, such as diabetes, might disqualify you, and you might have problems such as having a cornea that is too thin or too steep.
• The right lifestyle. If you like sports such as boxing, LASIK eye surgery might not be appropriate. Also, some employers may restrict you from the surgery.
• A good understanding of the alternatives. Each person is different. If you know what the advantages and disadvantages are for all the available solutions, you are more likely to end up with the best solution for your specific situation.
• The ability to take risks. This is elective surgery performed on healthy eyes. It is usually successful. However, you need to understand the risks and be comfortable with them.

An excellent, experienced doctor who inspires confidence in you. You can find one by doing research and scheduling a consultation. To learn more about LASIK as well as custom LASIK, cataracts and cataract surgery as well as corneal transplant surgery, it is important to visit a Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas laser eye surgery center.