To understand how LASIK works its important to know a little about how your eyes help you see light enters your eye and is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye the retina converts light into signals that travel to your brain where they are interpreted as images
If you have nearsightedness farsightedness or astigmatism your cornea may not be the right shape to focus light properly onto the retina this causes blurry vision LASIK surgery aims to reshape your cornea so that light focuses correctly and you can see clearly
During LASIK surgery your surgeon first creates a thin flap in the outer layer of your cornea this flap is lifted back to expose the underlying corneal tissue the surgeon then uses a precision laser called an excimer laser to remove a tiny amount of tissue from the cornea reshaping it to improve its focusing power
Once the cornea has been reshaped the flap is carefully repositioned over the treated area the flap heals quickly and usually without the need for stitches
LASIK surgery is generally a quick and relatively painless procedure most people experience only mild discomfort during and after the surgery some common side effects include dry eyes glare halos and light sensitivity but these usually improve over time
LASIK is a highly effective procedure for correcting a wide range of vision problems the vast majority of people who have LASIK achieve significant improvement in their vision and many are able to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses
However LASIK isnt right for everyone it may not be suitable for people with certain eye conditions or those with thin corneas its important to talk to your eye doctor to determine if LASIK is a good option for you
Before having LASIK surgery youll need to have a thorough eye exam your doctor will assess your eye health measure your cornea and discuss your vision goals and expectations with you
If you decide to have LASIK surgery its important to choose an experienced and reputable surgeon be sure to ask about their success rates and complication rates
After LASIK surgery youll need to follow your doctors instructions for post-operative care this typically includes using eye drops avoiding strenuous activity and protecting your eyes from sunlight and dust
Most people recover from LASIK surgery quickly and are able to return to their usual activities within a few days youll have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your vision and healing progress
If youre bothered by your glasses or contacts and want to explore the possibility of clearer vision LASIK surgery may be a good option for you talk to your eye doctor to learn more about the procedure and to find out if youre a candidate
LASIK surgery has helped millions of people see the world more clearly with careful planning and the right surgeon it could help you too