LASIK is a laser eye surgery procedure that is intended to correct vision and eliminate the need for a patient to wear glasses. Compared to other eye corrective procedures, LASIK is less painful, and more convenient.

The surgery is often preformed while the patient is awake, but under a slight sedative. In order to go through with the operation, patients are instructed to stop wearing hard contacts 6 months before the procedure, and stop wearing soft contacts 10 days before the procedure. Using a scanning device, the surgeon examines the patient’s cornea, and maps out what the operation will perform.

What will the procedure of surgery be like?
During the surgery, the patient will be under a slight sedative. An instrument used to hold open the eyelids is placed, and using the laser and thin layer of the eye is lifted off the eyeball. This allows the surgeon to begin to reshape the cornea. The surgeon does this by adding or removing a certain amount of tissue in order to correct vision. The flap of eye is then placed back on the cornea, and heals without the use of stitches.

The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes for each eye. After the operation, there is little to no discomfort followed by immediate improved vision. During the next few days, patients continue to see a gradual increase in visual accuracy.

How do I know if I am eligible for LASIK?
Almost all patients with any degree of eye problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness are eligible for this procedure. Yet, before one signs up for LASIK, he or she should get a free screening located at many optomologist offices.