LASIK Eye Surgery Overview

LASIK is a popular acronym that stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis.  Simply put, LASIK is a refractive surgery that improves eye sight by correcting wide ranges of vision issues such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.  An advanced medical procedure, LASIK employs a specially designed laser instead of traditional surgical tools to perform corrective eye surgery.

Common LASIK Procedures
• LASIK
• Epi-LASIK
• PRK
• Wavefront LASIK
• LASIK Monovision

Examples of LASIK Eye Surgery Treatments
LASIK surgery involves the reshaping of the cornea, which is the protruding part of the surface of the eyeball.  Used to correct a wide variety of vision problems, LASIK eye surgery has become a preferred procedure for people who have, or are experiencing, vision problems such as myopia or nearsightedness, hypermetromia or farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.

The LASIK technique was created in 1990 by blending two different surgical techniques called photo refractive keratectomy and Keratomileusis.  In its most simplistic definition, however, LASIK surgery is a laser surgical technique that reshapes the cornea without cutting into it.

The laser part of the surgery refers to the process of using light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation.  This low wattage laser is used in many toys and light pointers on a daily basis, and does not cause nearly as much damage to eye tissues as traditional surgical procedures using scalpels.

A computer and a low wattage laser are used as both scan and provide a three-dimensional map of the cornea.  This enables the computer to determine the exact shape of the cornea so that the surgeon can calculate the depth of corneal tissue that needs to be removed to improve vision.

Using an instrument called a microkeratome, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea.  That flap is then folded back and the cornea is reshaped using the laser.  Once the corneal tissues have been reshaped or remodeled to improve vision, the flap is replaced in its original position.  LASIK surgery has very low complication rate and takes less than 30 minutes to perform.

Epi-LASIK eye surgery is a newer technique but also involves cutting the flap of the cornea with a laser.  A LASIK surgeon uses a plastic blade to separate the outer covering of the cornea from the eye.  This type of procedure is more appropriate for those with lower myopia or nearsightedness.  After the epithelial flap has been made, a laser is used to sculpt the corneal tissues.  Following that, the flap is replaced and covered with a special contact lens to facilitate healing.

Wavefront LASIK is yet another advancement of LASIK technique and uses three-dimensional measurements to determine how an individual eye process images.  This technique uses a laser that is guided by a computer that measures how a person's eye processes various images. These measurements will determine how much reshaping of the cornea is necessary.  The Wavefront technique is extremely individualized and precise and is suitable for those suffering from mild to fairly high degrees of hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism.

Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient procedure, with minimum complications.  It takes less than 30 minutes to perform, which cuts back on costs.  It is a highly technical and effective technique that is able to eliminate significant visual impairment.  Both eyes can be done at the same time.  In some cases, a patient or a surgeon may recommend a wait in between eyes to better evaluate results.  The procedure is relatively painless, and local anesthetic drops are used with a mild form of sedation.  Some patients feel a need to sensation for a day or two afterward.  LASIK eye surgery also replaces the use of scalpels in such a sensitive area of the body, reducing the number of complications that result from more traditional surgical procedures.

Cost
In the United States, LASIK eye surgery can run anywhere around $1,000 per eye.  For Wavefront or newer LASIK surgery techniques, the cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per eye.  In most cases, vision insurance does not cover the procedure in the United States, although some vision care insurance companies are starting to add it to their policies.

Who Can Perform LASIK Eye Surgery?
An ophthalmologist should be licensed and trained and certified to perform LASIK or another form of refractive surgery.  He or she should also be trained to use of laser equipment.  Medical licensing in the United States is by local, state, and national medical boards.  A good choice would be a doctor who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, or one who is associated with an academic medical center as they are more apt to be trained in new or advanced procedures.