LASIK
Folding back the top layer and reshaping tissue underneath
See how LASIK treats refractive errors
LASIK, Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive laser procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Since its invention in the early 90s, LASIK has been the most popular surgical treatment method to correct refractive errors. Like other laser eye surgeries, LASIK treats vision defects by reshaping the cornea to correct the way light is focused on the back of the eye.
With LASIK, a surgeon creates a sliver of tissue, essentially making a flap, at the front of the eye to expose the inner layers of corneal tissue to the laser. Surgeons will either use a mechanical instrument, called a microkeratome, or a femtosecond laser, for this step. When a femtosecond laser is used, the procedure is called Femto-LASIK. Once the flap is folded away, an excimer laser shapes the cornea by removing the exposed tissue. The Femto-LASIK/LASIK procedure is completed when the surgeon closes the flap, returning it to its original position.
Characteristics
Flap surgery: The surgeon creates a flap manually or with a laser. The top eye layer is opened to expose the inner layer of the cornea.
Laser precision: After the flap is folded away, an excimer laser treats the eye for the individual refractive error. The laser only ablates the necessary tissue, leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected.
Benefits
Experience: LASIK has been the standard treatment for over 20 years. Many surgeons are very experienced with this procedure.
Quick recovery: Typically, vision becomes clearer within a couple hours after surgery and gradually stabilizes over the following weeks.
Availability: LASIK is currently the most popular and prevalent form of laser eye surgery. Nearly every clinic offering Laser Vision Correction has the technology available for this procedure.
Potential Side Effects
Like all surgical procedures, no intervention is completely free of risks and side effects. Your ophthalmologist can explain all potential risks to you and will decide whether you are eligible for surgery.
However, these are some side effects that can occur after surgery.
Flap-related complications: Complications with the flap after surgery may include infection, inflammation, and dislocation of the flap. While the flap usually adheres back onto the eye after surgery, it does not completely seal itself back together with the corneal tissue. Since the flap sits on the eye, there is a remote chance for it to be dislodged, especially during contact sports or other activities.
Dry eye syndrome: This symptom can occur after LASIK vision correction surgery. Nerves cut during laser eye surgery may reduce the patient’s blinking frequency and/or give insufficient signals to the tear ducts. Blinking less frequently leads to the eye’s tear fluid evaporating faster than normal, which can result in the eye being less lubricated and drier. Dry eyes after LASIK can cause both discomfort and less optimal visual outcomes, but it typically improves or resolves with time.
Further common complications and side effects of LASIK and alternative types of Laser Eye Vision Correction procedures are explained on the page that lists potential risks.
