How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK is short for laser eye correction surgery, and it’s the leading form of corrective eye surgery in the U.S. today. LASIK, also known as progressive laser vision corrective surgery or laser eye correction surgery, is a surgical method for the correction of hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism with the use of a carbon dioxide laser (excimer). The laser reshapes the cornea by using a high energy laser (excimer), which reshapes the cornea to correct myopia or farsightedness. The results are instantly visible and, most patients are back to work and leading normal lives within weeks of the surgery.

A corneal flap is made in order to allow the laser to perform its corrective actions, and the flap itself is actually replaced with a thin piece of tissue called the sclera. After surgery, the flap is replaced with a thin layer of tissue that will protect the eye from the damaging effects of laser light. This new layer is designed to help correct any issues with your visual acuity. The tissue is usually made of a plastic material that will then sit on top of your eye before actually being placed over your iris – the white, colored part of your eye responsible for your vision.

As you can see, LASIK does not fix your vision in any way, shape, or form. It simply changes the way your eye’s work so that they can correct your visual defects. In addition to correcting your vision, LASIK actually makes your vision look better, because the excimer laser reshapes the cornea to make your vision clearer. And best of all, the LASIK procedure does not require any additional surgeries, no matter how much time you have had your eyes fixed. LASIK is often recommended to people who want to change the shape of their eyes, or to people who are suffering from astigmatism, because the procedure does a great job at correcting all of these visual problems.