Lasik Eye Surgery and What It Can Do For You

Lasik eye surgery is a medical procedure which is designed to correct a person's vision so that they rely less on contact lens or eye glasses. It has proven to be extremely successful for millions of people around the world, including over 6 million Americans. Some well known people who have had Lasik eye surgery include world champion golf Tiger Woods, signer Jessica Simpson and actor Brad Pitt.

While there are great stories about how Lasik has improved peoples' vision, the actual results can vary amongst individuals, not every one is a good Lasik candidate and there are some risks associated with the procedure that you should be aware of. However, lets start by explaining what the operation is and how it works.

The word Lasik actually refers to "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis". A Lasik operation is conducted by a trained eye surgeon called an ophthalmologist. Assisted by a computer, the surgeon uses a laser to mould the shape of the cornea of the eye by vaporizing the tissue. The operation is suitable for many people who suffer from short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. The whole aim of Lasik is to reduce a person's reliance on contact lenses or eye-glasses.

An actual eye laser procedure only takes around 15 minutes per eye. The patient is awake throughout the whole operation and the person can walk in and walk out of the medical facility.

The entire operation is painless. First, the surgeon cuts the cornea to create a flap. This flap is flipped over to reveal the inner center of the cornea. Using a refractive laser, the surgeon vaporizes tissue which is micrometers in thickness in order to reshape the cornea.

The cornea is essentially the lens of the eye and by changing its shape a person will be able to focus more normally. If you have nearsightedness the ophthalmologist will flatten the cornea, while if you have long-sightedness he or she will make it steeper. If you have an astigmatism the goal is to smooth the irregular cornea. At the end of the surgery the flap is placed back into its original position.

Evidence shows that serious complications arising from Lasik eye surgery is less than 1 percent, with minor complications at around 3 to 5 percent. The majority of patients will only have some discomfort for a few days following the procedure.

Not everyone is suitable to have Lasik surgery. While the various risk factors vary between individuals, generally you will have to be at least 18 years old and have both good eye and general health. By talking to a qualified Lasik surgeon you will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery for your particular set of circumstances.

If you are tired of wearing contact lens or are worried about how you look with eye-glasses, Lasik eye surgery could be the type of medical procedure that you are searching for. Make sure you talk to a qualified Lasik surgeon about your options and suitability for the operation. You may be pleasantly surprised of the end results.