LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about.

After your physician has determined that you are medically suitable and your prescription and vision correction requirements will be met by LASIK Laser Eye Surgery or Custom LASIK Laser Eye Surgery, other thoughts to consider in your decision should be based on your lifestyle and how you feel about various vision correction options.

In traditional LASIK surgery, a round, thin flap is cut from the cornea’s surface in a way that leaves part of it still connected. It’s gently folded back to expose the stroma, the next level of tissue. Then an excimer laser is directed precisely onto the stroma to vaporize tiny areas, thus removing irregularities that are causing defective vision. The little flap is then replaced and the eye heals itself in a day or two.

It is important to have realistic expectations. If you are over the age of 40, you will probably need reading glasses after laser eye surgery. Also, your eyes will continue to change as you grow older, and you may need prescription glasses or contacts again at some point. There is also a chance that you may need a second surgery if you do not get the right amount of correction the first time.