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To know what is LASIK it is important to know what the
word stands for. The word LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ
Keratomileusis. LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of
the cornea using the excimer laser. That describes LASIK in a nutshell.
To
address the question of what LASIK is, though, is not that easy. LASIK technology
is quite complicated. We must first know the
different types of refractive errors, which are myopia, hyperopia and
astigmatism. Myopia pertains to nearsightedness. Hyperopia refers to
farsightedness and astigmatism pertains to a distortion of the image on the
retina caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye.
What LASIK is can be determined in its effects. LASIK
surgery enables the patient to undergo precise and controlled removal of
corneal tissue by a special laser which reshapes the cornea. There are
other types of refractive surgery which are different from what is LASIK.
There is radial keratotomy or RK and photorefractive keratectomy or PRK.
The same type of Laser is used for LASIK and PRK.
In PRK, the top layer of
the cornea called the epithelium is scraped away to expose the stromal layer
underneath. What is LASIK is to cut a flap in the stromal layer and flap is
folded back. The use of lasers similar to that of PRK to treat refractive
errors is the layman’s description of LASIK. Over the last years,
doctors used LASIK as main surgery for treating myopia.
Before undergoing the LASIK surgery make sure that you
do your part to prepare aptly for the procedure to prevent possible negative
consequences. The LASIK procedure takes only thirty minutes to complete. If
you cannot focus your eyes for 60 seconds then you may not qualify for a
LASIK procedure. Make sure that you’ve made proper inquirers pertaining to
the treatment before undergoing the procedure.
If
you are not a risk taker or if your job prohibits refractive procedure or
cost is an issue, then LASIK treatment may not be the procedure for
you. Do not sign any waiver before you are made aware of the risks and
benefits involved with LASIK surgery. What you do before and during surgery
are as important as what you do after it. Make sure that you follow doctor’s
orders to ensure your safety and the best results possible.
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