LASIK is an acronym for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis” and is a process that reshapes the eye’s cornea to properly focus the light entering the retina, resulting in improved vision acuity. This brief and non-invasive surgery can lead to a resolution of a variety of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The process is simple. First, your doctor may give you a numbing eye drop to prevent discomfort and possibly even some medication to help you relax. During surgery, your surgeon will use either a small tool or a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in your cornea. Then, he or she will fold back the flap to remove microscopic amounts of tissue.
It’s this process that reshapes the cornea in order for the light entering your eye to focus more accurately on your retina. If you’re nearsighted, the cornea will be flattened. If you’re farsighted, the cornea will be steepened. And if you have astigmatism, then your irregular cornea will be smoothed to a normal shape. Once your cornea is reshaped, the flap will be put back in place and sealed to the underlying cornea.
This painless surgery typically only takes 15 minutes per eye, yet results begin almost immediately with vision improving over just a few days. Post-surgery care is just as simple and only requires topical anesthetic drops.
The biggest benefit you’ll see after getting laser eye surgery is finally having independence from your glasses and contacts. These eye necessities may have been a life saver when you’ve needed them most, but they are far from convenient or comfortable.
To learn more about LASIK, schedule a consultation appointment for your significant other at our Westborough office today: 508-836-USEE.