Refractive Surgery Information: What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery is a refractive surgery procedure which has become quite popular in recent years. This innovative method of eye surgery helps to change the shape of the cornea, which can help to improve a person’s vision and either reduce or completely eliminate their need for corrective lenses. The acronym LASIK stands for the term “laser assisted in situ keratomileusis.” With the use of a laser keratome and a mechanical microkeratome, a flap is cut into the cornea. A small “hinge” is left on one side of this flap, and the flap is then folded back. With the flap folded back, the middle section of the cornea called the stroma, is revealed. Once the stroma is revealed, the laser device that is used in the surgery will then remove or vaporize a section of the stroma. This laser is controlled by a computer, which makes for extreme detail to be allowed, and drastically reduces the risk of any human error. Once the portion of the stroma is removed, the flap that was made is then put back into place. By removing a section of the stroma during the LASIK procedure, the shape of the cornea is able to be repaired, which will provide you with a more perfect image. A cornea that is not in perfect shape results in the image that is sent to the retina being out of focus, which results in the blurred and distorted vision you experience. LASIK surgery can repair these imperfections, and depending on the severity of the case, either completely repair the eyes ability to focus properly, or at least improve the eyes vision to the point that such severe corrective lenses are no longer needed. LASIK surgery is one of a few different types of corrective eye surgeries, however it is certainly the most well known and most popular. If you have suffered from distorted vision, and are tired of wearing corrective eye lenses, LASIK eye surgery may be a good choice for you to consider. To learn more about this and other eye care treatments such as conductive keratoplasty (CK surgery) and monovision, we recommend you speak to a skilled LASIK surgeon near Portland, Oregon.