Sunday, March 17, 2013

Refractive Errors that can be Treated with LASIK

Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) simply translates to “laser eye surgery,” and it is primarily used to treat imperfect vision in the eyes, technically known as “refractive errors.” The procedure is non-invasive and is relatively harmless since it uses “cold” lasers that do not generate heat like “hot” lasers do.  Lasers used in LASIK are optimized so that they can reshape the patient's cornea to make it more efficient in absorbing light, translating to clearer eyesight.

Molding this part of the eye is one way of counteracting the effects of astigmatism, which is generally the result of an irregularly shaped cornea. While people with astigmatism generally perceive the world in a blurry state, astigmatism often leads to other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Laser eye surgery can quite literally chip away bits of the cornea to give it a well-rounded shape for improved vision.

Specifically, LASIK can either reduce or further the steepness of the cornea for those who suffer from nearsightedness and farsightedness (respectively) to permanently correct their vision. LASIK can also help treat presbyopia or the degradation of eyesight resulting from old age. If you are considering going for this corrective eye surgery, consult doctor to know what you can expect before, during, and after a LASIK surgery.

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