Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery. See other sections of this site to learn about what you should know before surgery, what will happen during the surgery, and what you should expect after surgery. There is a glossary of terms and a checklist of issues for you to consider, practices to follow, and questions to ask your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.

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 knife, called a microkeratome, 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.

• What is Lasik?
  The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. It works in much the same way that the lens of a camera focuses light to create an image on film. The bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction.
  
  
• When is Lasik not for me
• Lasik Eye Surgery Risks
  Most patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery. However, like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved. That's why it is important for you to understand the limitations and possible complications of refractive surgery
  
  
• Lasik Expectations
  What to expect before, during, and after surgery will vary from doctor to doctor and patient to patient. This section is a compilation of patient information developed by manufacturers and healthcare professionals, but cannot replace the dialogue you should have with your doctor. Read this information carefully and with the checklist, discuss your expectations with your doctor.
  
  
• Lasik Checklist
• Lasik FDA Approved Lasers
  FDA-Approved lasers for LASIK Approval Number for a particular laser will connect you to another FDA page with links to the Approval Order, Indications for Use, the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSE) and the Labeling for Physician and Patient (labeling is often combined into one document with the patient labeling following the physician labeling).
  
  
• Lasik Glossary and Lasik Terms