LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery is a safe and popular procedure that is performed to correct certain types of vision problems. This surgery can dramatically improve a person’s vision and can provide a long-lasting alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses.
In LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon reshapes the eye’s cornea. Using laser technology, tiny sections of excess tissue in the cornea are removed so that the patient’s vision is clear again.
In recent years these techniques have improved dramatically, making laser eye surgery more precise and resulting in fewer side effects. Let’s talk about how LASIK works, and how it can help a patient to see clearly without having to depend on glasses or contact lenses anymore.
What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Fix?
The cornea is the dome-shaped, transparent part at the front of the eye that protects the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber (the middle fluid-filled part of the eye). One of the cornea’s main functions is to control and focus the entry of light into the eye. It does this by refracting (bending) the light, with the help of the anterior chamber and lens.
A normal cornea is smooth and evenly curved in all directions, thereby allowing the focused light to land directly and properly on the retina – which is along the back of the eyeball. However, a refractive (focusing) error occurs when the shape of the cornea changes, which can happen due to age or profession. Some professions require hours of close focusing, and others require hours of distance-focusing.
The eyes are like muscles when it comes to moving them in certain ways, and too much focusing, in the same way, can make the cornea become misshapen – so it fails to focus light accurately onto the retina. This can result in blurred or distorted vision.
LASIK surgery works to correct vision by reshaping the cornea in order to provide the necessary refraction.
What Vision Problems Can LASIK Eye Surgery Treat?
This surgical procedure can repair many different sight conditions, including the following:
Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is when you can see things clearly that are up close. Objects in the distance appear blurry.
The way you can remember “nearsighted” vs. “farsighted” is that it’s similar to being right-handed or left-handed. If you can see things up close well but not things that are far away, then you’re nearsighted – and vice versa for farsighted.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, also known as presbyopia or farsightedness, is when you can see objects in the distance clearly, while nearby objects appear blurry or out of focus. This is more common than myopia. When children have this condition, they usually outgrow it.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error in vision whereby the front of the cornea is curved more in one direction than the other. The condition results in distorted, wavy, or blurred vision. Objects may appear blurry at all distances.
How Does the Procedure Work?
LASIK eye surgery involves your eye doctor creating a thin flap of tissue in your outer cornea so the underlying tissue can be corrected. A special laser is used to precisely cut and alter the curvature of your cornea.
As the laser beam pulses, a tiny amount of tissue is removed from the cornea. This allows your eye surgeon to change the shape of the cornea, by flattening or raising the curve of your cornea. Once this is done, light will be properly focused onto the retina and your vision will be improved.
LASIK eye surgery is very quick, with the procedure typically taking only a few minutes.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?
There are certain criteria required to qualify for LASIK surgery, which include:
- A stable vision prescription
- Good overall eye health
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Good overall physical health
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery in Miami, Florida
To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, schedule a consultation with our experienced medical team here at The Laser Center of Coral Gables. We can evaluate your vision and eye health, and confirm which procedure or treatment might be best for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (305) 461-0003 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We look forward to seeing you!
