LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery of the eye that involves reshaping of the cornea, so that light is correctly focused on the retina. It is also known to some as laser eye surgery and laser vision correction for astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia. This innovative surgery is done by an ophthalmologist, or an eye surgeon who reshapes the cornea in such a way that the clear part in front of your eyes properly transmits the light to your retina.
The procedure normally involves the creation of a very thin flap on the eye using a highly accurate and automated tool. The flap is then folded back and an excimer laser is used to extract a specific amount of corneal tissue underlying the flap. This process aids to reshape the cornea so that it is better positioned to accurately focus light onto the retina. The flap is then restored to original position where it is left to heal naturally. The purpose of LASIK for shortsightedness is to flatten the cornea while for farsightedness, it is to steepen it.
