LASIK, which stands for Laser IN-Situ Keratomileusis, is one of the newest surgical procedures to correct certain vision problems. A laser is used to create a very thin flap in the cornea. Once the flap is cut, the surgeon uses a different type of laser is to reshape the cornea so that the focal point hits the retina correctly. The way the cornea is reshaped depends on the particular vision problem. When he is done, the surgeon lays the flap over the cornea. LASIK works well to correct three of the four main vision problems.
1. Nearsightedness – This is also known as myopia and effects close to one-third of all people. It is even more common now than it was 30 years ago. Nearsighted people have difficulty reading things at a distance such as road signs or words on a TV screen across the room. Their “up-close” vision is usually just fine.
When someone has myopia, the cornea is usually too steep so the LASIK is used to flatten it out.
2. Farsightedness – Also known as hyperopia, farsightedness means that those affected have trouble focusing on things that are close, often causing eye strain and fatigue, squinting, and headaches. This is also quite common, effecting about one-fourth of the population.
The cornea in someone who is farsighted is too flat and the LASIK procedure would create a steeper cornea.
3. Astigmatism – This vision problem is the most common, but what it is exactly is not as easily explained. It is often accompanied by either farsightedness or nearsightedness. Someone with astigmatism has distorted or blurred vision at any distance.
Astigmatism happens if the cornea is shaped like a football, meaning it is more curved on side than the other. This makes light focus on more than just one single point. A LASIK procedure would change this irregularly shaped cornea into something more normal.
Unfortunately, LASIK can’t help those over 40 who start to have difficulty reading or working on the computer. This is what is known as presbyopia or jokingly called “short-arm syndrome” because of the necessity to hold books and other printed materials out at arms length in order to read it. At about age 40, the eye’s lenses gradually begin to thicken, making it difficult for them to change focus.
For those with one of the three correctable vision problems, LASIK is a great option for correcting their eyes. It is a very quick out-patient surgery with little to no pain or side effects.
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