Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

LASIK is a form of eye surgery that is popular because of its rapid results, minimal side effects, and long-term benefits. LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. "In Situ" means unmoved or remaining in place. In laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, the cornea is placed in a device that prevents it from moving. Keratomileusis is a term encompassing the actual surgical procedure that improves the cornea's reflective ability.

A patient having Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis can usually expect to have better or normal eyesight following the procedure. LASIK can drastically reduce a person's dependency on corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is often the most preferred method of keratomileusis because of its short recovery period and virtual pain free surgery.

A patient undergoing the surgery will have some preoperative care in which a doctor can examine the eyes in order to determine the best course of action for the LASIK surgery. A person's corneas are then mapped out with a computer-assisted device, showing the surgeon the entire cornea in a virtual map-like format. This preoperative examination will also determine how much needs to be removed from the eye tissues, or where the operation will take place. Usually some sort of antibiotic will be prescribed in order to stave off any potential infection that may occur after the procedure.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis takes place while the patient is awake and conscious and only lasts for a couple of minutes. Some amount of numbing anesthesia is applied to the eye surface and sometimes the patient is given prescription strength sedatives. Lasers are then used to create a flap in the affected cornea with a small blade called a microkeratome, or another cutting laser. The surgery takes place with the aid of a computer tracking program which constantly directs its lasers over the surface of the eyes.

The flap is then lifted back to reveal the inner section of the cornea. Another type of laser is used to reshape the cornea, cutting and disintegrating tissue with very fine precision and without damage to other areas of the eye.

There are very rare side effects which may result from Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and may include a slipped flap (detached corneal flap) and infection of the area. Both of these side effects are rare but usually occur after surgery. Potential of infection can usually be screened for before the surgery takes place.

Because there is so little risk of side effect, no pain involved, a rapid surgical procedure, and lifetime benefits, Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a very popular corrective flap procedure undertaken by thousands of people each year.