Laser eye surgery is used to correct such eyesight problems as myopia (short sight), hyperopia (long sight) and astigmatism.
Quite simply, a computer controlled laser beam is employed to correct the shape of the cornea - that part of the eye which has the job of 'bending' the rays of light which enter it, to produce our vision.
The procedure will permanently alter the patient's cornea in a matter of minutes and the patient, after a day's rest, will normally be able to go back to work with completely corrected vision.
In addition, corrective laser eye surgery can be used to treat and lower the intraocular pressure which can lead to the development of glaucoma; correct the degeneration of the macular, which affects many elderly people; and can also be used to counteract presbyopia, that blurred vision middle-aged people start to experience when trying to focus close up on reading books and newspapers.
There has been considerable attention during recent years to the laser eye surgery procedure known as LASIK eye surgery.
Lasik is the acronym for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, which refers to the process of creating a flap in the cornea of the eye with a microkeratome, and then using a laser to reshape the underlying cornea.
Lasik surgery is a painless procedure in which a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used.
The procedure basically involves three distinct stages.
Firstly, a suction ring will be applied to the eye to keep it still and then a flap is created with a microkeratome- either mechanical with a metal blade or with a laser.
A hinge is left at one end of the flap, which is then folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea, known as the stroma.
The second stage of the process involves an excimer laser remodeling the corneal stroma in order to correct the vision.
It is this precise reshaping of the cornea, restoring its power and focusing ability, which is so exciting about Lasik surgery.
The final stage of the operation is the repositioning of the flap, which will then remain in position through natural adhesion.
This means that no stitches or sutures are needed and, although a shield will be positioned over the eye for a while to help protect it, within a few days any blurriness or light sensitivity should have disappeared.
Lasik eye surgery is an exciting new development in the world of corrective eye surgery.
It is not usually considered for people under the age of 18, as their eyes are still developing.
Because of the changes that can occur to women when they are pregnant or breast feeding, they also are generally not suited for this type of surgery.
Quite simply, a computer controlled laser beam is employed to correct the shape of the cornea - that part of the eye which has the job of 'bending' the rays of light which enter it, to produce our vision.
The procedure will permanently alter the patient's cornea in a matter of minutes and the patient, after a day's rest, will normally be able to go back to work with completely corrected vision.
In addition, corrective laser eye surgery can be used to treat and lower the intraocular pressure which can lead to the development of glaucoma; correct the degeneration of the macular, which affects many elderly people; and can also be used to counteract presbyopia, that blurred vision middle-aged people start to experience when trying to focus close up on reading books and newspapers.
There has been considerable attention during recent years to the laser eye surgery procedure known as LASIK eye surgery.
Lasik is the acronym for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, which refers to the process of creating a flap in the cornea of the eye with a microkeratome, and then using a laser to reshape the underlying cornea.
Lasik surgery is a painless procedure in which a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used.
The procedure basically involves three distinct stages.
Firstly, a suction ring will be applied to the eye to keep it still and then a flap is created with a microkeratome- either mechanical with a metal blade or with a laser.
A hinge is left at one end of the flap, which is then folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea, known as the stroma.
The second stage of the process involves an excimer laser remodeling the corneal stroma in order to correct the vision.
It is this precise reshaping of the cornea, restoring its power and focusing ability, which is so exciting about Lasik surgery.
The final stage of the operation is the repositioning of the flap, which will then remain in position through natural adhesion.
This means that no stitches or sutures are needed and, although a shield will be positioned over the eye for a while to help protect it, within a few days any blurriness or light sensitivity should have disappeared.
Lasik eye surgery is an exciting new development in the world of corrective eye surgery.
It is not usually considered for people under the age of 18, as their eyes are still developing.
Because of the changes that can occur to women when they are pregnant or breast feeding, they also are generally not suited for this type of surgery.