Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
BOOKS
Brint, Stephen F., M.D., Dennis Kennedy, O.D., and Corinne Kuypers-Denlinger. The Laser Vision Breakthrough Roseville, CA: Prima Health, 2000.
Caster, Andrew I., M.D., F.A.C.S. The Eye Laser Miracle: The...
Complete Guide to Better Vision New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1997.
Slade, Stephen G., M.D., Richard Baker, O.D., and Dorothy Kay Brockman. The Complete Book of Laser Eye Surgery Naperville, ILL: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2000.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Ophthalmology. PO Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 (415) 561-8500.
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 4000 Legato Road, Suite 850, Fairfax, VA 22033-4055. (703) 591-2220.
OTHER
"Basik Lasik: Tips on LASIK Eye Surgery." Federal Trade Commission. August 2000 [cited February 22, 2003]
Croes, Keith. "Custom LASIK: The Next Generation in Laser Eye Surgery."All About Vision [cited February 22, 2003].
Gonzalez, Jeanne Michelle. "To Increase LASIK Volume, Know Your Market."Ocular Surgery News. September 1, 2002 [cited February 23, 2003].
Gottlieb, Howard O.D. "The Changing LASIK Patient."Ophthalmology Management. February 2001 [cited February 22, 2003].
"LASIK Eye Surgery." U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health. October 1, 2002 [cited February 20, 2003].
"Refractive Errors and Refractive Surgery." American Academy of Ophthalmology [cited February 23, 2003].
Advertisement
Crisp images from our world require that light is focused on the back of the eye. When light cannot focus properly, it is called an error of refraction and is often caused by an irregular or improperly shaped cornea. LASIK improved errors of refraction in the eye by reshaping the cornea, as the animation explains.
In LASIK surgery, the eye is held open with a speculum, and a suction ring is attached to the eyeball (A). A microkeratome is used to shave the protective flap off the top of the eye (B), which is then pulled back (C). A computer-controlled laser is used to reshape the cornea (D), and the protective flap is replaced (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Other Information
LASIK or Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is generally preferred to photorefractive keratectomy, PRK, (also called ASA, Advanced Surface Ablation) because it requires less time for the patient's recovery, and the patient feels less pain, overall; however, there are instances where PRK/ASA is medically indicated as a better alternative to LASIK.
Other Information
Surgeons aim for results of 20/20 or better so that you can perform most daily activities without your glasses. However, there is a possibility that after surgery, you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
-Eye Surgery Education Council
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