Important LASIK Eye Surgery Information You Should Know

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common type of corrective laser eye surgery in America today (99% of patients choose LASIK). But even if LASIK is so popular and accessible, it is not a trivial procedure but rather a complex one. It is, therefore, important that you read up on basic LASIK eye surgery information before committing to this irreversible procedure.

You will probably have to adjust your expectations by getting more information on LASIK surgery to understand just how it works, its benefits, and risks, because LASIK is far from being a cure-all.

How LASIK Works

The part of your eye that focuses light to create an image you can perceive is called the cornea. It works in about the same way the lens of a camera does to focus light and create an image.

When light is focused it is essentially bent or refracted. That is why LASIK surgery is referred to as a type of refractive surgery.

When the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect, this creates a distorted image (imaging a camera with a warped lens). This distortion or focusing imperfections are called refractive errors, which are divided into three types:

• Myopia or nearsightedness


• Hyperopia or farsightedness


• Astigmatism or distortion

Corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) compensate for these imperfections.

But LASIK uses a microkeratome (very fine metal blade with suction) or a femtosecond laser microkeratome (a method called IntraLASIK that uses a laser instead of a metal blade) to remove a thin layer off the corneal surface.

The laser then reshapes the cornea, in effect changing its focusing power.

Side Effects

The first piece of information on LASIK surgery a reputable center or clinic will give you is this: Not everyone is eligible for LASIK surgery.

If they sign you up without a THOROUGH and EXTENSIVE evaluation, walk out. You do not want to jeopardize your vision by entrusting it to people who want nothing more than your money.

Although it may be true that most patients are satisfied with their LASIK results (which explains its popularity), a reputable establishment will give you information on LASIK surgery risks and side effects. Two of the most serious side effects are:

Lost Lines of Sight – Some LASIK patients have been known to lose lines of sight after LASIK — and the situation cannot be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, or even more LASIK surgery. If this happens, it will be irreversible. This can wreak havoc on your career or lifestyle if you, say, lose your peripheral vision and you are an athlete or law enforcement employee.

Visual Complications – Some LASIK patients see halos or starbursts, especially around bright objects at night, or develop glare and double vision that makes them unable to see clearly at night or in dim light. The reason for this is the difference between the area of the eye treated by laser and the untouched area. However, the latest technology that makes allowances for larger pupils is now available and you should ask your doctor for more information on LASIK surgery procedures specifically made for large pupils, and if your pupils are large enough to need it.