The purpose of laser eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate ones dependence on glasses or contacts through the surgical correction of visual acuity. The most commonly performed laser surgery procedure is known as LASIK. The acronym LASIK stands for Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis. The procedure involves the use of a delicate laser to permanently shape the cornea of the eye. For the majority of patients, the surgery will improve vision and reduce the need for corrective eyewear.
In the 1980s a laser known as the excimer laser was developed by the military, and subsequently altered to remove corneal tissue. Work with the excimer laser lead to the development of PRK, or photo-refractive keratectomy. PRK is the immediate precursor to LASIK. The first LASIK procedure in the U.S. took place in 1991, and is now responsible for the majority of laser eye surgery performed. While a huge number of PRK procedures were successfully performed, there are slightly differences in technique which make LASIK the preferred procedure over PRK. LASIK is a slightly more complex procedure than PRK and requires greater surgical skills. However, LASIK holds the promise of correcting more severe problems and there is a generally faster recovery period. In most circumstances, patients are able to see well enough after laser assisted surgery to drive home without glasses.
Laser eye surgery may be performed to correct many common vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision resulting from corneal irregularities), or a combination thereof. While most patients with these vision problems will benefit from laser eye surgery, not all are candidates. There are a number of parameters and conditions that must first be met before a patient is considered for laser eye surgery. Patients desiring this procedure will first receive a thorough vision screening by their ophthamologist to determine their eligibility for the procedure. There are likewise a number of lifestyle factors which make one a bad risk for laser vision correction.
While laser eye surgery has received FDA approval, as with any surgical procedure there are clinical risks involved. It is very important for anyone considering laser eye surgery to thoroughly discuss any possible complications with their physician before committing to the procedure.
Another area which must be considered with corrective laser eye surgery is cost. Lasik is considered by most insurance companies to be an elective procedure and may not be covered by your medical insurance. While many eye surgery practices may offer a payment plan for lasik surgery, it is important that the patients choice in a physician not be made on the basis of cost alone.