Q: What is LASIK?
A: LASIK is a form of surgery that reshapes the cornea (clear front of the eye) to change the way light is focused within the eye. The goal is to reduce the need for corrective lenses. The first step in LASIK is to create a thin flap of corneal tissue about 100 microns thick. That is about the width of one and a half human hairs. This flap is move out of the way by a surgeon and a laser reshapes the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue. The flap is then repositioned over the treatment area like a bandage. By removing tissue under the LASIK flap, the eye is fooled into not knowing it has had surgery and the wound response is muted. This is why there is quick vision recovery and little discomfort. Most patients experience improved vision immediately and virtually no pain.
LLASIK is real surgery and all surgery has risk, although the vast majority of people who have Lasik are satisfied with the results. Millions worldwide have had LASIK or similar laser vision correction surgery.