An Introduction to LASIK Surgery
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Lasik.

LASIK, or “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” is a refractive surgery procedure that aims to correct vision problems through the use of lasers. Lasik is very popular because of its advantages above other surgical procedures. Among the advantages is an almost pain-free recovery after surgery, and that results are virtually immediate.

A bladed instrument called a microkeratome is used during Lasik procedures. The blade is used to cut a thin, circular flap in the cornea. Instead of a blade, newer technology called IntraLase can create the flap with a laser. When considering laser eye surgery, the doctor will usually ask the candidate whether he or she would prefer a blade or a laser. IntraLase costs more than using a blade.

Once the flap is cut out, it is folded out of the way. An excimer laser is then used to remove tissue from underneath the cornea in order to reshape it. By shaping the cornea a particular way, the eye is able to better focus on the light it processes, resulting in clearer vision. The excimer laser uses cool ultraviolet light pulses that can leave surrounding tissue unharmed. Once the reshaping of the cornea is complete, the flap is put back into its original place, acting as a natural bandage to cover the area where tissue was removed.

If you are nearsighted, your corneas are steeply-shaped. Lasik surgery will seek to flatten the steepness of the cornea to correct the vision problem. If you are farsighted, you will need to have a steeper cornea to correct it. Excimer lasers can also help to correct astigmatism by shaping the cornea into a more regular shape.

If you are considering Lasik, your doctor should provide a thorough examination and evaluation to see if you are a good candidate. The doctor will check your eyes to see what their overall health is like. He or she will also check for the kind of vision correction that needs to be performed. This is in addition to the more traditional exams that your eye doctor might perform when getting glasses or contact lenses.

The doctor will use a corneal topographer in preparation for Lasik surgery. This device takes a picture of your eye and makes a road map of your corneas. This map will show the irregularities present in your cornea, such as the steepness or flatness, so the doctor knows how to proceed with the surgery. Some surgeons also use “wavefront” devices. These send waves through your eye to make a more detailed map of your eye and anything that might be affecting your eyesight. The map will determine whether you will need a traditional Lasik procedure, or a newer procedure known as custom Lasik.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.