LASIK: laser-assisted intrastromal in-situ keratomileusis

Lisa Klein

Over 120 million Americans wear glasses or contact lenses. In the past, lenses were the only method possible to correct vision impairments. In recent years however, increasing technology has led to the use of lasers to correct disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK, currently the most common surgical procedure, uses an excimer laser to remove corneal tissue. It has a faster healing time and fewer side effects than previous procedures. Not everyone is eligible for the procedure, so a person must take many steps to determine if they are eligible and learn what the surgery may do for them. In addition, there are risks to the surgery and some aftercare instructions are necessary to ensure proper healing. Further developments are leading to improvements on this surgery and decreasing the cost. As of now however, insurance plans do not cover the LASIK procedure.

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