The LASIK Surgical Procedure :: Research Papers Essays

The LASIK Surgical Procedure LASIK is a surgical procedure done on the eyes so that people can see ok better. One would not have to wear contacts or glasses anymore. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK is a surgical procedure done to reduce the use of glasses and contacts. However doctors say that if one is comfortable wearing their contacts and glasses then they should continue doing so. Why is that? There are many risks and complications with the procedure that one must weigh out before going through with it. Before I go into detail what the risks are let me explain in detail what LASIK is. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure that involves permanently changing the shape of one’s cornea, which is the clear covering of the eye, using an excimer laser. The procedure calls for cutting a flap in the cornea to reveal the stroma, second layer of the cornea. A laser is used to vaporize the stroma and then the corneal flap is replaced. Sounds easy, right, however, there are many complications and stipulations that go along with this procedure. LASIK is primarily for those who are myopic (nearsighted). Those who have astigmatism (blurred vision due to an irregular shaped cornea) and are hyperopic (farsighted) are still capable of getting the procedure but have to take a greater risk. The ideal individual, according to the Eye Surgery Education Council, for LASIK is one who is eighteen years of age, has sufficient corneal thickness, does not suffer from any disease that may hinder their ability to heal correctly and, one who is either myopic, hyperopic, and/or has astigmatism. The less ideal individual is one who has a history of dry eye, takes medications such as steroids or immunosuppressants and/or has corneal scarring.