LASIK

LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, stands as the most prevalent refractive eye surgery today, with over 11 million procedures conducted in the United States by 2011 and a global total surpassing 28 million as of 2009. Also known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, LASIK is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. During LASIK surgery, an ophthalmologist utilizes a laser to reshape the cornea, offering patients a lasting alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. It shares similarities with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and represents a significant advancement over radial keratotomy in treating refractive vision errors. For individuals with conditions unsuitable for LASIK or PRK, the phakic intraocular lens serves as a viable alternative. LASIK is renowned for its swiftness, minimal discomfort, and rapid vision recovery, often achieving 20/20 vision within 24 hours. This procedure not only corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism but, through mono-vision techniques, can also diminish the need for reading glasses in individuals over 40 who wear bifocals.