LASIK eye surgery has revolutionized the field of vision correction, offering millions of people around the world an opportunity to achieve clear, unaided vision. If you're considering LASIK in Austin, Restivo Laser Vision is here to guide you through this remarkable procedure. In this informative blog post, we will explore the essence of LASIK eye surgery, shedding light on what it is, how it works, and the remarkable benefits it brings.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?



LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a highly advanced and popular refractive surgery that can address common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to reshape the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to correct the way light is focused onto the retina, resulting in improved vision.

The LASIK Procedure

The LASIK procedure involves several essential steps that work together to enhance your vision. It all begins with a thorough LASIK consultation with an experienced eye surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eye health, assess your refractive error, and determine your suitability for LASIK. Factors such as corneal thickness, overall eye health, and the stability of your prescription will be taken into consideration.

Once you are deemed a suitable candidate, a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation will be conducted. This evaluation includes measurements of corneal thickness, corneal mapping, and pupil size. These measurements provide crucial information to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

On the day of the surgery, you will receive special anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then create a thin, hinged flap on the cornea using either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap allows access to the underlying corneal tissue for reshaping.

Using an excimer laser, the surgeon precisely removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea to correct any imperfections. This process enhances the cornea's ability to focus light properly on the retina. After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap, which acts as a natural bandage. The flap adheres to the treated area, promoting quick healing and minimizing discomfort.

So, what does LASIK do?

LASIK eye surgery addresses refractive errors by reshaping the cornea to optimize the way light is focused onto the retina. Here's how LASIK helps with specific vision problems:

Nearsightedness (Myopia): LASIK flattens the cornea, reducing its steepness. This adjustment allows light to accurately focus on the retina, improving nearsightedness.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia): LASIK steepens the cornea, enabling light to directly focus on the retina. By doing so, it enhances farsightedness.

Astigmatism: LASIK smooths out irregularities in the cornea, resulting in a more symmetrical and uniform shape. This correction improves the way light is refracted, reducing astigmatism.