What Is LASIK? Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), which
evolved from earlier refractive surgery techniques, such as
photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), is an outpatient surgical
procedure to reduce myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia
(farsightedness) and astigmatism. It does this by reshaping the
cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye. How LASIK
Works An instrument with a cutting blade called a microkeratome
is used to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea that is
lifted. An excimer laser, using a cool ultraviolet light beam is
then used to remove("ablate") tiny bits of tissue from the
surface of the cornea to reshape it in such a way as to improve
vision. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. Who Is
a Candidate for LASIK? The best candidates for LASIK are those
with low-to-moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism. Those who
expect perfect vision from LASIK may be disappointed. For
example, most people who have LASIK will need reading glasses as
they get into their 40s and 50s. Al