By Kevin Stith

LASIK is an acronym referring to the medical procedure of Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, which is intended to correct the vision of those who depend on glasses or contact lenses for flawless vision. It is a refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists and is considered an ideal alternative to PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy. Compared to PRK, a LASIK surgery requires lesser time for recovery including the overall experience being painless.

In LASIK surgery, the shape of the cornea is permanently changed using an excimer laser. A microkeratome (blade) is used for cutting a flap in the interior area of the cornea. One end of this flap is left with a hinge and is folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea known as stroma. The flap is then replaced when the pulses of the computerized laser, vaporize a portion of the stroma. However, according to research, there may be other techniques and new terms that are related to LASIK surgery.

Dr. Jose Barraquer first found the technique of LASIK. He developed the microkeratome in 1960 for cutting the thin flap of the cornea. Dr. Lucio Buratto and Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris developed LASIK surgery in 1990. A LASIK surgery is performed with the patient being full awake and mobile, however, with a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops.

Pre-operative screenings and comprehensive tests detecting the suitability and possible aftereffects of the surgery are performed and considered one of the crucial steps prior to the surgery. Although performed with success and ease on a number of patients, according to research, there have been cases wherein patients have developed several complications after the surgery resulting in repeated procedures of enhancement. 

The complications following a LASIK surgery might include night vision, double vision, glares and halos to name a few. Proper follow-up care programs are essential for some patients, without which the patient may need to continue with their glasses and contact lenses even after the surgery. It is highly recommended to find out whether the patient is eligible for a LASIK surgery and try out the alternative ways. LASIK is not recommended for people below 18 and pregnant women.