Laser eye surgery is a very common method to correct vision problems 

Laser eye surgeries are useful in correction problems in vision that arise from refractive errors. The most common conditions treated are myopia, or near-sightedness, hyperopia, or far-sightedness and astigmatism which is characterized by distorted vision of objects at any distance.

In recent years, laser eye surgery has also been used to correct the inability to focus on nearby objects, also called presbyopia, which is a normal part of aging. Presbyopia is usually corrected by reading glasses, where the other conditions described are treated with prescription glasses or lenses.

Refractive vision problems are caused by the inability to correctly focus an image on the retina, which is a light-sensitive area found at the back of the eye. The shape of the cornea is mainly responsible for the ability to focus. The cornea is the clear surface found in the front of the eye.

There are many different types of laser eye surgery. The two most popular procedures are Photo-Refractive Keractectomy (PRK) and Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), both of which are performed using an Excimer laser.



Both the LASIK and PRK procedures are performed using the Excimer laser, which omits ultraviolet light. The laser light is used to vaporize the tissue. In the PRK surgery, the surgeon first removes the outer layer of the cornea using a surgical blade. The laser is then used to vaporize very small amount of tissue from under the surface of the cornea.

This process is guided by a computer. The surgeon takes off tissue until the cornea is reshaped into a form that corrects vision. The LASIK surgery first cuts a flap of the cornea using a surgical blade or a laser. The flat is lifted, and a small amount of tissue is removed from the inner layers of the cornea under the flap. This is done using a computer and very precise calculations. The cornea is reshaped under the flap, and the flat is returned to its position.



Dry eyes is a symptom that occurs in some patients after eye surgery. This condition may affect vision. Night vision can become poorer following surgery, which may affect the ability to drive at night. A more sever condition affecting the cornea may occur. This condition is called ectasia, and is characterized by the weakening and bulging of the cornea. It may be corrected by cornea implant surgery.



The cost of laser surgery is about $1500 per eye.



Laser eye surgery is not without its risks. Consider all options with your doctor and surgeon before opting for surgery.