LASIK eye surgery is used for correcting near and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.  It remains one of the most popular eye surgeries performed and satisfaction rates from patients are in the 95% range.  However, Lasik eye surgery is major surgery and patients need to understand who are the best candidates for this type of corrective surgery, as well as appreciate the potential risks and side effects.

 Lasik is the acronym for laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis. This means that it is laser eye surgery that helps reshape the cornea so that the person can see without the use of corrective lenses.  The cornea is the part of the eye which is a pressure filled sphere.  The pressure and shape of this sphere are influenced by many factors including age, hormonal fluctuations, and medical illnesses such as diabetes.  Therefore, Lasik eye surgery is not recommended for people under the age of 18, and it is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy.  In addition, women who may have significant fluctuations of their hormone levels throughout their menstrual cycle, may not be good candidates for this surgery.  Furthermore, patients with diabetes or other significant medical illnesses may have other reasons for decreased visual acuity which may not be corrected with Lasik surgery.

Since Lasik eye surgery is used to reshape the cornea, ophthalmologists recommend not wearing contact lenses for approximately six weeks prior to Lasik surgery so that the cornea returns to its natural shape.  Patients are awake, but are given local anesthesia for the procedure, and antibiotic drops are usually prescribed before and afterwards to reduce the risks of infection.  Subconjunctival hemorrhage, where tiny blood vessels in the eye rupture, is a minor side effect which corrects itself within days after the surgery.  The more significant risks of Lasik eye surgery include persistent dry eyes, and changes in visual quality and decreased visual acuity.  Visual quality abnormalities include seeing "halos" or flashing lights, and unfortunately, in some people, visual acuity is not improved and may actually decrease.  Some people will still need to wear corrective reading glasses after Lasik eye surgery, because this condition may be related both to the shape of the cornea as well as the lens.

It is important for the patient to understand the benefits as well as risks of the Lasik eye surgery, and select an eye surgeon who is experienced in performing this surgery.  The patient and surgeon together will decide if the patient is a good candidate for this type of elective surgery, and make sure that the benefits, risks, and options are explained carefully and fully.