We hear about lasik all the time. But what is laser eye surgery? In short, vision problems occur when the eye cannot properly focus light. With the help of the laser's light beam, the eye can better focus light on the retina, and vision is corrected. But when we hear, what is laser eye surgery, quite often what we are really hearing is, will it work for me?

Surprisingly, many people are not aware that lasik is an effective surgical option for the far-sighted population as well as the near-sighted population. Farsightedness laser eye surgery has made a world of difference to those individuals with presbyopia (the inability to focus on close objects). With even more surgical techniques approved over the last year, there are even greater surgical options for the far-sighted population.

Whether you are seeking lasik to improve near vision, far vision, or astigmatism, the most important thing to determine is that you are receiving safe laser eye surgery. Lasik is not for everyone. One must have a thorough eye examination to determine whether or not lasik is an appropriate and safe decision.

But how does laser eye surgery work? With the use of a microkeratome, a thin, circular flap is made in the cornea. While the doctor holds the flap back, a cool light beam (laser) is pointed at the cornea. Carefully the cornea is reshaped so that it can do its job more effectively.

Therefore when asking what is laser eye surgery, you need to also ask how your personal anterior and posterior eye health will contribute to a safe surgery, and whether or not your existing vision will allow you to be glasses-free when the procedure is finished.