Lasik Maine

LASIK eye surgery is an elective procedure that, like any procedure, has potential risks and benefits. In general, indications for surgery must include an appropriate level of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, as well as an educated and properly motivated patient with realistic expectations. The best candidate for LASIK is an individual, who desires to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, is willing to accept the risks of the procedure and understands that an enhancement procedure may sometimes be required.

Many people find their leisure activities are limited by their need for glasses or contact lenses. After LASIK eye surgery, many people have found the freedom to pursue an active lifestyle including swimming, tennis, skiing and golf. Others have found glasses and contact lenses limit their pursuit of careers in the military, law enforcement, flying or fire fighting.

Patients who have LASIK eye surgery report quality-of-life improvements such as the ability to see upon waking, freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses, improvement in personal safety, increased confidence in personal appearance and better participation in sports or fitness activities.

LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. Refractive surgery is a general term that refers to any surgery that changes the shape of the cornea or the way the eye focuses light internally. The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism or farsightedness (hyperopia) and lessen a person’s dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are several refractive procedures being performed today.

The unabbreviated form of LASIK is “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.” Keratomileusis is basically reshaping the cornea by carving it. This is the core of LASIK eye surgery. The most advanced laser in the world—the Excimer—is used. LASIK has advantages over other eye surgery procedures, including a relative lack of pain afterward and the fact that good vision is usually achieved by the very next day.