Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure that involves the reshaping of the surface of the cornea. It is performed for individuals to improve long sightedness, short sightedness or astigmatism. Laser eye surgery was approved by the FDA in the United States in 1995.

Normally, an excimer laser is used which is controlled by a computer. This laser removes small amounts of the cornea tissue. The procedure intends to restore normal vision and restoring eyesight so glasses and contact lenses are no longer necessary. Laser eye surgery has become very popular throughout the United States and throughout the world; however, in the US only around 20 percent of ophthalmologist have been trained in this procedure.

There is more than one type of laser eye surgery, which is PRK, photorefractive, and LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. PRK is where the outer layer of the cornea is removed and then the excimer laser is used to reshape the tissue underneath. LASIK is the newest laser eye surgery and is very popular. With LASIK surgery, the outer layer of the cornea is not removed. A microkeratome, a small knife, is used to cut a flap in the tissue of the cornea. This flap is then lifted. Again, an excimer laser is used to reshape the tissue of the cornea.

Laser eye surgery usually takes under 30 minutes. You will lie on your back on a table or reclining chair. In some cases, a sedative may be given to relax you.

Eye drops for local anesthetic is used in both eyes prior to surgery. It will only take a few minutes per eye; in fact, the reshaping time is normally less than one minute. In most cases, a lid speculum will hold open your eyelid so they can perform the laser eye surgery. A ring is placed on your eye and the microkeratome is attached to the ring. With the aid of a computer, the microkeratome will cut the flap in your cornea. Next, you will be asked to stare at the light while the laser comes on.

When you have your eye staring at the light and in the correct position, the ophthalmologist will turn on the laser. The cornea tissue will be vaporized by pulses of laser energy, and then the cornea flap will be put back in place.

After the laser eye surgery, you will need to wear an eye shield, which will prevent you from rubbing your eye. The shield will also give your eye protection until the flap has healed properly.