If you have endured glasses, contact lenses and years of fuzzy vision, you may be ready to make the jump to lasik surgery. But what exactly is Lasik surgery?

Lasik surgery is a method of removing corneal tissue with special lasers. This is done to reshape the cornea and change it's ability to focus. Nearsightedness is the most common vision error. It is when a person can see objects that are near, but has more difficult seeing things that are far away. Farsightedness is the opposite problem. The third most common vision error is called an astigmatism. An astigmatism is blurry vision caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea or the lens of the eye. Lasik surgery can correct vision problems caused by all three of these eye problems.

The first thing to do when contemplating lasik surgery is to make sure that you are comfortable with the surgeon. Lasik surgery is a medical procedure, and no procedure can be guaranteed. As such, you may wish to visit several eye centers and doctors before choosing the place to get your lasik surgery.

Before Lasik surgery, it is important to have an eye exam so that it can be determined whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, so for several weeks prior to the exam, you will need to wear glasses exclusively. Measurements will be made of your corneas to determine how much to remove during the lasik surgery.

Lasik surgery takes less than 30 minutes. Numbing eye drops are administered, the eye area is cleaned, and a lid speculum is put in place to hold the eyelids open. Expect to feel a lot of pressure to your eye, and a little discomfort when a suction ring is placed on your eye to create suction to the cornea. A cut is made to the cornea, and then the suction ring is removed.

Two different lasers are used in lasik surgery. The first one is just a light that you must stare at for one minute. When your eye is in the right spot, the second laser will be used to remove the corneal tissue. And that is all there is too it! You will need to shield your eye after the lasik surgery to protect it. No stitched are used, and it will heal on its own with a little care.

Lasik surgery is becoming more common these days, and many people have excellent results from the procedure. Lasik does involve a certain level of risk, just like any other surgical procedure, and the cost is not covered by most medical insurance programs.