How Does Lasik Work?

Steve Thompson, Contributing writer

"LASIK eye surgery" is a phrase that gets thrown around quite often in casual conversation. You probably even know someone who has undergone the procedure, but do you really know what this type of surgery entails?

Before you sign up with your doctor or recommend LASIK to a friend, it is a good idea to understand what exactly this procedure involves.

What LASIK Involves

According to the FDA, LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. The procedure is usually conducted as out-patient surgery, which means you don't have to stay in the hospital for monitoring.

During LASIK eye surgery, your physician uses either a laser or a microblade to cut a tiny flap in your cornea, leaving a "notch" or hinge at one end of the flap. When the physician folds back the flap, the stroma is exposed. The doctor then uses laser pulses to remove a section of the stroma. Of course, the procedure varies depending on your unique situation.

To successfully complete LASIK eye surgery, the FDA recommends that you be capable of staring at a fixed point for at least one minute at a time. Your physician will likely ask you to stare at a bright light after the incision is made so that he can easily guide the laser.

What To Expect

Many patients are most concerned with what happens after LASIK eye surgery, rather than the procedure itself. Unfortunately, not every case is the same, according to RefractiveSource.com. Some patients experience fluctuations in vision, dry or clouded eyes, light sensitivity, and perhaps even halos around certain light sources.

Most physicians ask to see patients within 48 or 72 hours after LASIK eye surgery is completed. This is to check the status of vision and to discuss any negative after effects the patient might experience. If you have questions, make sure to write them down so you'll remember to ask during your visit.

In the long term, results of LASIK eye surgery also vary. Statistics reported by DocShop.com indicate that 2.6 percent of patients experience long-lasting vision fluctuation, while 1.7 percent notice light sensitivity. Just over half have claimed that their vision has improved to 20/20 or better, but this is obviously not the norm.

Costs of Surgery

Because of the technology and equipment needed, this procedure isn't cheap, and the price will vary depending on your physician, insurance coverage and location.

According to AllAboutVision.com, the average cost is around $1,662 for non-customized LASIK surgery, though patients might pay upward of $2,341 for procedures in which wavefront technology is used. For a more accurate estimate, it helps to survey physicians near you who accept your insurance coverage.

In most cases, insurance companies do not cover LASIK eye surgery under their basic plans, but may offer a substantial discount when you use network-approved physicians.

LASIK eye surgery is considered, in most circles, to be cosmetic surgery, but it can also greatly improve quality of life. For patients whose vision limits their daily activities or whose contacts or glasses create a significant disturbance, this might be the right procedure.