LASIK testimonials from real people who have had the LASIK eye surgery procedure. Share your own experience!

The LASIK procedure for surgical correction of vision has provoked a lot of differing opinions. We hope to help individuals seeking information about the procedure so they can make an informed decision. Researching the procedure and the physician performing the procedure is important; finding out what experience others have had is also important. We hope people will share their experience, good and bad.

What is LASIK?: LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The procedure permanently change the shape of the cornea (the clear covering over the eye) using an excimer laser.

Eye and vision errors: The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. It works in much the same way that the lens of a camera focuses light to create an image on film. The bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction. Usually the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect and the image on the retina is out-of-focus (blurred) or distorted. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors. There are three primary types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Individuals with myopia, or nearsightedness, have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. Individuals with hyperopia, or farsightedness, have more difficulty seeing near objects as clearly as distant objects. Astigmatism is a distortion of the image on the retina caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye. Combinations of myopia and astigmatism or hyperopia and astigmatism are common. Glasses or contact lenses are designed to compensate for the eye's imperfections. Surgical procedures aimed at improving the focusing power of the eye are called refractive surgery. In LASIK surgery, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea, changing its focusing power.

Why you might want to consider having a LASIK procedure: The sole purpose of having a LASIK procedure is to improve vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may be a candidate for the procedure.

LASIK surgery risks: Don't let anyone tell you any different - the LASIK procedure is surgery and all surgical procedures have risks. If you are evaluated by a surgeon who assures you there are no risks to the procedure, find another surgeon. Any physician who does not openly and candidly discuss the possible risks and surgical complications is not operating with the best interests of the patient in mind. There are no surgical procedures that have no risks. Certainly, the risks are not as great as with a procedure that requires general anesthesia, hospitalization, or major organs, but there are still risks. You have a right to know what those risks and complications may be so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you are willing to undertake the risks. The doctor has a duty to inform you so you can make an informed decision.