Description:
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is used to treat refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and low degrees of long-sightedness (hyperopia or hypermetropia).
Refractive errors are usually corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses. Surgical treatments have been developed, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), microsurgery and lens implants. PRK involves sculpting the surface of the cornea with a laser. The type of surgery depends largely on the type and extent of the focusing error to be corrected.
LASIK involves the use of an ophthalmic excimer laser to reshape the cornea in order to correct focusing errors. It is similar to PRK, but there is an additional step of creating a corneal flap.
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