Approximately 800,000 LASIK procedures were performed in the United States in 2010, the latest statistic available from the American Association of Ophthalmology. While the best LASIK surgeon will be happy to discuss with you whether you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery and describe the procedure, it is also easy to find reliable resources online which discuss the science behind LASIK and how it might positively impact your vision.
Understanding Your Vision
The American Optometric Association describes how your eyes work to process light, shapes, and colors and convert them to the images you see. It all begins when rays of light reflect off an object and enter your eye through a structure called the cornea, which is the transparent outer covering of your eye. The cornea is responsible for bending, or refracting, the light that travels through your pupil. While your pupil looks like a solid black dot in the middle of your eyeball, it is actually a hole through which light can pass!
After light passes through your pupil, it proceeds through the lens and eventually to the retina, which is in the back of your eye. It is the retina which contains nerve cells called rods and cones, the parts of your eyes that allow us to detect colors and motion.
How LASIK Works
The concept of LASIK surgery focuses on the carefully controlled movements of a laser which can remove corneal tissue, therefore perfecting the shape of the cornea for the most precise light refraction.
Approaching your doctor with this kind of prior knowledge will allow you to better engage in your discussions and will encourage you to ask more informed questions. While the best LASIK surgeon will be able to address any of your concerns, you will be more prepared for your surgery if you have a deeper understanding of LASIK’s rationale. For more information about how LASIK surgery can personally impact your life, contact Maida CustomVision, now a part of Florida Eye Specialists.
