Laser in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK is the most advanced and modern refractive surgery requiring no hospitalization. The surgery is performed to treat nearsightedness or myopia (poor distance eyesight), hyperopia or farsightedness (poor up close eyesight) and astigmatism (distorted images). Currently, this is a very popular technique due to the following advantages: Painless, visual recovery is almost immediate and discomfort is minimal.

In LASIK, the ophthalmologist utilizes an instrument called a microkeratome in conjunction with an excimer laser to reform or reshape the curvature of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and anterior chamber). This procedure improves how the eye focuses light inside the retina, which translates in better eyesight.

One of the other advantages LASIK has over other procedures is safety, precision and versatility to perform visual corrections. With LASIK surgery, dependence upon contact lenses may be reduced. LASIK is performed in an operating room with the patient being reclined in an automatic chair which is a part of the excimer laser. Topical anesthesia (eye drops) is applied prior to the surgery.

A suction ring is placed to secure the eye while the microkeratome is initiated to create a very thin flap in the cornea. This flap is carefully lifted to apply the excimer laser. Once the ablation is completed, the flap is put back and the patient is ready to leave the operating room. After a short recovery period, the patient is re-evaluated before being discharged.

Post-surgery care is very simple. Patients will be reminded of their care instructions before leaving Vision Méndez. Following these instructions and eye care will guarantee a total success of surgery. Assistance to patients is personalized and addressed by the eye specialists.

Usually these types of surgeries are performed with a stabilized defect under topical anesthesia; meaning with anesthetic eye drops and with no hospitalization. The surgery may be performed bilaterally, in both eyes simultaneously, or on different days.

Based on the graduation defect aiming to correct, there are three approaches:

1. Changing the shape of the cornea by LASER.
2. Adding a third lens system to the eye through the implementation of IOL IMPLANTS.
3. Changing the eye lens with an artificial lens of another power, known as REFRACTIVE LENSECTOMY.