LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis. Kerato means the cornea, and simileusis is Greek for carving or sculpting. It is called in-situ because surgeons work with the cornea while it is part of the eye.
The first surgeon to perform this surgery was Professor Iaonnis Pallikoris from Greece in 1990, so it is not a new procedure. Dr Phil McGeorge has performed more laser eye surgery at Perth Laser Vision than anyone in Australia.
LASIK is a procedure designed to correct the refractive error of patients who are short-sighted, long-sighted or astigmatic by reshaping the corneal surface of the eye. The cornea is the transparent window at the front of the eye.
The operation is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of the eye. No needles are required. LASIK is a 2-part procedure to create a very thin layer (or flap since it remains attached) on the surface of the cornea, which is folded back, exposing the raw area beneath.
A second laser is then used to re-shape the exposed surface and the flap is repositioned over that raw surface. The flap bonds rapidly with the cornea without requiring any sutures. The flap acts like a natural Band-Aid, allowing for rapid healing, and minimising post-operative discomfort and any risk of infection. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours.