What is LASIK?
LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure that uses a cool laser beam to gently reshape the surface of the cornea. This causes little or no discomfort and improves vision. The beam gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

What are the differences between LASIK and PRK?
While LASIK and PRK are both effective laser procedures, most doctors and patients prefer LASIK. This procedure offers the following advantages:

• faster visual recovery
• less discomfort after surgery
• less risk of corneal haze or scarring
• less need for prolonged use of anti-inflammatory eye drops
• more appropriate for high myopic, high astigmatic and high hyperopic corrections

In addition, LASIK can be used to treat a much wider range of vision disorders.

Since with LASIK the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is preserved, LASIK patients see better the day following their procedure. PRK patients may require several days to weeks to achieve clear vision.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Yes, if you�re at least 18 years old, in good general health, have good eye health with stable vision for the past year and no diseases such as cataracts. Laser surgery is used to treat a broad range of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. In most cases, even patients with severe degrees of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness can be treated. Good candidates have realistic expectations.MORE ARTICLES ON DR WILLIAM BOOTHE

What kind of results can I expect?
While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful, how well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the degree of correction required. Although patients can�t be assured 20/20 vision, most LASIK patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within one line of their best corrected vision. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, and can participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as being a pilot, police officer or firefighter.