From a young age, I've been nearsighted, relying on glasses to see. However, a new surgery called LASIK surgery could permanently solve my vision problems, allowing me to live a corrective lens-free life.

You may have many questions about it, including how safe is it, are there any side effects, and what is the cost. These questions and more will be answered in this article.

LASIK is a type of surgery that can correct many basic vision problems including astigmatism, near and farsightedness, by surgically changing the shape of the cornea.

By altering the shape of the eyeball, you change how the eyeball refracts light, subsequently correcting the vision problem. It is an acronym for the procedure known as laser-assisted situ keratomileusis.

There are several different types of LASIK procedures, some which use blades to make the corrections; another type uses a laser to make the flap in the cornea.

The laser type creates a tiny layer of bubbles just below the surface of the cornea. This allows the surgeon to lift the flap back without using a knife. This minimizes possible complications that can occur from cutting directly into the cornea.

Before surgery, individuals wearing contact lenses are advised to stop wearing them five days to six weeks before having the surgery, depending on what type of lens the patient wears. Additionally, for hard contact lenses, you should allow an additional six weeks for every three years the hard contacts had been worn.

Also, before the surgery is done, the patient's corneas are examined using a device called a pachymeter to assess their thickness.

Plus, a typographer creates a topographic map of the cornea, which helps to detect astigmatism and other corneal irregularities. This information helps the surgeon determine how much tissue should be removed.

The procedure itself is usually done with the patient fully awake and mobile. However, they are often given a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops.

LASIK surgery is typically performed in three steps.

The first step is to create a flap of corneal tissue. During this step, a corneal suction ring is applied to the eye, helping to hold the eye firmly in place. Once the eye is stationary, the flap is created using either a blade or a laser.

The next step of the process is to use an Excimer laser, which helps to remodel the supporting layers of epithelial tissue in the eye. No burning with heat or actual cutting is required to remove this tissue.

After this stromal layer has been reshaped, the LASIK flap is repositioned over the treatment area by the surgeon, checking for the presence of any air bubbles, making sure it fits properly on the eye.

After surgery, patients are usually given a regimen of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eyedrops. It is usually recommended that they sleep more often, and are given a pair of shields to protect their eyes from bright lights, and a pair of goggles, preventing rubbing of the eyes and to minimize dry eyes.

Although complications can occur, the risk of serious complication is quite rare. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, patient satisfaction rates are around 95% according to a worldwide analysis released in March.

Be advised if you are an individual with chronic dry eye syndrome, LASIK can make the condition worse. Also, pre-existing conditions such as inflammation of the eyelids and seasonal allergies may increase your risk of developing an infection, and may decrease your chances of having a successful surgery. Be sure that your doctor thoroughly examines and treats your eyes for any pre-existing conditions.

Contact lenses can distort the shape of the cornea, making it more difficult for surgeons to measure the eye's refractive power. Many physicians recommend that those wearing soft contact lenses switch to prescription glasses a full two weeks before the initial evaluation. For those wearing hard contacts, it is recommended the switch be made to glasses four weeks before the initial evaluation.

Here are some of the most common side effects you may experience after having LASIK surgery done:

Sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to light is probably one of the most common side effects associated with LASIK. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes when experiencing this side effect, as it could impair the healing process or damage the eyes. Light sensitivity usually decreases several days after the procedure is done.

Glare, halos and starbursts

Glares, halos and starbursts can occur when the corneal flap doesn't adhere correctly to the eye after it is replaced, or when the pupil dilates to a size larger than the treatment zone. These problems will usually disappear the first month after the surgery is done.

Dry eye

A common complication of LASIK is dry eyes. This may appear as blurred vision, crusting, redness, or the feeling that there is something foreign inside the eye. These problems usually resolve themselves during the first three months after LASIK surgery.

A loss of visual clarity

Being able to see clearly is one of the uncommon LASIK side effects. It is usually temporary, occurring during the first few months while the eye is healing. This is usually caused by folds in the corneal flap, and is usually rectified after several months of healing.

A loss of contrast sensitivity

Individuals will frequently experience a loss of contrast sensitivity following surgery, which limits the patient's ability to see objects clearly. This can be particularly noticeable in low light conditions, affecting an individual's ability to safely drive during night conditions. Patients usually find that contrast sensitivity will return to normal during the first six months after surgery.

*All About Vision

LASIK may not be appropriate for you. If you have enlarged pupils or very thin corneas, you may be at risk for developing complications. Consult with your physician to see if there is a procedure that is right for you.