If your vision isn’t what it should be, and you are tired of the hassles of glasses and contacts, you may be a candidate for lasek surgery.

Lasek (laser epithelial keratomileusis) surgery, or laser eye surgery, is an innovative new procedure that is usually used for people with corneas that are not able to be repaired by LASIK surgery.  For some people, it has been the pathway for perfect vision.  Successful surgeries result in the patient saying goodbye to glasses and contacts after lasek.
During Lasek laser eye surgery, the outer part of the cornea is cut with a trephine blade that is much finer than the microkeratome blade used in LASIK.  The doctor covers the eye with alcohol for a little while until this loosens the edges of the epithelium. 
During lasek laser eye surgery, the doctor cleans the solution from the eye then inserts a tiny hoe to lift the epithelial flap.  He then folds it to ensure it is out of the way.  Using an excimer laser, he then repositions and sculpts the corneal tissue.  Then, using a spatula, the epithelial flap is replaced.
 

What are my chances for eliminating my need for contact lenses/glasses with LASIK?
Overall, 70% of patients will have perfect 20/20 vision without the aid of glasses, and 90% of patients will see 20/40 without glasses or contact lenses after having the treatment. The outcomes are far more positive for patients with low amounts of nearsightedness.

Can both eyes be treated simultaneously or is it better to operate on each eye individually?
Both eyes can be treated at the same time. In as much as the procedures are generally safe, effective, and predictable a number of patients and surgeons will have both eyes done at one sitting. That being said, some surgeons/patients prefer to do only one eye at a time. This is safer as should their be some problem (which occasionally happens), with over or under correction, infection, epithelial ingrowth or many other rare but, possible complications then presumably only one eye would be damaged or lose best corrected visual acuity. However, if each eye is done separately then there are two appointments for treatment and two healing periods etc.

I am extremely nearsighted with -8.00 correction required in both eyes. I'd like to have this procedure done and get rid of my contacts and glasses, but thought it couldn't be done in my situation. Can it?
You would have to be examined to determine if your -8.00 correction falls within certain parameters (see The LASIK Envelope) and what range of vision you could expect from the procedure. Overall, 70% of patients will have perfect 20/20 vision without the aid of glasses, and 90% of patients will see 20/40 without glasses or contact lenses after having the treatment. The outcomes are far more positive for patients with low amounts of nearsightedness.

At the age of 54 I need reading glasses. Will the LASIK procedure eliminate my need for them?
No! It is important that you understand the presbyopic or reading portion of your visual problem cannot currently be treated. LASIK is intended to treat distance visual problems, and therefore, you will still need glasses for reading and close work. Most professionals will not treat people under the age of 20. If you are in your 50s and have a distance vision problem treatment may be available, but don't expect to get rid of your reading glasses.

Can anyone have LASIK?
No. It is not for everyone. There are certain conditions under which LASIK is not recommended These conditions can be detected when you have your preoperative examination and Corneal Map done. There are rare individuals who have some eye disease or other condition which could worsen with LASIK. The most common contraindication to LASIK is a misunderstanding of what the procedure can and cannot do for you. It can usually correct near (myopia) or far (hyperopia) sightedness as well as astigmatism. It cannot however make 20 year old eyes out of 50 year old eyes - i.e. correct presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).