What is lasik used for?

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is primarily used for correcting refractive errors in the eye, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina. By altering the curvature of the cornea, LASIK can significantly improve visual acuity and can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

In contrast, correcting cataracts involves the surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial one, while repairing retinal tears focuses on securing the retina in place to prevent detachment. Removing foreign bodies from the eye is a different procedure altogether, aimed at extraction rather than refractive correction. Therefore, LASIK stands out as a notable technique specifically designed to address issues related to how the eye focuses light, making it effective for managing refractive errors.