Vision correction procedures aim to improve or restore an individual's eyesight. One common and widely known vision correction procedure is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). During LASIK, an ophthalmologist uses a specialized laser to reshape the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure begins with the application of numbing eye drops to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout. The surgeon then creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The corneal flap is carefully lifted, and the excimer laser is used to remove precise amounts of corneal tissue based on the patient’s specific vision correction needs. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is repositioned, and it adheres naturally without the need for stitches.

Another prevalent vision correction procedure is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is gently removed to expose the corneal tissue underneath. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, similar to the process in LASIK, correcting the refractive error. After the laser treatment, a protective contact lens is placed over the eye to facilitate healing and provide comfort, as the epithelium naturally regenerates over several days. PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or those who have conditions that make them less suitable candidates for LASIK. Both LASIK and PRK are outpatient procedures that offer significant improvements in vision, leading to reduced dependence on corrective lenses and, in many cases, offering long-term or permanent results.