The human eye has three parts: the cornea, the lens, and the retina. Like the film in a camera, the retina is responsible for capturing light rays, changing them into electrical impulses, and transmitting the impulses to the optic nerve. In normal 20/20 vision, the cornea refracts (bends) light so it can be directed correctly through the lens and onto the retina, accounting for 70% of the eye’s focusing ability. When we experience vision problems requiring glasses, these are usually the result of disorders or irregularities of the shape of the cornea. LASIK solves these issues by using laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea so that normal, clear sight is obtained.
Treat Astigmatism with LASIK.
Astigmatism is the inability to focus clearly at any distance due to an irregular or misshapen cornea. With astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, because of its shape, light rays focus at differing points on the retina, causing images to overlap and blur vision. LASIK corrects this oval shape, making the cornea rounder, thus achieving clear vision.
LASIK for Nearsightedness.
Nearsighted people see close objects clearly –but not distant objects. In nearsightedness, the curve of the cornea is too steep, or the eye itself is somewhat elongated, resulting in images being focused in front of the retina. LASIK can correct this condition by flattening the curvature of the cornea, which allows the cornea to focus images exactly on the retina thus achieving clear vision.
Can LASIK Correct Farsightedness?
Farsighted people see distant objects better, but objects midway and up close are blurred. In farsightedness, the shape of the cornea is too flat, or the eye is too short, causing light rays to focus behind the retina. LASIK corrects this condition by shaping the outer area of the cornea so that it focuses images correctly. Although it is a common misconception, farsightedness should not be confused with Presbyopia, which is a condition relating to focus.
Learn more about our LASIK procedures in our “Candid Answers About LASIK” eBook!
