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There are various laser eye treatment methods. Laser vision treatment is done with the use of pulses of ultraviolet light in order to remove a small, microscopic layer of the eye from the front surface. This changes and alters the curvature. In order to correct near sightedness, the curvature of cornea has to be reduced and the cornea has to be made flatter than it was. To correct far sightedness, the curvature of central cornea has to be enhanced, which is done by removal of a ring of tissue. In order to correct astigmatism, surgical procedure will change the curvature and alter to a specific direction.

During eye surgeries a small amount of tissue is removed and usually the thickness is lesser than that of one’s hair. Lower amounts of near sightedness, far sightedness, or astigmatism will need lesser amounts of removal of tissue, and conversely, larger vision corrections require greater amounts of removal. The total treatment does not take longer than a minute of laser time. A computer that runs specialized software will decide the pattern of pulses, which are needed to remove the accurate amount of tissue from the cornea. The computer is also directing the operation of the entire laser system.

There are a number of kinds of laser correction. Each of these has it’s own set of benefits and draw backs.

Lasik (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most common of all laser eye surgeries. A flap is made with the use of the laser. The treatment will then be applied right under this corneal flap. Lasik treatment allows the patients to have a very rapid visual recovery. Both the eyes can be operated on at the same time.

For patients who have very dry eyes, very thin corneas, big pupils, very large corrections required or a combination of all these, Lasik performed without a flap will be the best solution. Instead of making a corneal flap, laser treatment acts directly below the soft tissue known as epithelium, which is what covers the frontal surface of one’s eye. There are a few minor variations in the way the soft material is tackled. When the soft material is entirely removed, the procedure is known as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).  When the soft material gets replaced, the surgery is called Lasek. When the soft material is only loosened using the machine, it is termed Epi-Lasik. In any of the above mentioned methods, the soft material can heal within a week. During this time the patient’s vision is blurry and contact lens has to be worn for protection. Both eyes can be treated at once or sometimes they are treated with a 2-4 week gap.

In addition, there are two kinds of lasic surgery treatments that are available. These variations can each be used with either of the flap variations mentioned above.

1. Custom - The treatment corrects any irregularities in vision in addition to near sightedness, far sightedness, and astigmatism.
2. Conventional - This treatment is almost the same as correction with glasses as well as contact lenses.

These are some of the laser eye treatment methods.