What vision problems can be successfully treated with LASIK?
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can all be successfully treated today with LASIK. To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter (less steep). This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center or central portion of the cornea. To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper (less flat). This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around the peripheral (outside) area of the exposed cornea. To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical and uniformly curved (instead of irregular like a football or egg). By changing the beam’s pattern, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.
