Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a refractive surgery which works by reshaping the eye to improve vision, this process can eliminate the need to wear contacts or eye glasses in successful procedures. During the procedure the ophthalmologist cuts open a flap in the cornea to expose the cornea bed, then a Excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. After reshaping the flap is replaces. I have survived this operation myself! Just a few years ago I had this operation, my best recomendation is to browse around and find the facility that is right for you, consider the following pros and cons as well as costs, then consult your ophthalmologist to adress his opinion on each issue.

The cost varies greatly from one company to another. Some providers advertise as low as $500 per eye but that offer is usually limited to a very small group of people. LASIK facilities on average charge $1000 per eye.This is a hefty investment for most people Considering the offers of many facilities before making a decision might save hundreds.

An analysis performed by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery with over 3000 articles published over the past 10 years, including 19 studies comprising 2,200 patients revealed a 95.4 satisfaction rate among LASIK patients worldwide. There is definitely allot of good in this procedure, lets look at some of the basics.

• No more contacts eye infections.
  
• Contacts and Glasses are renewable expenses, LASIK is a one time investment with little maintenance.
  
• Quick procedure (Few minutes of operation) and immediate results.
• Little to no pain - The cutting procedure feels more like pressure being applied to your cornea rather than any sort of a cut.
• One time procedure, unlike most other procedures the entire operation need not take more than one day.
• Also unlike other procedures the operation requires only a small gap on the cornea.
• LASIK and other procedures like it can correct your vision and permit you to obtain pilot licenses, and open up certain career paths (Piloting for Navy corps, recreational piloting etc.)
  

As beautiful this surgery may sound, and is, there are still complications you should weigh in before getting the operation.

• Surgery could induce: dry eyes, double vision
• LASIK is a relatively new surgery and it lacks long term studies, however unexplored complications are rare.
  
• Success is dependant entirely on the surgeon, because this is a relatively new procedure there are many different approaches to the operation. BE SURE TO REASEARCH MANY DIFFERNT FACILITIES AND SURGEONS.
• Due to the flap opening the surgery requires it can only be operated only so many times.
• If you have Presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) you will still need reading glasses, you could however talk to your doctor about Mono vision if you're just about 40 or over 40.