The function of the eye may be tested in several ways. The patient may be asked to identify illuminated letter or objects of varying sizes on what is known as the Snellen chart.

Conversely, the examination of the structural part of the eye may be made in several ways. Tension within the eyeball is measured by a “tonometer.” In certain diseases, especially in glaucoma, the tension in the eyeball is increased markedly.

However, it should be well remembered that a patient with an eye problem might have other problems as well. Often other physical conditions are primary and affect the eye as a consequence. The appearance of the eye can alert the patient and the physician to difficulties in some disturbances of other parts of the body even before other symptoms present themselves.

Consequently, one's dependence on sight is emphasized when one faces a temporary or possible permanent loss of this vital sense. Hence, when corrective measures are sought, certain forms of vision correction such as contact lenses or eyeglasses are prescribed.

On the other hand, some people are bothered with the fact that they have some framed lenses or contact lenses in front of their eyes.

For this reason, advanced surgical operations were established to encourage decreased utilization of contact lenses or glasses. One of which is the now popular LASIK eye surgery.

Basically, LASIK eye surgery is the short term for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.” Like its tangible counterpart, LASIK eye surgery is another form of vision correction. The only difference is that with this type of surgery, one's vision is corrected permanently.

With LASIK eye surgery, the refractive errors in the cornea are permanently transformed. This can be done using an “excimer laser.”

The main purpose of this surgery is to create a threadlike, rounded “flap” in the cornea using a blade known as “microkeratome.” In a series of unfolding and laser processing, the cornea is finally reformed, allowing better the eye to direct more light into the retina.

Popularity vs. Disadvantages

Amidst the growing popularity of LASIK eye surgery, there are still disadvantages that people must know. Probably, the main reason why this type of eye surgery has become well accepted is because most of its cases had been successful.

However, in spite of its success, there are still some drawbacks. Here is the list:

1. It is an operation applied to the most sensitive part of the eye

Because LASIK eye surgery involves the operation of the retina, which is one of the most sensitive portions of the eye, most people say that the operation can be very risky.

In other words, a simple error could almost cause an individual's lifetime blindness. Hence, it is important to consider many factors before deciding whether LASIK eye surgery is the right corrective measure one has to undergo.

2. It is not a perfect procedure

LASIK eye surgery may correct your vision but it does not necessarily mean that it can give you a perfect vision. Even if statistical reports show that 70% of the patients may have 20/20 vision, this does not necessarily mean they have ideal vision as well.

Given all these things, it can be deduced that, in spite of the popularity of the operation, LASIK may not always be the ideal eye surgery the way most people view it.