Main Menu Back to Eye Surgery Adaptive Equipment Braille Eye Disorders Eye Exams History News Research & Clinical Studies Eye Diagram Glossary   Our Other Sites Bookstore Directory Other Resources Statistics Vision Health Resources Search All Sites Site Map Resource Links Third Party Links Eye Surgery - Corneal Surgery Corneal surgery corrects mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia). Newer procedures are also available for farsightedness and astigmatism. Topical anesthesia (numbing eye drops) is used. The ophthalmic surgeon may use an instrument called a keratome to lift a flap of tissue from the surface of the cornea. Then a laser is used to re-shape the surface of the cornea and the flap is replaced into the original position. The procedure is usually painless and the improvement in unaided vision is usually immediate. The patient can quickly return to most activities, but must avoid bumping the eye or submerging in water (swimming, for example) to avoid dislodging the flap. Usually both eyes are done in the same session. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. This method of refractive surgery offers fewer side effects compared to radial keratotomy, which was common in the 1980's. For more information visit MEDLINEplus

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