Good vision and eyesight can make or mar the quality of a person's life. The conventional method of correcting vision is through spectacles or contact lenses. In recent times, however, laser surgery has become a much-sought-after alternative. The laser is aimed at the cornea, the outer circular structure that shields the colored part of the eye (otherwise known as the iris), and the pupil. In correcting myopia, for instance, the laser is set to decrease the thickness of the cornea. This makes it possible for the eye to bring images into focus accurately.

There are essentially three different types of laser eye surgery. The latest and most prevalent type of laser surgery is called ?Lasik'. This process involves creating a flap by cutting off a thin layer of the cornea, which further enables the laser to aim for the tissue beneath. The flap is merely placed back, and regenerates naturally. The results are almost immediate - vision is restored in no time.

The second most popular type of laser surgery is called ?Epiflap' or ?Lasek' surgery. This method involves the fractional removal of the epithelium to reveal the cornea. The cornea is then firmed or reshaped by a laser. Furthermore, the outer layer of cells is pushed back, and the eye heals shortly after.

PRK was the prevailing laser eye surgery method for years. It involved the entire removal of the epithelial cells on the eye. While Lasik is used to treat severe hyperopia or myopia, Lasek is only used to correct mild to average myopia.

These treatments are generally considered safe. However, the medical community is divided in its opinion over some of the latest advances in eye surgery and treatments. This is largely due to the newness of the technology and a lack of research on the long-term effects of some of these treatments. Moreover, like any surgery, eye surgery poses its own set of risks, and doctors are expected to educate their patients on the matter. It is not unusual for patients to suffer complications, even to the extent of having to have their cornea transplanted. Laser eye surgery should only be done on a healthy adult. Mild eyesight issues are not considered legitimate enough to warrant laser surgery. Conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes and illnesses involving the bone and joint can also rule out the possibility of laser treatments.