What do the letters stand for in the word lasik?

Answer 1

LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis. Basically this means that a laser, in this case an excimer laser (Ultraviolet wavelength) is used under a flap to treat the stroma, or the main structural component of the cornea. In situ means it is done right there, and keratomileusis refers to reshaping of the eye.

There are other adjectives which have been added to the LASIK description which include Custom or Wavefront type LASIK which refers to a more specialized treatment pattern related to the patent's eye. Also the method of making the flap modifies the description to all laser lasik, I-LASIK, etc. in the case where a laser is used to make the flap instead of the razor blade traditionally used for creating the flap.

The other laser treatment that is available is PRK, which stands for photorefractive keratectomy. This utilizes the same excimer laser, but on the surface rather than under a flap, but with a very similar treatment.