Once upon a time, the visually impaired had to rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. In the last few decades, however, laser eye correction procedures have restored millions of people's vision to its former glory.

When ‘laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis' (LASIK) was developed initially, the laser treatment was primarily intended for those with a specific medial condition, rather than for those simply seeking to avoid the hassles of wearing glasses or contact lenses. Furthermore, in scenarios where the treatment was available to the wider public, the cost precluded most people from venturing down the laser treatment route.

In recent years, however, laser eye surgery has come down significantly in price and is far more widely available than it once was. Furthermore, it isn't restricted to those with medical conditions - anyone who simply wants to return to perfect 20:20 vision can be considered for it, assuming they are approved for treatment during the consultation period, of course.

In a nutshell, laser eye surgery succeeds by reshaping the cornea in the eye. By changing its form, the path of light through the eye to the retina is altered too, thus replicating the effect that glasses and contact lenses have on the eyes.

The success rate or surgery is good too, with the vast majority of patients enjoying greatly improved vision after treatment. Not everyone will be restored to 20:20 vision - indeed, some people may still have to wear glasses or contacts on occasion. The degree to which surgery helps a person's vision will depend on the extent of their existing impairment, whilst age is a contributing factor too.

Furthermore, the laser correction process is more or less painless. There may be a slight irritation for a short period in some cases, but laser eye treatment on the whole won't cause too many problems.

The great thing about laser eye surgery is that its benefits are noticeable more or less instantaneously. So the journey from squinting at the television to enjoying crystal-clear vision on the widescreen plasma can be as little as 24 hours.

Anyone who says that wearing glasses or contact lenses isn't that much of a hassle may have a good point, but they probably have 20:20 vision themselves.

Indeed, life through a pair of manmade lenses isn't difficult to adapt to, but there are many little annoyances that go with the territory that makes laser eye treatment all the more appealing. No more smudging, no more messing around with contact lens solution and, importantly, no more squinting at the television when you accidentally leave your glasses on the bus!

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