The name "LASIK" is short for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis. Like Photorefractive Keratectomy, which utilizes the Excimer Laser, LASIK reshapes the cornea with laser technology. The shape of the cornea is what determines whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism or have
normal vision. The Excimer Laser emits a "cool" laser light that can remove microscopic amounts of tissue with extreme precision. Physicians can program the laser to sculpt the corneas.