LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure on the eye that millions of people have undergone to improve visual acuity. It involves the use of a laser is to reshape the cornea in individuals suffering from astigmatism, near-sightedness (myopia), or far-sightedness (hyperopia).

1. How could changing the shape of the cornea affect one's visual acuity?

LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis refers to a kind of refractive surgery. In the surgery, the surgeon initially cleaves a thin flap of tissue from the anterior part of the eye. After that, a laser removes away the tissue to reconfigure the cornea so that light aims better on the retina in the posterior part of the eye.

Cornea refers to a clear, safeguarding exterior covering of the eye. It generally offers protection against germs, dust, and other such deleterious particles. Apart from its protective function, the cornea also plays an essential part in amending the vision. The shape of the cornea is accountable for the bending of the light as it enters the eye.

The focusing of the objects relies hugely upon the curvature of the cornea. Thus, in the conditions where the cornea gets damaged, that is, its shape gets changed somehow, the vision gets affected and the manner in which the light moves within the eye gets distorted.