LASIK

noun

LA·SIK ˈlā-sik

: a surgical operation to reshape the cornea for correction of myopia, farsightedness, or astigmatism in which the surface layer of the cornea is separated to create a hinged flap providing access to the inner cornea where varying amounts of tissue are removed by an excimer laser

Word History

Etymology

laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of LASIK was in 1994

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“LASIK.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/LASIK. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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Medical Definition

LASIK

noun

LA·SIK ˈlā-sik

: a surgical operation to reshape the cornea for correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that involves the use of a microkeratome to separate the surface layer of the cornea creating a hinged flap providing access to the inner cornea where varying degrees of tissue are removed by an excimer laser followed by replacement of the corneal flap

called also laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis