The advances in lasers, coupled with the creation of new and safer refractive surgical techniques in the past 10 years, have more people going to ophthalmologists than ever before to have their vision improved. With all the hoopla attached to corrective laser eye surgery, one may ask: what does corrective eye laser surgery mean? What are these surgical techniques? How does it improve one's quality of life?

Corrective laser eye surgery essentially means, laser eye surgical techniques that will correct your vision.

You've probably heard these four most popular corrective laser eye surgery techniques mentioned.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) recommended for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism eye conditions.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is similar to LASIK; except the flap is created in the epithelium.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) for persons who have nearsightedness, mild to moderate farsightedness and astigmatism. The surgeon uses the laser to remove tiny tissue on the surface of the cornea.

CK or Conductive Keratoplasty uses a probe that's as thin as a strand of human hair, utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. The probe reshapes the cornea by shrink small areas of the tissue.

How do these corrective laser eye surgery procedures improve ones' quality of life? In a survey conducted by The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), the public education arm of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) the following respondents agreed on these facts.

" Ability to see upon waking

" Freedom from glasses and contacts

" Improvement in personal safety

" Increased confidence in personal appearance

" Better participation in sports or fitness activitie Ability to see upon waking

This information was collected from approximately 3 million Americans who have undergone the corrective laser eye surgery since 1995.

The most noteworthy finding that emerged from this surgery was the fact that a significant number felt that after undergoing corrective laser eye surgery they began a new lease on life.