system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
In the surgical procedure LASIK, the shape of the cornea may be flattened. This will result in which of the following?
assistant
The correct answer is  Decreased refraction of light by the cornea * LASIK has largely replaced radial, or refractive, keratotomy. Both methods can be used to decrease the refraction of light by the cornea. * LASIK alters corneal (not lens) anatomy to create a new shape that is more flattened in the center and higher at the periphery of the cornea. This occurs because intraocular pressure will cause a reshaping of the cornea due to induced weakness produced by the laser removal of tissue. * The purpose of the procedure is to reduce myopia to eliminate the need for corrective lenses. * The reduction in curvature of the central poion of the cornea results in decreased refractive power of the cornea. * The removal of tissue and the degree of correction required is estimated by computer simulations.