Scientists Testing New LASIK-Like System That Doesn't Use a Laser on Eyeball

Researchers have come up with a potentially groundbreaking — and entirely laser-free — alternative to LASIK, a popular surgical procedure that uses high-power lasers to reshape the cornea to correct vision problems.

During a meeting of the American Chemical Society, a team of scientists led by Occidental College chemistry professor Michael Hill showed off a new approach, called "electromechanical reshaping" (EMR), that uses small jolts of electricity and a molded platinum "contact lens" to reshape the cornea.

While we're still many years away from being able to tell if the new technique will be a viable alternative to LASIK, there are reasons to be optimistic. LASIK surgery, which has been around for decades, can have rare but negative side effects including dry eyes or — in extreme case