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Laser
Assisted In-Situ
Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a laser procedure that reshapes the surface
of the cornea in order to reduce the amount
of refractive error.
It is most advantageous for patients who have moderate to high
levels of myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism,
and hyperopia (farsightedness).
 How
does LASIK work? First,
a thin layer of the cornea is lifted up with an automated instrument,
called a microkeratome. It gently glides across the cornea,
creating a flap. Once the flap is created, in less than 60 seconds,
ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the Excimer laser
reshapes the surface of the cornea by removing tissue with tremendous
accuracy.
 Once
the laser treatment is complete, the doctor simply lays
the flap back into position and allows sufficient time
for healing. Within a few minutes, the corneal cap is
secure enough to allow the patient to blink without disturbing
it. At this time, patients notice a slight haze or fog
to their vision, however, many are able to see objects
more clearly than when they first walked into the procedure
room.
Because of the cornea’s extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes!
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