LASIK

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an elective vision correction procedure that is performed using a microkeratome and an excimer laser. It is a comfortable, safe and effective outpatient procedure that corrects a wide range of vision problems. LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

 

During LASIK, using a microkeratome, the surgeon creates a small protective flap of corneal tissue that is gently lifted back. Then the cornea is reshaped using the energy from the light emitted by the excimer laser. The excimer laser produces an ultraviolet beam of light that is emitted in “pulses.” In laser vision correction, the energy of the laser is harnessed so that each pulse delicately removes thin layers of tissue from the cornea, 1/4000 of a millimeter at a time. In fact, it would take about 200 pulses from an excimer laser just to etch through one hair on your head. Once the excimer laser has completed reshaping the cornea, the protective flap is gently place back in its original position and begins healing immediately. Patients are requested to return for follow-up several times during the first six to twelve months following LASIK for testing, in order to monitor healing of the eye and patient progress following surgery.