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What is LASIK?
LASIK or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis treats refractive errors by reshaping or flattening the curve of the corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea using the excimer laser. The excimer laser is able to create extremely accurate, intense pulses of light that produce very little heat and leave surrounding tissue untouched. By using a computer that precisely calculates the exact amount of cornea to be removed, LASIK uses the latest technology to correct a much wider range of refractive errors than PRK or RK.
The center of the cornea is flattened during the LASIK procedure to allow light rays to focus more directly on the retina, making images clearer. First, a thin layer of the cornea is lifted up and a "flap" is created as an automated microkeratome (an instrument that can make extremely thin and precise cuts) moves across the cornea. In less than 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high-energy pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with extreme accuracy. When the corneal flap is put back into place, the natural pressure in your eye holds it in place, so stitches are not necessary.
The actual surgery takes no longer than 15 minutes and the time it takes to heal from surgery is much shorter with LASIK than with PRK or RK. Most patients notice improved vision within the first few days of the procedure. Other advantages include considerably less chance of developing corneal haze, minimal patient discomfort after the procedure, and stable vision within a few days following LASIK.
A possible complication of LASIK, and of most types of eye surgery is infection, which is rare, but it can be treated with antibiotics. The other concern with this procedure is that the corneal cap can be lost, distorted or scarred which can impact the quality of your vision after surgery. At Southwestern Eye Center, we take special precautions to help prevent infections and use one of the most advanced microkeratomes to create the corneal flap.
Today CustomCornea® Wavefront on the LADARVision Laser provides more precise vision than ever before.
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