LASIK/Refractive Surgery
LASIK
LASIK, which stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is used to
correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. LASIK
combines the use of a microkeratome and an Excimer laser. The
microkeratome, a very precise surgical instrument, creates a thin flap of
corneal tissue before the laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue.
The flap is then returned to position and heals quickly without stitches.
To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is
accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.
To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This
is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from the periphery.
To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By
changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than
the other.
PRK/Epi-LASIK
PRK and Epi-LASIK are alternative laser refractive procedures most commonly
used to treat patients who have thinner corneas. The laser treatment is
applied through the outer surface layers of the cornea.
Phakic Intraocular Lenses
For extremely nearsighted patients, laser vision correction
procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and Epi-LASIK may not be an option. A
phakic IOL is a lens that is surgically implanted. The word “phakic” means
the natural crystalline lens is left in the eye (not removed as in cataract
surgery).
