How LASIK works: The LASIK Procedure
LASIK Eye Surgery Laser Equipment
Gone are the days of wearing glasses or contact lenses; with the development of new technology comes LASIK, which stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and other eye problems. Advantages of LASIK over other types of eye surgery include the lack of pain and fast recovery time. Patients typically see an increase in version and clarity within a short period of time.
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery work?
In LASIK surgery, the focus is in reshaping the cornea. It requires the use of an instrument, called a microkeratome, uses a laser to make a thin, circular flap in the cornea. The hinged flap is folded back out of the way by the surgeon who then uses an excimer laser to remove some corneal tissue underneath. A cool ultraviolet beam of light is emitted by the excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing very tiny bits of
tissue from it.
Once the cornea is reshaped correctly, the patient will have clearer vision than before. This works because the cornea can now function better to focus light into the eye. It also focuses light to the retina. The area where corneal tissue was removed is then covered by the flap.
Reshaping the cornea is actually different for nearsighted and farsighted people. The goal of LASIK eye surgery in nearsighted people is to flatten the too steep cornea. Meanwhile, the goal in farsighted people is a steeper cornea. In cases of astigmatism, excimer lasers are used to smooth an irregular cornea into a more natural shape.
Related LASIK Eye Surgery Articles
- Are You A Good LASIK Candidate
- What Can You Expect on the Actual Day of LASIK Eye Surgery
- What Happens After LASIK Eye Surgery