About Lasik

Posted on May 30th, 2008 by dallaslasik.
Categories: Uncategorized.

LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) refers to a technique where a laser sculpts the eye’s cornea into a desired pattern to increase vision accuracy.

Nearsightedness, also refered to as myopia, is a condition where the eye’s misshapened cornea limits the distance of which the optical system can register clearly. Farsightedness, hyperopia, is a similar condition in the oposite direction where the cornea has trouble translating the vision of objects close to the eye without blurring. Astigmatism is where the object seen is translated with distortion due to mis-aligned rays or a warped cornea. In most cases, the problem is found to be of the cornea, which can be molded into an acceptable contour. Glasses and contacts help distort the image relayed so that with the given distortion, the brain reads the image correctly. The only real solution is to address the cornea shape directly, which is attainable through refractive lens surgeries.

First a flap is cut, and folded away to give less obstruction to the laser beam as it changes your cornea. Traditionally this was done with a keratome, a small blade that sits on a track, creating a near perfect circle flap in the cornea with a section still attached to hold the position. In IntraLASIK, the flap is created by a computer-controlled, precision laser giving the entire procedure a blade-less function. The flap is then gently lifted and folded back to reveal the cornea. An excimer laser is then used to shape the remaining tissue vaporizing the unwanted portions of the cornea providing no heat and no pain. Once the flap is replaced over the eye, the surgeon will check for bubbles and debris, cleaning the eye afterwards. The placement of the flap will create an occlusive seal by osmopic pressure. Osmopic pressure holds the flap in place and allows it to heal very quickly, without stitches!

Studies have shown that the LASIK procedure causes the least amount of discomfort when compared to all other types of refractive surgeries. Patients have also reported an almost immediate improvement in their vision following the LASIK procedure. Most patients say they experience little or no discomfort during or after the procedure.