LASIK STANDS FOR LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS,
AND THE CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE FOLLOWS:
The laser procedure will remove microscopic layers of corneal tissue to alter the shape and therefore allowing light rays to focus more directly on the retina.
An anesthetic drop is placed in your eye completely numbing it. After your eye is numb an eyelid holder is inserted to prevent blinking and a microkeratome makes a protective flap in the cornea. Some patients say they feel minor pressure on their eyes but no discomfort. While you look directly at the target light the laser fires and within less than a minute, reshapes the cornea.
In treating nearsightedness, the goal of the procedure is to make the cornea flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.
In treating farsightedness, the goal of the procedure is to make the central cornea steeper by remove tissue from around the central cornea with the laser.
In treating an astigmatism, the goal of the procedure is to make the cornea more spherical. Tissue is removed in one direction more than the other in order to create a more spherical shape.
After the surgeon has completed the procedure, the protective flap that was created at the beginning with the microkeratome is folded back in place. The flap bonds securely without the need for sutures or more commonly referred to as stitches.
