- How the technology
works
- LASIK utilizes the excimer
laser. This type of laser was originally invented to etch
microchips more than two decades ago. It produces a cool
ultraviolet beam of light to gently reshape the front
surface of the eye. The excimer laser works by breaking
molecular bonds, and it is this ability of the excimer
laser to remove a single cell at a time without damaging
surrounding cells that allows us to perform laser vision
corrections with such precision.
A computer precisely controls the pattern and number of
laser pulses applied, while the surgeon guides the laser
beam. This custom reshaping of the cornea changes its
focusing power so that the images are brought to
focus clearly on the retina. The excimer laser can be
used for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Quick description: 
- First, a flap is cut on
the front of the cornea with a microkeratome, (like a shaving
from a carpenter's plane or a slice of cheese), leaving
a small hinge of tissue. This flap is folded out of
the way intact to preserve the outer layers of the cornea
then the laser is used to remove material from the middle
of the cornea before folding the front flap back down.
1. Topical anesthetic drops are applied, and a suction ring
is placed on the eye to prevent movement and maintain constant
pressure within the eye while the corneal flap is created.
2. A microkeratome, a mechanical,
micro-surgical instrument similar in design to a carpenter's
plane, is used to create a thin corneal flap which remains hinged
beneath the upper eyelid. The corneal flap is 160 to 180 microns
thick, about 30% of the corneal thickness. The corneal
flap is then laid back and the inner stromal layers of the cornea
lasered to the shape required for the patient's prescription.
3. The inner corneal layer is gently and precisely reshaped
with the excimer laser beam. The laser removes about a millionth
of an inch per pulse. You will be asked to look at a blinking
red target during this short period.
4. The surfaces are rinsed and the corneal flap is then closed
- Once the procedure is completed,
most surgeons wait 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the corneal flap
has fully re-adhered. At this point, patients can blink normally
and the corneal flap remains secured in position by the natural
suction within the cornea between the smooth surfaces of the
flap. While it is possible to dislodge the corneal flap during
the first day or two by physically rubbing the eye, this event
is actually quite rare. You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory
drop for 4-7 days, and instructed to wear a protective eye
shield while sleeping for several nights to prevent accidental
trauma to the cornea flap during the early healing period.
During this period, the outermost epithelial layer of the
cornea will heal over the surface and seal the flap. At this
point the eye is protected from infection and normal activities
may be resumed.
- Superior Air Quality &
Safety Standards:
Exacting air quality standards in our laser suite meets the
same strict specifications found in operating rooms at major
medical centers across the country. A sophisticated HVAC system
maintains precise temperature and humidity control, and continually
filters fine particles from the air. Air quality at this high
level provides the necessary sterile environment for complete
safety and infection control during laser vision correction.
The Eye Associates' laser suite, is backed by a top-rated
Liebert UPS uninterrupted power source. The Liebert system
guarantees a high standard of safety during all patient care
procedures.
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