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• LASIK( Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a state of the art technique which corrects most of the eye's refractive errors.
  Lasik FAQ's - click here

•  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.

• The LASIK procedure

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.

 

• Step-by-Step:

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.