During
LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis), the
cornea is flattened to help improve myopia (near sightedness).
The procedure is a combination of the ALK and PRK procedures.
The procedure takes less than half an hour. You can leave
the office or surgical center in an hour or two.
How
LASIK Reshapes Your Eye
LASIK
flattens the curve of the cornea with a laser and another
special instrument.
This
is how it's done:
The corneal flap is folded back.
The laser removes some layers
of the cornea
The corneal flap is put back into
place.
First,
a portion of the top section of your cornea in the center
of your eye is folded back. This flap of cornea remains
attached on one side.
The
excimer laser delivers a programmed number of pulses of
ultraviolet light. Each pulse removes a microscopic layer
of the cornea over the pupil.
When
the laser has reshaped the cornea, the corneal flap is put
back into place. The eye holds the flap in place naturally
as it heals, so stitches aren't necessary.
The
center of the cornea is now flattened. Light rays are focused
more directly on the retina, and images are clearer.
