Developed about thirty years ago, LASIK was originally used to treat patients who had very poor vision due to corneal disease. It has now evolved into a successful technique for correcting refractive errors. The current procedure, done as an outpatient procedure, involves both the use of conventional and laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK can correct a much higher degree of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism than any other refractive procedure, with excellent results (95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better).

In the LASIK procedure, we use eye drop anesthetic to numb the eye. The surgeon then uses a special instrument to cut into and behind a thin layer of the cornea. A portion of the cornea is peeled back to create a flap and expose the inner corneal tissue. The eye is then positioned under the excimer laser which has been computer programmed to remove microscopic amounts of the internal corneal tissue. Removal of the tissue changes the curvature of the cornea. If the patient is nearsighted, tissue closer to the central part of the cornea is removed to decrease the curvature or flatten the cornea. If a patient is farsighted, tissue in the peripheral part of the cornea is removed to increase the curvature of the cornea. To correct for astigmatism, selected tissue at certain angles is removed to insure that the cornea curves equally in all directions. After the laser has been used, the flap is returned to its original position. The corneal tissue has extraordinary natural bonding qualities that allow effective healing without the use of stitches.

Since only local anesthetic is used, patients remain awake during the procedure. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. Improved vision is often possible on the day following the surgery. Eye drops and night protection are necessary for designated periods of time.

Advantages of LASIK include:

• Faster healing time
• Rapid visual recovery
• Less risk of scarring
• Less risk of corneal haze
• Less post-op discomfort
• The second eye can be done within a week
• Treatment of a wider range of nearsightedness