What is Lasik?

LASIK involves making an incision into the cornea and creating a flap. The Excimer Laser then reshapes the cornea and the flap is placed back in its original position. LASIK is a 5-step procedure using an instrument called a Microkeratome and the Excimer Laser.

First, the patient is given anesthetic drops to numb the eyes and they are placed in a reclining chair for proper positioning for the procedure. A lid speculum is then placed in the eye to keep the eye open.
Second, the platform base or suction ring of the microkeratome is placed on the eye.

Third, the Automatic Microkeratome quickly glides across the surface of the cornea, creating a thin "flap" with a "hinge." The flap is lifted so the laser is allowed to reshape the inner corneal bed.
Fourth, the Excimer Laser, which has been programmed specifically for the patient's correction, is aimed onto the "bed" of the cornea and the gentle laser beam, guided by a computer, is directed to reshape the cornea.

The last step involves replacing the "flap" back into its original position on the cornea and ensuring its proper positioning.

The complete procedure from start to finish usually takes about 5 minutes per eye. The actual time to create the flap and to "Laser" takes only a matter of seconds.

LASIK has made Laser Vision Correction much more comfortable for patients by reducing the discomfort both during and after the procedure.