LASIK stands for
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a
procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering
of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a
blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the
cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back
revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a
computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is
replaced.
The procedure is usually painless and the improvement in vision
is noticeable almost immediately. In most cases, the patient can quickly return
to their daily activities, but must avoid bumping the eye or submerging their
eyes in water for a short period of time after the procedure.
PRK is similar to LASIK
except that there is no flap created.
The same excimer laser is used to change the curvature of the cornea
directly. It avoids rare complications
of LASIK such as dislocation or malposition of the flap. However, the healing time of PRK is
usually between 1 to 2 weeks, much longer than LASIX.
Other surgeries to correct
refractive errors has been developed in recent years, such as phakic
intraocular lens, thermal keratoplasty, intrastromal corneal ring segment
(Intac), etc. Our surgeons at
Lubbock Eye Clinic will discuss pro and cons for each procedure and choose the
best one for you.
More
information is available at the FDA website regarding refractive surgery.
