LASIK Procedure- a beautiful solution

LASIK Procedure

In the LASIK Procedure, a special instrument known as a microkeratome (which has a blade which oscillates at high speed) is used to cut a hinged uniform thickness flap on the cornea. The flap is usually 100-130 microns thick.

Hinged flap being cut during the LASIK procedure
LASIK flap being cut by a microkeratome blade

This flap is then lifted to one side to expose the stroma, and the excimer laser corneal reshaping is carried out.

Corneal Reshaping during the LASIK Procedure
The hinged flap is lifted to a side during the LASIK procedure, and excimer laser corneal reshaping is carried out


The flap is then replaced in its original position, where it sticks in place within a few hours.

Flap repositioned back after the LASIK Procedure
Once the reshaping is over, the flap is then again folded back and replaced. The LASIK procedure is now complete.

The only place where the epithelium is damaged during the LASIK procedure is along the flap edge. This takes a few hours to heal, and so the pain after the LASIK procedure is both less intense, and for a much shorter duration than after PRK.Since the original epithelium in the central cornea is smooth, full thickness and undamaged, vision recovery takes a few hours, rather than the days and weeks it takes after PRK. Since the corneal stroma is not exposed to the tear film at all, there is practically no likelihood of haze and regression. And the susceptibility to infection is much less.

So the LASIK Procedure directly addresses the problems of PRK. It is relatively pain free, the results are better and more stable, and vision recovery is quick.

However, LASIK is not without its problems.

Next: LASIK Problems

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