Laser Vision Correction

All-Laser LASIK
The most popular and widely accepted method of laser vision correction is Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, usually called LASIK. Nicknamed "flap and zap", this is a two-stage surgery. In step one, LASIK surgery is performed with the Intralase FS, the flap is created by the use of this specialized laser. This creates a thin flap that is gently folded away from the central cornea so it can be re-shaped with the excimer laser. The excimer laser works with great precision, removing tissue micron by micron from the internal layers of the cornea. Once the laser has finished sculpting the cornea, the flap is carefully returned to its original position. No stitches are necessary because the cornea has remarkable adherent qualities and begins to heal quickly after the surgery.



LASIK for Myopia
LASIK has seen its greatest success in correcting myopia. During a LASIK surgery for myopia, the excimer laser removes tissue from the center of the cornea, thereby reducing its curvature and improving its ability to focus light onto the retina. LASIK can effectively treat low, moderate and high levels of myopia.

LASIK for Hyperopia
LASIK has also proven successful in reducing low to moderate levels of hyperopia. In these procedures, the excimer laser removes tissue from the corneal periphery, thereby increasing the curvature of the cornea and improving its focusing ability.

LASIK for Astigmatism
LASIK can also be used to correct astigmatism, either on its own or in tandem with corrections for myopia or hyperopia. In astigmatic eyes, the excimer laser is programmed to remove more tissue from some regions of the cornea than others, thus creating a more spherical surface.

LASIK & Presbyopia
LASIK cannot cure presbyopia or make reading glasses obsolete. Fortunately, monovision gives some people another option for managing their presbyopia. With the monovision option, one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other is corrected for near vision. The advantage of monovision is that many people can achieve a broader range of functional vision without reading glasses. However, a significant number of people have difficulty adjusting to monovision and may experience balance difficulties or impaired depth perception. Anyone who wants monovision should try it with contact lenses or glasses before surgery. If surgically created monovision is unsatisfactory an enhancement can be performed later to correct the near vision eye to the same degree as the eye corrected for distance vision.

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