What does LASIK treatment involve?
During the LASIK procedure topical anesthetic drops are used to anesthetize the cornea. A speculum is inserted to hold open the eyelids for you. A suction ring is applied to the eye to keep it steady. A microkeratome is then applied to the suction ring to create a flap of corneal tissue. The flap is lifted out of the path of the laser beam in order for laser to reshape the tissue below. After the laser treatment, the flap is repositioned permitting rapid improvement in the comfort, healing, and vision. There are modifications of the LASIK technique which may not require flap creation. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) may be appropriate for patients with thinner corneal tissue. Corneal tissue measurements are taken prior to surgery.
