HOW LASER CORRECTION WORKS | ||
A number of treatments have been developed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Over the past several years, surgically changing the eye's focusing power is an option that has gained an increasing amount of public attention. Now, with the advent of the excimer laser, laser vision correction is gaining world-wide popularity.
Two laser vision correction procedures are available. Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK for short, was developed first. However, an improved treatment called laser in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is now becoming the most popular among patients and surgeons. |
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Most of the world's experienced refractive surgeons have recognized LASIK's advantages and perform it as their procedure of choice. | ||
History
Creation of a sophisticated
instrument call a microkeratome made the removal of very thin layers of
tissue easier and more successful. A treatment evolved called automated
lamellar keratoplasty (ALK). With this procedure, surgeons used t he
microkeratome to simply create a flap of tissue, instead of completely
removing the thin layer from the cornea. With the flap lifted out of the
way, a second pass of the instrument then removed a microscopic amount of
underlying tissue to correct the focusing problem. When the treatment was
completed, it was easier to align and reattach the hinged flap. With the highly advanced excimer laser, surgeons have combined the microkeratome's ability to create a precision flap with the accuracy of the laser in removing underlying tissue. The combination of ALK and PRK is called LASIK. It is a treatment option that has overshadowed traditional PRK.
Range of correction
Possible risks and side effects
Even though LASIK is a relatively safe procedure with a history of very few complications, these risks and temporary side effects should be considered:
● Infection ● Corneal Flap Problems ● Undercorrection or Overcorrection ● Corneal Surface Irregularities ● Contact Lens Intolerance ● Halo Effect · Light Sensitivity ● Fluctuating Vision ● Eye Coordination |
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