LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis)
is a procedure that combines two previously
approved refractive surgery procedures
- automated lamellarkeratoplasty (ALK)
and photo refractive keratectomy (PRK).
Since 1988, over
3,000,000 excimer laser procedures have
been performed worldwide. It is projected
to become the most commonly performed eye care medical procedure in the world. One
advantage of the excimer laser technology
is its precision. This makes the excimer
laser well suited for the task of corneal
reshaping and the successful treatment
of nearsightedness, farsightedness and
astigmatism.
Click on the image below to watch our LASIK videos.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure
that uses a cool laser beam of light
that gently reshapes the surface of
the cornea with no discomfort to improve
vision. The beam gently pulses to
remove a microscopic amount of tissue,
allowing images to be more sharply
focused on the retina.
How
the Laser Works
The
excimer laser is a highly precise
instrument that produces and controls
a powerful beam of cool laser light.
The computerized excimer laser removes
a microscopically small layer of tissue,
sculpting the cornea to alter its
curvature, improving the way light
is focused through the cornea onto
the retina, resulting in improved
vision. By combining a mixture of
Argon and Fluoride gases, the excimer
laser works by exciting these gases
electrically to produce a beam of
cool light. The light is then emitted
in pulses that last only a few billionths
of a second. Each pulse determines
how much tissue is removed.
The
Procedure
Click here to see how the procedure
is done.
This Site Does Not Provide Medical Advice. The content provided in these web pages is for information purposes only. It should not be used as a substitution for professional medical advice. None of the materials presented may be relied upon for any medical, diagnostic or treatment reasons whatsoever. Any person reviewing the materials presented herein should obtain specific medical advice and answers to specific medical questions by a qualified LASEK surgeon in Austin.
Howerton Eye Clinic
