Boston LASIK - Dr Kornmehl

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LASIK or Laser in-Situ Keratornileusis treats refractive errors by removing corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea. This procedure combines the accuracy of the excimer laser with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK). LK has been performed on a limited basis since 1949 to correct higher levels of nearsightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness. More recently, LK was refined by technological advancements of an instrument called a microkeratome that allows the surgeon to fold back a thin corneal layer of cornea (figure 1). A second pass of the microkeratome was required to remove tissue from the inner cornea. However, the quality and accuracy of this second pass could not always be achieved.

With LASIK instead of making a second pass with the microkeratome (as in LK), the excimer laser removes the proper amount of corneal tissue with much greater accuracy. How much tissue removed is controlled by the number of pulses and the size and shape of the laser beam. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position where it bonds after only a few minutes of drying. No stitches or eye patches are required after the procedure.

Since only the edge around the corneal flap needs to heal, visual recovery is rapid and patients report little or no post-operative pain. Additionally, there may be less risk of scarring or developing corneal haze. There is also less need for post-operative medications with LASIK than PRK. LASIK treats low to very high levels of refractive errors. However, because of the microkeratome, LASIK carries additional surgical risks.