Printed for you from the St. Mary's of Michigan website on 02/08/10
St. Mary's of Michigan : ADAM Health Illustrated Encylopedia
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Lasik eye surgery - series
Normal anatomy
The cornea is the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris. It is also the main light bending part of the eye.
Procedure, part 1
Anesthetic eye drops are given to numb the eye and the surgeon marks the cornea with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the corneal flap.
Procedure, part 2
The surgeon performs a keratectomy which creates a corneal flap. A keratectomy is a procedure that uses a small instrument that makes a cut in the cornea as it moves across it. The flap is lifted and reflected exposing the cornea beneath.
Procedure, part 3
A computer-controlled laser reshapes the cornea to the prescribed shape for clear vision.
Aftercare
The corneal flap is repositioned and bonds to the cut edge of the cornea quickly.
Review Date:
10/28/2008
Reviewed By:
Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
