By Kelsey Matthews

History

LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis

Developed in 1991 by a greek doctor Ioannis Pallikaris

Purpose to correct refractive error: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism

Refractive Errors

The lens and cornea of the eye focus light rays onto the retina

For images to be clear and focused, the cornea and the lens match the length of the eye

A mismatch causes a refractive error and blurred images

How LASIK works

The surgeon first creates a corneal flap 83-200 micrometers thick with a surgical instrument called a microkeratome

A computer is used to set an excimer laser to the patient’s specific prescription

How LASIK works cont.

Patient is asked to stare at a target line while the laser sends pulses of light that reshape the cornea

Corneal tissue is finely vaporized to the shape desired by the surgeon

Flap is placed back on eye and adheres naturally

Advantages

Overall patient satisfaction- about 95% Majority of patients have vision reach

20/40 Quick outpatient procedure-about 10

minutes Quick recovery time-a few days rest, no

eye rubbing

Disadvantages

Not covered by insurance- cost can range from $1,500-$3,500 per eye

LASIK is not for everyone-an evaluation must be done, not for especially high prescriptions

Infections and dry eye can occur Eyes can be over or under corrected Regression can still occur with age

Future

Be able to treat higher prescriptions of refractive error

Eliminate the possibility of taking out excessive corneal tissue

Works Cited Segre, Liz. The LASIK Procedure: A Complete Guide. All

About Vision < http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasik.htm>.

Randleman, J. Bradley, MD. LASIK Eye Surgery. <http://www.medicinenet.com/lasik_eye_surgery/article.htm>.

Marcos, Susana. 2001 December. Optical Response to LASIK Surgery for Myopia from Total and Corneal Aberration Measurements. IOVS Journal vol. 42 no. 13.

Sahkimoto T, Rosenblatt M, Azar D. Laser eye surgery for refractive errors. 7 March 2006. <http://bicep0.caltech.edu/~ebierman/sdarticle.pdf>

Melki S, Azar D. LASIK Complications: Etiology, Management, and Prevention. Survey of Ophthalmology vol. 46, issue 2, pp. 95-116.