LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure that uses a special ultraviolet laser called an excimer laser to correct a person’s vision. This particular method of laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front “window” of the eye, so that light focuses precisely on the back portion of the eye called the retina. LASIK is used as a vision correction procedure for refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The femtosecond laser is used to create the LASIK flap. First, a suction ring is gently placed on the surface of the eye. Second, the applanation cone lowers to dock with the suction ring. During this process, the patient may feel a slight pressure on the eye, and the vision might go black. The femtosecond laser takes approximately 6 seconds to create a standard LASIK flap.
After the LASIK flap is created for each eye, the patient pivots over to the excimer laser. The surgeon gently lifts the LASIK flap and the excimer laser begins to treat the eye. The excimer takes about 1.4 seconds per diopter of treatment. For example, if your prescription is -3.0, the excimer laser takes about 4.2 seconds to treat your prescription.