INTRODUCTION TO LASIK:
Since the late 1970's, incisional refractive
surgery (RK) has treated nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients all over the world,
allowing them to experience a new kind of freedom. It is the kind of freedom that allows
people to make lifestyle choices that were not options to them before because they were
totally dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Now, refractive surgery is experiencing
the dawning of a new era with the advent of the excimer laser, with the FDA approval of
photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in 1995 and now Laser Assisted
in-Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK in
1999, represents another important step towards reducing dependence on corrective lenses.
Now, All Laser Wavefront LASIK is another exciting step toward quality
vision while minimizing side effects.
LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser
delivery system with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) to treat a wide range of
refractive errors. Advantages of the LASIK procedure have resulted in rapidly growing
popularity of this operation among refractive surgeons all over the world.
TECHNIQUE:
The LASIK procedure combines two sophisticated
techniques to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The first
technique involves the use of the Intralase Laser to create a thin protective layer of
corneal tissue (flap) that covers the area to be sculpted by the laser. This flap allows
for rapid recovery of vision and reduces discomfort after the procedure. The second
technique uses the excimer laser to sculpt the underlying cornea, correcting the
refractive error. The protective layer of tissue (the flap) is repositioned without
sutures. The eye is not patched, but a protective shield is placed over the eye to prevent
inadvertent rubbing of the eye. Visual recovery is typically rapid and there is little or
no post-operative pain. Eye drops, including an antibiotic to guard against infection, are
taken for less than one week.
Intralase + LASIK = Intralasik, an
all new
all laser LASIK. No blades are used!
|
