The Procedure

In 1998 the FDA first approved a laser system for LASIK laser vision correction. LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis and has been performed around the world since the mid 1990s.

Instead of removing the uppermost corneal tissue layer, LASIK creates a flap in the cornea that is folded to the side during the laser treatment. When the treatment is finished, the flap is replaced in its original position where it completely adheres.

The following graphics illustrate a typical LASIK treatment:

Step 1
Numbing eye drops are applied to the eye. In some cases your eyelashes maybe affixed with a drape in order to prevent them from disturbing the treatment. The physician then inserts a holder under your eyelids that will ensure your eye remains
open during the procedure.

Step 2
Now a flap is created in your cornea. This is normally done with a mechanical device called a microkeratome. Nowadays, some physicians use a different laser to create the flap instead of the microkeratome. The flap is in average only 150-180 microns thick which is the thickness of a fingernail. The physician then carefully folds the flap to the side in order to expose the corneal tissue underneath called the stroma.

Step 3
Next, the physician will ask you to fixate on a light. Then the laserlight is applied and reshapes your corneal surface. With the ALLEGRETTO WAVE the laser application takes only about 10 seconds for a -3 diopter treatment. While the laser is running,
you hear a buzzing sounds and you may realize a smell similar to burning hair.

Step 4
When the laser application is complete, the physician replaces the flap in its original position, where is completely adheres.