MAIN IDEA OF LASIK SURGERY IS TO RESHAPE CORNEA BY REMOVING TISSUE
First, a mechanical surgical tool called a femtosecond laser to create a thin, circular "flap" in the cornea. The surgeon then folds back the hinged flap to access the underlying cornea and removes some corneal tissue using an excimer laser. This highly specialized laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it so it more accurately focuses light on the retina for improved vision.
a. For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea;
b. With farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired.
c. Excimer lasers also can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
After the laser reshapes the cornea, the flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. Then the cornea is allowed to heal naturally.
Laser eye surgery requires only anesthetic drops, and no bandages or stitches are required.
