Lasik Lasik, or laser in situ keratomileusis, is a type of refractive surgery used to treat patients who are diagnosed with near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. The purpose of the surgery is to allow the patient to potentially decrease or eliminate the dependency on corrective glasses and contact lenses. The procedure is made up of several parts. The first part of the surgery involves accessing the middle section of the cornea called the stroma. This is done by creating a hinged flap with either a bladed tool, called a microkeratome or by a laser microkeratome known as a femtosecond laser. The next step is to use an Excimer laser to reshape the corneal stroma. The last step involves the surgeon repositioning the flap over the treated area and applying antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Post operatively, the surgeon will stress the need for sleep or to keep the eyes closed for the next several hours after surgery, to allow the flap to better adhere to the cornea. The patient will be given direction as far as keeping the eyes well-hydrated with moisturizing eye drops and following a protocol of medicated drops for a specific time period. This is a general overview of the surgery. For more specific information as to the types of refractive surgery that Dr. Shriver performs, and the technology available, please view the other pages in this Lasik section. |