During LASIK (Laser Assisted Insitu Keratomileusis), the cornea is reshapened and flattened to help improve low to severe myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia with astigmatism.

The procedure has been used around the world with much success. The procedure generally takes less than half an hour, with the total procedure time being approximately two hours.

How LASIK Reshapes Your Eye

To treat myopia (nearsightedness), the cornea of your eye is flattened.

1. First a thin flap of the cornea is created and is left on a hinge. The flap is created with a special instrument called a microkeratome.
2. The computer controlled VISX Star-S4 excimer laser (www.visx.com) delivers a programmed number of ultraviolet pulses to the exposed center of the corneal surface. Each pulse sublimates a microscopic layer of the cornea.
3. The corneal flap is then put back into its original position and the endothelium acts as a suction pump to close the opening. The center of the cornea is now flattened. Because of this, light rays are focused more directly on the retina and images are clearer.

To treat hyperopia (farsightedness), the cornea of your eye is steepened.

1. First a thin flap of the cornea is created and is left on a hinge. The flap is created with a special instrument called a microkeratome.
2. The computer controlled VISX Star-S4 excimer laser delivers a programmed number of ultraviolet pulses to the exposed outer area of the corneal surface. Each pulse sublimates a microscopic layer of the cornea, creating a divot around the corneal surface.
3. The corneal flap is then put back into its original position and the endothelium acts as a suction pump to close the opening. The center of the cornea is now steepened. Because of this, the light rays are focused more directly on the retina and images are clearer.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea of your eye is made more spherical.

1. First a thin flap of the cornea is created and is left on a hinge. The flap is created with a special instrument called a microkeratome.
2. The computer controlled VISX Star-S4 excimer laser delivers a programmed number of ultraviolet pulses to the exposed corneal surface. Each pulse sublimates a microscopic layer of the cornea. By changing the pattern of the beam, more tissue is removed in one direction than the other.
3. The corneal flap is then put back into its original position and the endothelium acts as a suction pump to close the opening. The center of the cornea is now cylindrical. Because of this, light rays are focused more directly on the retina and images are clearer.