What Exactly is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision consists of using excimer laser light to reshape the front surface of the eye, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. PRK has been performed in this country for about five years. A modification of the PRK technique, known as LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a combination of Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) and PRK.
Instead of using the laser to reshape the surface of the cornea, the middle portion of the cornea is treated by first using a machine called a microkeratome to lift up the surface of the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the exposed corneal surface. LASIK is considered investigational in the U.S., and is currently undergoing clinical study by the FDA.
What are the goals of laser vision correction surgery?
The goals of surgery are to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. By improving the uncorrected visual acuity in patients, PRK and LASIK are often able to allow patients to go about their daily routine without needing corrective lenses. These procedures may also be used to treat residual amounts of nearsightedness (undercorrections) following other forms of refractive surgery, such as RK and LK.
