LASIK and LASEK (Refractive) Surgery
The most common types of vision problems are called refractive errors. These include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye's outer layer, called the cornea, causes light to be improperly focused. When light enters the eye, it passes through the cornea, pupil, iris, and lens, and is focused on the nerve layer called the retina, which is located at the back of the eye. The retina then sends the image to the brain via the optic nerve.
Myopia / Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness occurs when the shape of the cornea causes images to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This happens when the cornea is too curved, which makes the eye too long.
Hyperopia / Farsightedness
Farsightedness occurs when the eye is too short because the cornea is not curved enough. This causes images to focus behind the retina.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped eye - one that is more oblong than round. Astigmatism causes images to focus on more than one point on the retina.
LASIK
LASIK is the most popular type of laser vision correction. In this procedure an instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a hinged flap in the cornea, which is then pulled back. A laser is then used to reshape the tissue below. When the flap is put back in place, it heals without stitches - limiting postoperative discomfort.
LASEK
LASEK is the newest type of laser vision correction. In this procedure, a cap is removed from the epithelium with a special instrument called a trephine. The laser alters the shape of the eye below, and then the cap is replaced on the epithelium. LASEK is a good alternative for people whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.
Please contact us to learn more about your options for laser vision correction!
Questions to ask your LASIK surgeon!
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