By Kelsey Matthews

History  LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis  Developed in 1991 by a greek doctor Ioannis Pallikaris  Purpose to correct refractive error: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism

Refractive Errors  The lens and cornea of the eye focus light rays onto the retina  For images to be clear and focused, the cornea and the lens match the length of the eye  A mismatch causes a refractive error and blurred images

How LASIK works  The surgeon first creates a corneal flap micrometers thick with a surgical instrument called a microkeratome  A computer is used to set an excimer laser to the patient’s specific prescription

How LASIK works cont.  Patient is asked to stare at a target line while the laser sends pulses of light that reshape the cornea  Corneal tissue is finely vaporized to the shape desired by the surgeon  Flap is placed back on eye and adheres naturally

Advantages  Overall patient satisfaction- about 95%  Majority of patients have vision reach 20/40  Quick outpatient procedure-about 10 minutes  Quick recovery time-a few days rest, no eye rubbing

Disadvantages  Not covered by insurance- cost can range from $1,500-$3,500 per eye  LASIK is not for everyone-an evaluation must be done, not for especially high prescriptions  Infections and dry eye can occur  Eyes can be over or under corrected  Regression can still occur with age

Future  Be able to treat higher prescriptions of refractive error  Eliminate the possibility of taking out excessive corneal tissue

Works Cited  Segre, Liz. The LASIK Procedure: A Complete Guide. All About Vision.  Randleman, J. Bradley, MD. LASIK Eye Surgery..  Marcos, Susana December. Optical Response to LASIK Surgery for Myopia from Total and Corneal Aberration Measurements. IOVS Journal vol. 42 no. 13.  Sahkimoto T, Rosenblatt M, Azar D. Laser eye surgery for refractive errors. 7 March  Melki S, Azar D. LASIK Complications: Etiology, Management, and Prevention. Survey of Ophthalmology vol. 46, issue 2, pp