Laser refractive eye surgery

Abstract:

Excimer laser vision correction is a type of refractive surgery used for correction of miopya, hypermetropia and astigmatism. The most common surgery today is the LASI K (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. Advantages of the LASI K surgery over other approaches, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), are high precision and faster and painless postoperative recovery. A microkeratom (a mechanical instrument) or femtosecond laser is used to create a thin, circular flap on the corneal surface. The flap is folded back and the exposed inner layer of the cornea reshaped by excimer laser beams before the flap is replaced. The newly shaped cornea is better able to focus light rays onto the retina and the result is clear vision without the need for eye-glasses or contact lenses. The greatest challenge today is the correction of presbyopia or old-sightedness. There are various treatment methods available, the most common being Intracor procedure. 

Key words:
keratomileusis, laser in situ; myopia; photorefractive keratectomy; refractive surgical procedures