Lasik eye surgery - series

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Normal anatomy

The cornea is the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris. It is also the main light bending part of the eye.

Procedure, part 1

Anesthetic eye drops are given to numb the eye and the surgeon marks the cornea with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the corneal flap.

Procedure, part 2

The surgeon performs a keratectomy which creates a corneal flap. A keratectomy is a procedure that uses a small instrument that makes a cut in the cornea as it moves across it. The flap is lifted and reflected exposing the cornea beneath.

Procedure, part 3

A computer-controlled laser reshapes the cornea to the prescribed shape for clear vision.

Aftercare

The corneal flap is repositioned and bonds to the cut edge of the cornea quickly.

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Review Date: 2005-11-14
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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