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LASIK
LASIK, a technology that offers new hope for improved
sight for those with refractive errors. Refractive error
refers to the blurry vision that results when the eye is not able to
properly focus the light entering the cornea onto the back of the
eye (the retina). This can occur when the eye is too long
(myopia), too short (hyperopia), or the cornea is oval shaped rather
than round (astigmatism).
Custom LASIK is a procedure that involves the use of a
wavefront analyzer and enables Dr. Garrett to customize the
Conventional LASIK procedure to your individual eyes. This
customized procedure can result in patients seeing clearer and
sharper than ever before.
The wavefront analyzer is used to accurately measure the way
light travels through your eye. The resulting map of your eye
is then programmed into the laser, and the laser treats your eye
based upon that personalized 3D map. Custom LASIK helps to
treat "higher order" aberrations, which are tiny imperfections in
the eye that can have a significant impact on one's quality of
vision. In fact, higher order aberrations have been linked to
visual glare and halos. Higher order aberrations have not been
previously treatable with contacts, glasses or Conventional LASIK.
The actual LASIK procedure is performed in exactly the same way
in both Conventional and Custom LASIK. The pre-op testing for
Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK differ greatly. The
wavefront analyzer used with Custom LASIK brings a whole new level
of knowledge to the Garrett Eye Center.
With Custom LASIK we are able to focus on the quantity and
quality of your vision. Because Custom LASIK corrects the
unique imperfections in each individual's vision, it is likely that
night vision will be improved. Everyone's eyes are different.
Dr. Garrett first creates a flap of tissue on the
surface of the eye. This is the non-laser portion of the
procedure. He then uses a precise cutting instrument, called a microkeratome. The microkeratome cuts through 1/4 to 1/3 of the
thickness of the cornea creating a flap of tissue. This clear flap
is lifted up and folded open, to the side or the top of the eye,
still securely attached by the "hinge".
Dr. Garrett then positions the patient's eye under the excimer laser
which is programmed to remove microscopic layers of tissue from the
internal part of the cornea, called the stroma. The
cool laser beam vaporizes tissue away, one microscopic layer at a
time, without burning or cutting. This tissue does not replace
itself after it is removed. Since the excimer laser light is created
at a specified wavelength that does not pass through the cornea, no
other part of the eye is affected.
After the tissue has been removed, Dr. Garrett places the flap back
in its original position where it heals into place with no stitches.
The cornea has amazing natural bonding qualities. Within a few
minutes, the flap adheres to the underlying tissue. The edges of the
flap heal over in 12 to 48 hours, with the entire flap gaining
adhesive strength as it continues to heal in the following weeks and
months.
For each eye, the laser application time is usually less than one
minute and the whole LASIK procedure around 15 minutes.
See LASIK FAQs >>
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