1. Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery Kayla Walker BME 181

2. What is LASIK Surgery? • Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis • LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

3. How does LASIK works? • Using a laser, the surgeon will make a thin, circular flap in the eye. Then using a different laser which is positioned above the eye to reshape the cornea, improving vision.

4. What does LASIK correct? • Myopia – (nearsightedness) the eye focuses incorrectly making distant object appear blurry. • Hyperopia – (farsightedness) the eye focuses behind the retina rather then directly on it. • Astigmatism – an eye disorder where the eye is abnormally curved causing out-of-focus vision.

5. Before Surgery • An eye exam will be performed to determine if the eyes are healthy enough for the surgery, what kind or correction is needed and how much laser ablation is required. • A measurement of the curvature of the eye and a “map” of the cornea is done using a corneal topographer. • Patients may also undergo a wavefront analysis. Light waves are sent through the eye to provide an even more precise map of the aberrations affecting vision.

6. Surgery • Numbing eye drops will be applied to the eyes so there is no discomfort during the procedure. • The patient will be laying down and one at a time an eye will be positioned under the laser. A retainer is places under the eye lids to keep them open. • Before using the laser, the surgeon will use an ink marker to mark the cornea. Then using a femtosecond laser, which is securely attached to the cornea using a suction ring to prevent eye movement, to make a flap in the cornea.

7. Surgery Continued • The surgeon will then position an excimer laser above the eye, programmed for the prescription. • The patient will then need to look at the target light while the surgeon watches through a microscope as the laser sends pulses to the cornea • After the first eye is complete most people continue on with the procedure and get the second eye done immediately after the first one. Some people wait a week to get the second eye done.

9. After Surgery • The patient must be rest for a little bit then they will be able to go home. Someone else must drive them home. • After a few days rest, most people go back to work or school. Strenuous exercise must be avoided for a week. • Patients must also avoid rubbing eyes because there is a slim chance they might dislodge the corneal flap. • Patients must continue to be careful touching their eyes as it takes about three months to fully heal.

10. Benefits of LASIK Surgery • Speedy Results • Ambulatory procedure • Surgery on each eye only takes a few minutes. • Within days, patients see results. • Freedom from Eyewear • After surgery most people achieve 20/20 vision. • Glasses & contacts are not needed for daily life. • Future Expenses Avoided • LASIK vision improvement is permanent. • No need for new glasses or prescription updates.

11. References • www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasik.htm • www.the-lasik-directory.com/benefits_risks.html • en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK • www.torontolasiksurgery.com