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The Traditional LASIK Procedure
The traditional LASIK combines a surgical incision technique (keratomileusis)
with a laser correction procedure (photorefractive keratectomy or PRK).
In traditional LASIK surgery, the instrument used for the incision and
preparation of the corneal flap is a computer-guided, hand-held microkeratome.
In contrast, the Femto-LASIK uses a bladeless laser to create the flap.
The traditional LASIK procedure:
| Step
1: Preparation of the corneal flap |
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Suction procedure
Prior to surgery, a suction ring is placed on the eye for fixation
purposes. The eye is put under pressure for a brief period of time. |
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| Preparation of the Corneal Flap |
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Preparation of the cornea
A partial incision is made with a precision knife to create a thin
flap on the cornea (0.16 mm). Alternatively, the femtosecond laser can be used to create the flap without using
a blade (Femto-LASIK). |
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Exposure of the stromal bed of the
cornea
The corneal flap is turned back like the cover of a book. |
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| Step
2: Vision correction with the excimer laser |
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Application of the laser
The exposed lower corneal tissue is reshaped with the excimer laser
according to the refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness
and astigmatism). More... |
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Closing of the wound
The corneal flap is repositioned onto the underlying stromal bed.
It adheres to the corneal tissue on its own and acts as the body's
own protective bandaid. |
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