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

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.

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.

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

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

Review Date:
8/17/2007
Reviewd By:
Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.