How LASIK Works

Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the procedure of choice by many Ophthalmologists to effectively correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In LASIK, Dr. Brumm combines two procedures, the first makes a corneal flap using a microkeratome and the second is the excimer laser reshaping the cornea.

Conditions Correctable by LASIK

"Myopia" or nearsightedness occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long. This causes the light rays to focus in front of the retina causing blurred distant vision.

"Hyperopia" or farsightedness occurs when the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye. This causes the light to focus at a point beyond the retina, resulting in blurry vision both far and near.

"Astigmatism" occurs when the cornea is shaped like a football, more curved in one direction than the other. This causes light to focus at different points in the eye, resulting in blurred vision.

In a "normal" eye, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye.

The LASIK Procedure

To correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, your cornea must be flattened or steepened so the light rays focus more precisely on the retina. LASIK uses a combination of the microkeratome and the Excimer laser. The microkeratome is a very precise surgical instrument which is used to create and lift a thin flap of corneal tissue.

When this flap is lifted, Dr. Brumm uses the laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue (stroma) and correct the nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The flap of tissue is then placed back over the cornea and heals quickly without any stitches. LASIK does not alter the surface of the cornea. This promotes faster healing and less chance of scarring or discomfort after the procedure.