How LASIK Works

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LASIK is a minor outpatient, all laser, procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and is intended to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. During the procedure, a flap is created from the outermost layer of the cornea using the latest "bladeless" technology. The flap is folded back revealing the middle section of the cornea. The cool beam of the excimer laser removes tissue and gently reshapes the cornea. The top layer of cornea is then replaced to serve as a protective flap.

For nearsighted or myopic patients, the cornea is too steep. The LASIK procedure removes cells from the central part of the cornea flattening it for clearer vision.

For farsighted or hyperopic patients, the cornea is too flat. The LASIK procedure removes cells in a spiral pattern around the outside of the cornea. This steepens the cornea and creates clearer vision.

The flap is then replaced and, for most patients, has already healed significantly within twenty-four hours. The natural suction of the eye holds the flap in place. These permanent adjustments allow the cornea to reflect light onto the retina of the eye, resulting in normal focus.

The Evolution of LASIK

There were several laser vision correction procedures being performed before LASIK, short for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis. Through the developmental stages of laser vision correction surgeons noticed certain side effects and limitations with the original procedures. As time went on, each procedure developed a more predictable result and faster recovery. LASIK embodies the positives of ALK, RK and PRK without the pain and long recovery periods. The following will briefly highlight pros and cons of these procedures.

RK, or Radial Keratotomy, was popular in the 1970's. The surgeon would make radial incisions on the surface of the cornea, subsequently causing it to sink down in the center creating a flatter cornea. The procedure resulted in a painful recovery, largely due to the scar tissue created by the incisions.

PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy was the next improvement to vision correction. Rather than making radial incisions on the cornea, an excimer laser was used to sculpt and reshape the surface of the cornea. With PRK, patients experienced gradual visual improvement over a few days or even months and may have had extended discomfort.

LASIK as with PRK, LASIK uses an excimer laser. In this procedure, a corneal flap is created with an instrument called a microkeratome. The flap is folded back allowing the laser to gently reshape the cornea and then is carefully replaced into its original position. The natural suction of the eye holds the flap in place much like the eye would do with a contact lens. With LASIK, patients experience virtually no pain, have no scar tissue and have highly predictable results.

Robert J. Weinstock, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cataract and refractive surgery. He became interested in ophthalmology at an early age - as he watched and assisted his father. Dr. Weinstock has joined the practice in 2001 after completing his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Services at the Eye Institute of West Florida and The Weinstock Laser Eye Center. He also is an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida, and also serves as the Surgical Director of the Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. In addition to performing thousands of vision correcting cataract and LASIK procedures each year, Dr. Weinstock speaks and teaches nationally and internationally on customized cataract surgery and surgical innovations. He is continuously engaged in clinical research and studies to evaluate new technology, many of which are sanctioned by the FDA. He is recognized internationally as an expert on new implant technology and microincisional surgical techniques. He has authored many book chapters on cataract surgery and continues to write journal articles on cataract and refractive surgery.

Neel R. Desai, M.D. is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist strictly specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal diseases of the eye. Dr. Desai is a top graduate of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his fellowship in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He is recognized throughout the country and internationally as one of only 100 surgeons able to perform advanced corneal transplants and other complex cataract, corneal and refractive procedures. He holds pending patents to new surgical products and advanced cornea surgical procedures of his own design. Additionally, Dr. Desai has authored many book chapters in his field of study and continues to write articles in peer review journals.