Refractive
Surgery
LASIK
PRELEX
AST
PRK
CustomVue/IR
CK
RestorLens/
ReZoomLens
Verisyse Lens

General
Ophthamology
Cataract
Corneal Transplant
DSAEK
Keratoconus
Glaucoma

LASIK Surgery - Columbia, SC

LASIK treats refractive errors by removing corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea.  LASIK combines the accuracy of the excimer laser with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK).  LK has been performed on a limited basis since 1949 to correct higher levels of near-sightedness and moderate amounts of far-sightedness.

LK was refined by technological advancements of an instrument called a microkeratome that allows our surgeon to fold back a thin layer of cornea.  A second pass of the microkeratome was required to remove corneal tissue from the inner cornea.   However, the quality and accuracy of this second pass could not always be achieved.

With LASIK, instead of making a second pass with the microkeratome (as in LK), the excimer laser removes the proper amount of corneal tissue with much greater accuracy.  The amount of tissue removed is controlled by the number of pulses and the size and shape of the laser beam.

The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position where it bonds after only a few minutes of drying.  No stiches or eye patches are required after the procedure.

Compare LASIK with PRK

This information is presented to demonstrate the relative differences between PRK and LASIK.  Additional factors such as surgeon experience and preference, type of laser, age of patient, amount of correction and clinical protocols may effects these comparisons.