With the advent of the laser for refractive surgery (photorefractive keratectomy), a new era in eye care is unfolding. It has been found that the Excimer Laser procedure combined with the creation of a corneal flap (Lamellar Keratoplasty or LK) is an excellent technique for reshaping the surface of the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and offers the accuracy of refractive lasers with the benefits of the LK procedure's speedy recovery.

After extensive pre-surgery testing, a computer is programmed by the doctor for each person's own correction factors.

Next, a thin flap of tissue is created on the cornea. The flap is laid back, remaining attached to the cornea at one end.

In treating myopia, as shown here, the laser segment of the procedure starts with a narrow diameter beam.

After the creation of a thin flap, a narrow laser beam is first applied. As the laser beam expands, a tiny lens shaped disc is created.

The focal point of the beam only penetrates the cornea about two thousandths of an inch (about half the thickness of a human hair).

Only a small area in the center of the cornea is treated, essentially producing a concave lens over the visual axis.