The strong desire to see clearly
Laser Vision Correction with a proven procedure
Sharp vision is something everyone desires. Not all of us, however, have good eyesight. Eye conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, so-called refractive errors, are very common. Over half the world’s population relies on eyeglasses or contact lenses to see well. For many people, they are a suitable solution. Others consider them an inconvenience that interferes with their daily lives. They want to enjoy good vision without needing to wear glasses or contacts. Today, most refractive errors can be effectively treated with Laser Vision Correction. LASIK, and its advanced form Femto-LASIK are very widely performed procedures. Whether Laser Vision Correction is right for you, depends on various factors. Consult your eye doctor to determine the best option for your vision needs.How the eye works
Understanding vision
The human eye is truly remarkable in its design. Each eye is unique. Each eye condition is also unique. Vision quality is largely determined by the size and shape of our eyes.
With a healthy eye, light rays entering the eye are focused directly on the retina to form a sharp image, which is then sent to the brain via the optic nerve, resulting in a visual image.
When the eye’s dimensions are not well-aligned, the light rays are not correctly focused. This results in a refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism (an irregular curvature of the cornea). Refractive errors are very widespread and affect people of all ages.
Normal vision
With normal vision, the eye’s dimensions are well-aligned. Light rays are focused directly on theretina to create a clear image.
Common vision disorders
Refractive errors
Refractive errors occur when the curvature of the cornea, the main determining factor of refractive power, is not aligned with the length of the eye. As a result, the light rays are prevented from focusing directly on the retina.
Nearsightedness (myopia)
When the eyeball is too long, the light rays are focused in front of the retina. Distant objects appear blurry, those up close are clear.
Light rays are focused in front of the retina
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
When the eyeball is too short, the light rays are focused behind the retina. Nearby objects appear blurry, distant ones are clear.
Light rays are focused behind the retina
Astigmatism
The cornea’s irregular shape causes light rays to focus on more than one point. Overall vision appears blurry or distorted.
Light rays are focused in front of and behind the retina
A widely practiced surgery
Characteristics of LASIK and Femto-LASIK
Since its introduction in the early 1990s, laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK for short, has become the most widely performed laser treatment method for correcting refractive errors.
At a glance
- Generally quick visual recovery
- Most frequently performed procedure
- Treatment standard for more than 20 years
- Widely available and performed by many surgeons
- Femto-LASIK: the entire procedure is done with lasers only
With LASIK, a flap is created and folded back.
Comparing the two proven procedures
Treatment steps of LASIK and Femto-LASIK
With traditional LASIK, a controlled blade (microkeratome) is used to create the flap (a kind of hinged piece of corneal tissue). With advanced bladeless Femto-LASIK, a highly precise flap is quickly created with a femtosecond laser.
Prior to treatment
Anesthetic eye drops are applied to the eye. An eyelid holder prevents the eye from blinking during the procedure.
STEP 1
Preparing the treatment, A microkeratome is positioned in preparation of the flap cut.
Creating the flap
A flap is created with a highly precise femtosecond laser.
STEP 2
Creating the flap
The microkeratome creates a flap, a hinged corneal piece of tissue.
Relocating the patient
The patient is conveniently moved from the femtosecond laser to the excimer laser.
STEP 3
Folding back the flap
The flap is gently folded back, exposing the inner corneal tissue to be treated.
STEP 4
Correcting the error
An excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue, correcting the refractive error.
STEP 5
Repositioning the flap
The flap is returned to its original position, protecting the eye like a natural bandage.
