The cornea is the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris. It is also the main light bending part of the eye.
Procedure, part 1
Anesthetic eye drops are given to numb the eye and the surgeon marks the cornea with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the corneal flap.
Procedure, part 2
The surgeon performs a keratectomy which creates a corneal flap. A keratectomy is a procedure that uses a small instrument that makes a cut in the cornea as it moves across it. The flap is lifted and reflected exposing the cornea beneath.
Procedure, part 3
A computer-controlled laser reshapes the cornea to the prescribed shape for clear vision.
Aftercare
The corneal flap is repositioned and bonds to the cut edge of the cornea quickly.
Review Date:
8/22/2008
Reviewed By:
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.