Laser Vision Correction Surgery

Lasik (Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis). During this surgery to correct vision problems a surgeon cuts a thin flap in the cornea then folds the flap to the side. Using a laser, the doctor reshapes the cornea underneath the opening. The flap is then laid back in place and the cornea heals without the use of stitches.

Epi-K (Epi-keratome). During this procedure the surgeon accesses corneal tissue not by cutting a flap but by separating just the thin upper layer of the cornea known as the epithelium from the underlying layers of the cornea. The patient’s vision is then corrected using a laser, and the epithelium is removed.

LASEK (Laser Epithelial keratomileusis). This procedure involves preserving the extremely thin epithelial layer of the cornea by lifting it from the eye’s surface before using laser energy to reshape the cornea. The epithelium is then replaced on the eye’s surface. It may be a good choice for patients whose corneas are too thin or steep for other procedures.