LASIK

LASIK laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

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LA·SIK (lzk)

n.

Eye surgery in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped using a laser, performed to correct certain refractive disorders such as myopia.

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Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Aprocedure that uses a cutting tool and a laser to modify the cornea and correct moderate to high levels of myopia.

Mentioned in: Myopia, Radial Keratotomy

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LASIK

[lā′sik]

acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a retractive surgery on the cornea in which the excimer laser and microkeratome are combined for correction of distance vision. The microkeratome is used to shave a thin slice and create a hinged flap in the cornea, the flap is reflected back, the exposed cornea is reshaped by the laser, and the flap is replaced, without sutures, to heal back into position. Preoperatively, a topical antibiotic and topical anesthesia are instilled into the eye. Postoperatively, the patient receives antibiotic drops and antiinflammatory drops and wears goggles for 24 hours to prevent slippage.

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LASIK

A surgical procedure on the cornea aimed at correcting ametropia. A suction ring is applied to the globe and an increase in intraocular pressure to approximately 65 mmHg is induced for a maximum of two minutes. During that time an automated microkeratome advances across the cornea creating a corneal flap of about 8.5 mm in diameter, which contains the epithelium, Bowman's layer and a portion of the anterior stroma. The vacuum is then switched off and the suction ring removed. The corneal flap, which is hinged on one side of the cornea, is turned round onto the conjunctiva and the exposed stroma is ablated with the excimer laser. On completion of the laser ablation, the corneal flap is repositioned and left to adhere without sutures. There are some complications associated with this procedure, but it gives rise to less postoperative pain and more rapid visual rehabilitation than other similar surgical procedures (Fig. L4). LASIK is an acronym made from the following italic letters 'laser in situ keratomileusis' or 'laser assisted intrastromal keratoplasty'. See corneal ectasia; epikeratoplasty; Intacs; keratome; keratomileusis; keratophakia; photorefractive keratectomy.

Fig. L4 LASIK procedure. A, an incision is made into the anterior part of the cornea leaving a hinge of intact margin (shown on the left). B, the corneal flap is rolled back leaving it attached at its hinge. Excimer laser ablation is performed on the expos cornea

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LASIK

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis Ophthalmology A type of laser ocular surgery in which the cornea is flapped open and the cornea shaved to correct either near– or farsightedness Statistics 750,000 Americans were LASIK'd in 2000; 90+% of treated Pts achieve better than 20/20 vision Criteria < –12––15 diopters for nearsightedness; +4–+6 for farsightedness Complications Ocular blowout 2º to corneal perforation, flap wrinkling/misalignment, epithelial ingrowth into stroma resulting in vision defects–glare, halos, diminished contrast, ↓ light passing to the pupil, lifting of the cornea with irregular astigmatism. See Custom LASIK, Intraocular lenses. Cf INTACS, Photorefractive keratectomy, Radial keratotomy.

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Patient discussion about LASIK.

Q. Has anyone had a bad experience with Lasik? I am considering the procedure but am worried about the risks.

A. i had it done almost 2 years ago,and i would do it again in a heart beat, just wished i wouldn"t of waited so long,too have it done.