The Lasik Procedure And Beyond
Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) remains the most common type of laser vision correction surgery. This outpatient procedure is extremely effective in correcting nearsightedness - from mild to severe, as well as farsightedness and astigmatism.
A thin corneal flap is created and folded back.
Then a laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
The flap is then carefully folded back into its original position. Cornea reshaped rounder to treat farsightedness. Cornea reshaped flat to treat nearsightedness. The success of Lasik, the eye surgery that can replace glasses and contact lenses in fixing vision problems, has been well documented since it came out more than a decade ago. But a newer version of the procedure might urge more people to have the surgery. Called IntraLase, the new procedure uses a laser to cut a hole in the patient's cornea, the first part of the Lasik procedure. The laser reduces the occurrence of error in cutting the flap. Lasik is a two-part process. First, a flap is cut in the patient's cornea to gain access to other areas of the eye. The flap is removed for the procedure and then replaced when it is completed. Second, a laser is used to correct the patient's vision.
With IntraLase, the second part of the procedure is unchanged. But the new procedure uses a laser to make the incision for the flap rather than a hand-held device with a metal blade. The result is hailed as a safer, more precise Lasik procedure with reduced margin for error. The downside of IntraLase is the expense. The machine cost the institute $350,000. It racks up several hundred dollars in royalty fees each time it is used. Carlson said he did not expect to make a profit from IntraLase for at least two years. Basic Lasik surgery is about $1,300 per eye and IntraLase adds $300 per eye. The total cost per eye can be up to $2,100, depending on the amount of custom work performed on a patient, Carlson said. Lasik also can repair eye ailments such as astigmatism.
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