LASIK is now the vision correction procedure of choice for many ophthalmologists worldwide. Instead of removing the surface epithelium with the laser and exposing many nerve endings (as in PRK), the surgeon performing LASIK uses a motor-powered microkeratome to create a "flap." The flap is then lifted and reflected back, allowing a computer guided Excimer laser (cold laser) to use light pulses to remodel the corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the flap is gently positioned back onto the cornea. Since this procedure is less traumatic to the outer surface of the eye, vision is restored more quickly and the patient's discomfort is reduced. Most patients report greater comfort after surgery and can generally drive two to three days after the surgery.
The excimer laser is a type of laser used in refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
This laser is used to reshape the surface cornea in order to decrease patient's reliance on glasses. This laser is used in both PRK and LASIK. Most patients are able to drive without glasses after the procedure. Dr. Liang currently uses a scanning slit and spot beam laser with wavefront optimized profiles to achieve the best clinical results.