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: 8/17/2007 Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
