LASIK

	Watch the Real Player Movie The LASIK Procedure (requires Real Player)

LASIK utilizes the VISX STAR S3 Eximer laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It is an outpatient procedure that is performed in the comfort of the Vision Correction Center. First the eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops. There are no shots involved, and there is very little discomfort throughout the procedure.

Then a horizontal flap incision is made using a Moria disposable microkeratome. The eximer laser then utilizes 193 nanometers of ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea.

On the forefront of technology, Dr. Couch is one of the only LASIK surgeons in this area to be using a new technological advance using a separate disposable Keratome head and blade for each individual patient. Moria, a French company, has been able to produce a disposable, high-grade plastic Keratome head manufactured with extremely tight tolerances.

This sterile head has the advantage of less likelihood of cross contamination, no contamination from sterilization agents, less handling by operating room staff, with the beauty that it will never be used enough to lose the tight tolerances necessary to make the exact flap depth necessary. Early reports have shown that the plastic used is gentler on the corneal epithelium than traditional metal Keratome heads. For patients concerned with safety, this is certainly the way to go.

A. Keratome

B. Corneal Flap

The Visx Star S3 applies the laser in a milli-second, multi-spot mode utilizing a seven-beam array:

		Charlene Jewell I have to admit I was a little nervous to take such a big step as eye surgery but Dr. Couch took the time to explain everything in detail. My surgery was so quick and successful I was able to see very clearly within a couple of hours. Now I see even better than I could with my glasses.