Excimer Laser 

An excimer laser produces a concentrated beam of ultraviolet light that can be precisely focused. 

• Designed in the 1970s
• Cool laser beam of unequaled precision
• Removes 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second
• Average procedure time is 10 minutes
• Typically a layer of tissue as slender as a human hair is removed

 
 

Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
The day of your procedure: 
  • Wear comfortable clothing, avoid eye makeup, perfume, hair spray and earrings. 
  • Bring someone with you to drive home. 
  • Meet with Dr. Saidel and Dr. Sclafani to discuss any remaining questions and concerns. Sign an informed consent. 
  • Eyelids and lashes will be cleaned and antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes. 
  • The planned correction is programmed into the computer of the laser by Dr. Saidel. The computer controls the amount and distribution of the laser energy to reshape the cornea. 
  • You lie flat on a reclining chair and your eyelid is held open with a special instrument. 
  • Dr. Saidel will use a suction ring to stabilize the position of your eye and increases the pressure to a level that is needed for proper functioning of the microkeratome. 
  • The microkeratome is a mechanical shaver that contains a sharp blade that moves back and forth at high speed. This process creates a partial flap in the cornea of uniform thickness. 
  • The cornea flap is then folded back on the hinge, by Dr. Saidel, exposing the middle portion of the cornea. 
  • The laser delivers a programmed number of pulses of ultraviolet light to remove tissue and reshape the center of the cornea. 
  • The hinged flap is folded back into its original position by Dr. Saidel. The flap adheres naturally and securely. 
  • The center of the cornea is now flattened, so light rays are focused more directly on the retina, and images are in better focus.
 

Astigmatic Correction
Astigmatism measurements describe to what degree the cornea is "non-spherical". The excimer laser reduces the degree of astigmatism by removing corneal tissue in an asymmetric manner. This is accomplished by utilizing an oval-shaped laser beam. 

 

 Astigmatism Correction(1)

Incisional Procedure

Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is a surgical procedure used to decrease astigmatism. This procedure can be used in combination with radial keratotomy and excimer laser vision correction. During astigmatic keratotomy, a diamond blade set to a precise depth makes a circumferential incision in the cornea. This allows the cornea to become more spherical (like a basketball) which allows uniform refraction of light rays thereby clarifying vision.		 Astigmatism Correction(2)
 

PRK Procedure 

Almost identical to the LASIK procedure, except that in the PRK the surface of the cornea is treated without the creation of the corneal flap. Instead the protective surface layer (epithelium) is gently removed. After the laser process is completed, Dr. Saidel places a clear "bandage" contact lens on your eye and you will receive additional eye drops. The bandage lens is usually worn for three days, and then removed at your post-op visit. The epithelial layer is regenerated within 3-5 days. This change in the cornea brings the focal point of the eye closer to the retina and improves ones distance vision.