LASIK

This is the most widely used technique worldwide for correcting refractive defects. It is a simple, fast, safe, painless, personalised operation, which is carried out in three steps:

1. It involves using a specially designed tool called a microkeratome to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, which is then folded back so that Excimer laser can be used.

2. The surgeon applies Excimer laser to reshape the intermediate layer of the cornea, which takes between 5 and 45 seconds, depending on the type and magnitude of the defect being treated. The laser equipment has a safety mechanism that controls eye movements, known as an eye tracker, which makes it possible to direct the beam only at the parts of the cornea that need to be reshaped to correct the refractive defect.

3. Once the laser has performed its task, the thin flap of cornea is laid back in place.

This entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes and is completely painless. During the first few hours the patient may notice some slight discomfort, such as stinging or watering, and after a few hours, they will start to experience an improvement in their vision, without the need to depend on glasses or contact lenses.