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LASIK Basics - Laser Sharp Vision

  • LASIK: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
  • Principle: Excimer laser photoablates corneal stroma under a flap, reshaping cornea for vision correction.
  • Lasers Used:
    • Flap Creation: Femtosecond laser.
    • Stromal Ablation: Excimer laser (193nm ArF).
  • Advantages vs. PRK: Faster visual recovery, ↓ post-op pain, less haze.

⭐ Excimer laser (193nm ArF) causes photoablative decomposition, breaking C-C bonds in corneal stroma with minimal thermal damage. LASIK procedure steps: flap creation and stromal ablationoka

LASIK Candidacy - Perfect Peepers?

  • Indications: Myopia (≤-10D), Hyperopia (≤+4D), Astigmatism (≤4-5D).
  • Criteria: Age >18-21 years; stable refraction for ≥1 year.
  • Absolute Contraindications: Keratoconus, active corneal disease, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, pregnancy/lactation, unrealistic expectations.
  • Relative Contraindications: Thin corneas (Residual Stromal Bed - RSB critical), severe dry eyes, large pupils, glaucoma, poorly controlled diabetes.
  • 📌 Mnemonic (Contraindications): K SOAP (Keratoconus, Systemic, Ocular surface, Age/Amblyopia, Psychological/Pregnancy).

⭐ Minimum Residual Stromal Bed (RSB) of 250-300 µm (ideally >300µm) is crucial post-ablation to prevent iatrogenic keratectasia.

LASIK Pre-Op - Measuring Up

  • History: Detailed ocular & medical.
  • Visual Acuity: Uncorrected (UCVA) & Best-Corrected (BCVA).
  • Refraction: Manifest & Cycloplegic (crucial for latent hyperopia, myopic overcorrection).
  • Corneal Assessment: Topography/Tomography (e.g., Pentacam) to rule out keratoconus/forme fruste.
  • Pachymetry: Central Corneal Thickness (CCT); average 530-550 µm.
  • Pupillometry: Scotopic pupil size (risk for night vision issues).
  • Tear Film & IOP: Schirmer's, TBUT; Intraocular pressure.

Corneal Topography Maps for LASIK Pre-Op Assessment

⭐ Corneal topography/tomography is essential to rule out keratoconus and forme fruste keratoconus, absolute contraindications for LASIK surgery.

LASIK Procedure - Flap & Zap Dance

  • Anesthesia: Topical anesthetic drops (e.g., Proparacaine).
  • 1. Corneal Flap Creation ("Flap"):
    • Methods: Mechanical microkeratome (blade) or Femtosecond laser (bladeless).
    • Flap Thickness: 90-160 µm.
  • 2. Stromal Ablation ("Zap"):
    • Laser: Excimer (193 nm Argon Fluoride).
    • Action: Reshapes corneal stroma based on pre-operative calculations.
    • Precision: Eye tracking systems active.
  • 3. Flap Repositioning:
    • Careful alignment and adherence of flap (sutureless).
    • Interface irrigation performed.

⭐ Femtosecond lasers create more precise, planar flaps with customizable hinge position and side-cut angles compared to mechanical microkeratomes.

LASIK Eye Surgery Steps: Flap, Laser, Repositioning

LASIK Complications & Post-Op - Healing Hurdles

  • Post-Op Care:
    • Meds: Topical antibiotic (Moxifloxacin), steroid (Prednisolone acetate), lubricants. Eye shield nightly.
    • Early Symptoms: FB sensation, photophobia, tearing, mild pain, transient fluctuating vision.
  • Complications: 📌 FADE IN (Flap issues, DLK, Ectasia, Infection, Neurotrophic Keratopathy/Dry Eye)
    • Intra-op: Flap (buttonhole, free cap, incomplete, thin).
    • Early Post-op: Flap dislocation/striae, DLK ('Sands of Sahara'), infection (rare), epithelial ingrowth.
    • Late Post-op: Corneal ectasia (most feared; risk: thin RSB, poor topography), regression, chronic dry eye, night vision issues.

    ⭐ Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK), 'Sands of Sahara,' non-infectious interface inflammation. Grade 1-2: topical steroids. Grade 3-4: flap lift/irrigation. LASIK Complications: Risks, Symptoms, and Causes

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • LASIK: Excimer laser (193nm ArF) ablates stroma under a corneal flap.
  • Flap created by microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
  • Corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
  • Contraindications: Thin cornea (<500µm pre-op), Residual Stromal Bed (RSB) <250µm, keratoconus, unstable refraction.
  • Most common complication: Dry eyes. Serious: DLK, epithelial ingrowth, corneal ectasia.
  • Minimum age 18 years; refraction stable for >1 year.

Practice Questions: LASIK

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which laser is used in the management of posterior capsule opacification (PCO)?

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Flashcards: LASIK

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_____ is the tonometer of choice for post LASIK corneas.

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_____ is the tonometer of choice for post LASIK corneas.

Pascal

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