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	Myopia, commonly referred to as Nearsightedness, is a condition whereby light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on the retina.
	Farsightedness or hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. When this happens, visual images are focused behind the retina.
	Astigmatism is a condition in which light rays focus on multiple points of the retina.

Laser vision correction works by sculpting the cornea so that the light rays focus on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating the refractive errors described above. It cannot correct a condition called presbyopia, or the natural aging of the eye. Presbyopia typically effects people over the age of 40 and results in the need for reading glasses.

The VISX Excimer laser is an excellent tool to correct vision because of its precise accuracy. Developed by IBM as a tool to etch computer chips, the Excimer laser allows surgeons to remove corneal tissue with accuracy up to 0.25 microns with each pulse of the laser. To put it in perspective, a human hair is 125 microns in diameter!

The Kraff Eye Institute commonly performs all types of laser vision correction procedures including PRK. These procedures use the VISX Excimer Laser to achieve safe, precise results.

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is most commonly performed by our doctors because of the quick results and recovery time it provides. During LASIK, an instrument known as a microkeratome folds back a thin layer of corneal tissue. The Excimer laser's cool light then gently pulses to remove a predetermined microscopic amount of tissue in order to sculpt the cornea's surface and correct the refractive error. The amount of tissue to be removed is dependent on the eye's curvature. If you are nearsighted, your cornea will be made flatter, if you are farsighted, the doctor will be making your cornea steeper and if you have astigmatism, your cornea will be made more spherical. After the laser work is complete, the flap is placed back in position where it will naturally bond without stitches or bandages.

PRK (Photo refractive keratectomy) is very similar to LASIK except a corneal flap is never made. Instead, the eye's outer skin, called the epithelium is removed. Next, as in LASIK, the Excimer laser is used to shape the surface of the cornea, resulting in better vision. Finally, a temporary contact lens is gently placed over the cornea to act as a bandage.

Lasik surgery will change the way you see the world!