LASIK - laser eye surgery

The method of cutting the cornea with diamond knives has been used from 1970. LASIK method (laser in situ Keratomileusis), which was developed by professor Pallikaris in Crete, is one of many other surgical procedures used to correct refractive disorders. It is a modern excimer laser method. Historical roots of laser surgery LASIK go back to 1949 to Barraquer´s Keratomileusis based on which in 1966 Ruiz developed the method of automatic lamellar keratectomy (ALK). With the help of microkeratome he created a regular lamella on the surface of the cornea. Then after he uncovered it he performed second incision deeper into the stromal parts of the cornea which lead to desired flattening of the cornea.

No surgical procedure is always one hundred percent successful and the same stands for LASIK eye surgery during which various complications can occur. LASIK method carries with it higher risk of postoperative complications which are mainly connected with the creation of the corneal lamella. Other complications can be divided into complications which occur during the surgery and during the use of a laser and the postoperative complications.

LASIK eye surgery is performed in two phases under strict sterile conditions. The laser eye surgery is performed under ambulatory conditions. Before the surgery itself mydriatics are applied to the eyes and patient receives a mild sedatives. During the LASIK procedure the patient lies on a comfortable bed and he is positioned under the device and watches red fixed point. Anesthetic drops are applied to anaesthetize the eye. An eye surgeon pastes the eyelashes to skin with adhesive tape in order they do not interfere during the surgery. A holder is placed under the eyelids which prevents the eye from blinking during the surgery.