What Is LASIK? What Is LASIK? LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Intrastromal Keratomileusis. In plain English this means the reshaping of the cornea between a flap using a laser. Over time our eyes lose the ability to focus by changing shape slightly. The LASIK procedure can reshape the corner, giving the eye the ability to clearly focus again. History Of LASIK Excimer Lasers (the technology used to perform LASIK) were first introduced in 1988, and reshaping of the cornea was done after the epithelium was removed. This procedure is known as PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy. PRK patients often took a long time to heal and occasionally had reduced vision, and unwanted glare. In 1991 Dr. Palikaris modified the PRK procedure by making a flap in the cornea allowing the laser treatment to be placed inside the cornea, instead of on top of it. This allowed patients vision to clear almost instantly and have minimal amounts of discomfort (most patient´s liken the discomfort to having a dirty contact lens). This procedure is known as Conventional LASIK. LASIK Today Today's most current laser, the Star S4 IR, is quite different from the lasers of the past; offering larger, smoother treatment resulting in superior results. In 2001 the Active Tracker was released allowing patients to not worry about 'What if I move my eye?'. The Active Track is constantly monitoring the position of the eye and only allowing treatment when it is perfectly aligned. Our Approach Laser Eye Institute patients having conventional LASIK are getting the safest, most advanced technology with the VISX Star S4 IR Laser. Dr. Haddad has been performing vision correction for over 25 years. At the Laser Eye Institute 98% of our LASIK patients are seeing 20/20 (perfect vision) or better. Dr. Haddad is a leader in the field of LASIK. He has lectured nationally and performed many published studies regarding LASIK. While he is seeing great results with Conventional LASIK, Dr. Haddad sees even better results with the CustomVue Customized LASIK procedure; which is why, for most patients, he recommends CustomVue. One Of Many Procedures LASIK is just one method of a wider array of procedures for correcting vision, known as refractive surgery, and just one type of laser vision correction. Other procedures include Cataract surgery, ICL (Implatable Contact Lens), PRK, EPI-LASIK (Surface or Blade-Free Treatment). During a consultation with Dr. Haddad he will discuss the various treatment options and procedures. There are variations of LASIK that fall within the laser vision correction category: EPI-LASIK – This variation of LASIK uses a Microkeratome to slide over the surface of the cornea to remove the film like layer of cells (epithelial). The same laser treatment is applied, then the epithelium flap is placed back down and a bandage contact lens is applied after the procedure to promote rapid healing. LASEK – This is another variation of LASIK in which no flap is created and no blade is used. The surface of the eye is prepped with an alcohol based substance and then the laser treatment is applied. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye after the procedure to promote healing. The healing time for LASEK is considerably longer, and is usually recommended to patients who have thinner corneas or have a high risk of eye trauma. CustomVue LASIK – This wavefront-guided custom LASIK procedure is the most technologically advanced vision correction procedure available. Wavefront maps make this form of treatment 25 times more precise than conventional or traditional LASIK. Related Pages Vision Correction Procedures LASIK Pricing Dr. Haddad Biography