By adjusting the depth and placement of incisions, a surgeon could correct varying amounts of nearsightedness or astigmatism. The Excimer laser keratectomy is a type of refractive surgery. It corrects nearsightedness or astigmatism by sculpting or reshaping the cornea and does not involve incisions in the cornea. Possible risks and benefits of this procedure should be explained to you prior to consent for the procedure. In the Excimer laser, a powerful electric current is passed through a tube.
Energy is produced by emitting a uniform light beam.
When focused through a system of mirrors with lenses, this beam produces changes in the corneal tissue. By controlling the size and energy of the laser beam, the physician is able to remove thin layers of corneal tissue. The Excimer laser procedure takes approximately 15 minutes in total. The laser is used for only 20 to 90 seconds. Before the treatment, you will be given a pain medication to help keep your eye comfortable during the procedure.