Patients are completely awake and aware during the entire procedure.
First, a thin layer of the cornea, or corneal flap, is lifted up as the microkeratome glides across the cornea. Then, in less than 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns. The procedure can treat low to high levels of nearsightedness and by adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, it may also be possible to treat farsightedness and astigmatism. After the tissue has been reshaped, the flap is replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches.