Why Does it Matter How Thick My Cornea is if I Want to Have Lasik?

<h1>Why Does it Matter How Thick My Cornea is if I Want to Have Lasik?</h1>Author: <a title="Jennifer Kimberley" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jennifer-kimberley/48226.htm">Jennifer Kimberley</a> Before answering that question specifically, let’s review what happens during LASIK surgery. To begin, numbing drops are applied to the eye so no pain is felt during the procedure. Next, an ultra-thin blade is used to create a flap on the top of the cornea. That corneal flap is folded back and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the vision problems to as close to 20/20 as possible. Finally, the corneal flap is replaced and left to heal naturally without the need for stitches. <a href="http://www.khannainstitute.com/lasik_candidate.html">Corneal thickness</a> is an extremely important consideration here due to the reshaping done to improve vision during the LASIK procedure. Having a condition known as keratoconus is an automatic disqualifier for having LASIK. Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease affecting ones vision. This hereditary condition includes a general thinning of the cornea along with a cone-shaped protrusion of the central cornea. Thinning the cornea further through laser vision correction can weaken an already diseased cornea and could require a corneal transplant sooner rather than later. Currently, no form of LASIK is recommended for patients with keratoconus. However, procedures such as PRK and LASEK are performed without making the corneal flap and are better suited for patients with thinner than normal corneas. PRK is an acronym for photo-refractive keratotomy and was around before LASIK surgery. An excimer laser is also used in this procedure but without having to allow for a corneal flap, it is safe to reshape the cornea without fear of worsening the existing keratoconus. LASEK is much like PRK, but a very thin layer of the epithelium (outer-most layer of cells on the cornea) is removed and replaced intact before and after the corneal reshaping procedure. If you are considering laser vision correction and have concerns about how good a candidate you might be, be sure to find a LASIK surgeon who has performed at least 1,000 laser vision correction procedures. These are the surgeons most likely to have the skill, experience, up-to-date equipment and technology necessary to meet your needs. You want an ophthalmologist who can provide a thorough exam, and exceptional care following your laser vision correction procedure. If you would like more information on LASIK vision correction in Orange County, California and the surrounding area, please visit <a href="http://www.khannainstitute.com/">Khanna Institute</a> of LASIK & Refractive Surgery today. About the Author: Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/why-does-it-matter-how-thick-my-cornea-is-if-i-want-to-have-lasik-724968.html" title="Why Does it Matter How Thick My Cornea is if I Want to Have Lasik?">Why Does it Matter How Thick My Cornea is if I Want to Have Lasik?</a>

Before answering that question specifically, let’s review what happens during LASIK surgery.

To begin, numbing drops are applied to the eye so no pain is felt during the procedure. Next, an ultra-thin blade is used to create a flap on the top of the cornea. That corneal flap is folded back and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the vision problems to as close to 20/20 as possible. Finally, the corneal flap is replaced and left to heal naturally without the need for stitches.

Corneal thickness is an extremely important consideration here due to the reshaping done to improve vision during the LASIK procedure. Having a condition known as keratoconus is an automatic disqualifier for having LASIK. Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease affecting ones vision. This hereditary condition includes a general thinning of the cornea along with a cone-shaped protrusion of the central cornea. Thinning the cornea further through laser vision correction can weaken an already diseased cornea and could require a corneal transplant sooner rather than later. Currently, no form of LASIK is recommended for patients with keratoconus.

However, procedures such as PRK and LASEK are performed without making the corneal flap and are better suited for patients with thinner than normal corneas.

PRK is an acronym for photo-refractive keratotomy and was around before LASIK surgery. An excimer laser is also used in this procedure but without having to allow for a corneal flap, it is safe to reshape the cornea without fear of worsening the existing keratoconus.

LASEK is much like PRK, but a very thin layer of the epithelium (outer-most layer of cells on the cornea) is removed and replaced intact before and after the corneal reshaping procedure.

If you are considering laser vision correction and have concerns about how good a candidate you might be, be sure to find a LASIK surgeon who has performed at least 1,000 laser vision correction procedures. These are the surgeons most likely to have the skill, experience, up-to-date equipment and technology necessary to meet your needs. You want an ophthalmologist who can provide a thorough exam, and exceptional care following your laser vision correction procedure.

If you would like more information on LASIK vision correction in Orange County, California and the surrounding area, please visit Khanna Institute of LASIK & Refractive Surgery today.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/why-does-it-matter-how-thick-my-cornea-is-if-i-want-to-have-lasik-724968.html

Article Tags: Los Angeles Ck, Los Angeles Contact Lenses, Los Angeles Crystalens, Los Angeles Custom Lasik, Los Angeles Eye Surgery, Los Angeles Epilasek, Los Angeles Eye Care, Los Angeles Eye Doctor, Los Angeles Eye Surgeon

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Travel Los Angeles

Play

Travel to Los Angeles

Play

Learn about Chinatown in Los Angeles

Play

The Golden Era of LA - Los Angeles, CA

Play

MacArthur Park - Los Angeles, California

Latest Vision Articles
More from Jennifer Kimberley

Eyeglasses, from need to Style

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
I’m sure you must know plastic glasses. Some of you maybe use it. People know eyeglasses from ancient time. An unknown Italian Glass worker from Tuscany was invented “Disk for the eyes” – the name they gave at that time - between 1280 and 1286. It was only suitable for farsighted, while concave lenses for the near-sighted did not appear until the 15th century.

Seeing the world through hipsters' eyes

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
Down at Frieze, the immense London contemporary art fair which takes over a chunk of Regents Park every October. My attention is not altogether on the art, however, but on an interesting development in eye-wear. This is a crowd which evidently fancies itself to be on-trend and one step ahead of the high street.

Makeover contest winner unveils new look at Women's Expo

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
The winner of a makeover contest sponsored by The Gazette, Bryant showed off her new look during a fashion show at The Gaston Gazette Women’s Expo on Saturday. She sported a red sweater and skirt from the Ruby Road collection, a new pair of rimless eye glasses and a vivacious new hairdo.

Looking through the looking glasses in S. Elgin

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
His estimate was based on the record number of full frame glasses -- 130,000 pairs -- being sorted there costing $100 each when purchased new at an eye doctor's office. These glasses, however, will not be resold in the United States but sent to needy people in developing countries.

Looking Great In Glasses Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
yeglass Frames Help Accentuate Features and Style Another factor in choosing frames is the lens prescription, which affectswhich frame style you should pick. Plastic frames are usually the first choicefor thick lenses, although they may have a tendency to slide down the nosefrequently without adjustable nose supports. Metal frames are more durable andcan be a great choice for people who prefer a lower-profile design. Whicheverthe choice of frames, be sure to pick a color that complements hair, e

Picking a Pair of Glasses?

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
The NHS believed that people would want discretion in their vision correction—the social humiliation generally thought to be incurred by wearing rimless glasses meant that no one would want their glasses to stand out. So there was one form of metal glasses made for everyone. Today, that sounds ludicrous.

4 Your Money: Trade In Deal Gets Cash For Glasses

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
we're all dealing with it but if taking care of your eyes has taken a backseat due to the cost, there is a South Florida optometrist who is trying to help.

Eyeglass Burglar, 11 Others Arrested in Theft Ring

By: Jeffery Scott | 11/11/2009
The arrests conclude a month-long investigation into a series of burglaries and stolen property trafficking. mens eyeglasses, electronics, TVs, laptops, designer clothing, alcohol and cigarettes were stolen, to be resold on the street.

Questions about a Mommy Makeover

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 30/10/2009 | Plastic Surgeries
Learn all about mommy makeovers and how they can improve the quality of life for moms of any age!

Types of Maritime and Boating Accidents

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 23/10/2009 | Personal Injury
The number of commercial-related maritime accidents reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) exceeds 4,500 annually, according to a DOT Waterborne Transportation Safety report.

Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 02/02/2009 | Health
Endoscopic breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures performed in cosmetic surgery in the United States. It is a state-of-the-art technique for breast enlargement.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 02/02/2009 | Health & Safety
Asbestos, a known cause of mesothelioma, remains a health risk for 1.3 million workers more than 30 years after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned its use in wallboard patching compounds, gas fireplaces, and electric hair dryers and other products.

The Difference Between Intralase and Microkeratome

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 02/02/2009 | Vision
For individuals considering surgery to correct vision problems, a number of safe and effective methods are available. Two of those methods are IntraLase and Microkeratome. While the two procedures share similarities, there are also major differences, particularly in how the surface of the cornea is prepared prior to making the corneal flap for LASIK.

Why Does it Matter How Thick My Cornea is if I Want to Have Lasik?

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 16/01/2009 | Vision
If you are considering laser vision correction and have concerns about how good a candidate you might be, be sure to find a LASIK surgeon who has performed at least 1,000 laser vision correction procedures. These are the surgeons most likely to have the skill, experience, up-to-date equipment and technology necessary to meet your needs. You want an ophthalmologist who can provide a thorough exam, and exceptional care following your laser vision correction procedure.

School Bus Accidents

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 08/01/2009 | Law
School bus accidents are terrifying and can be tragic. Often, there are multiple victims and sometimes multiple responsible parties, as well. Riding the school bus is statistically the safest way for a child to get to and from school, but whenever a child is late coming home, parents still fear the worst. Sometimes they are right.

Catastrophic Personal Injury

By: Jennifer Kimberley | 08/01/2009 | Law
A catastrophic personal injury can leave a person suffering from permanent disabilities for the rest of their life. Catastrophic injuries are any personal injuries that have serious, long-term effects on the victim.