Editing LASIK (section)

=== Operative procedure ===

LASIK permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an [[excimer laser]]. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome ([[femtosecond laser]]) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the [[corneal stroma]], the middle section of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser (excimer laser) vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.<ref name="LASIK FDA"/>

Performing the laser ablation in the deeper corneal stroma provides for more rapid visual recovery and less pain than the earlier technique, [[photorefractive keratectomy]] (PRK).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shortt AJ, Allan BD, Evans JR | title = Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = CD005135 | date = January 2013 | pmid = 23440799 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD005135.pub3 | quote = There was evidence that LASIK gives a faster visual recovery than PRK and is a less painful technique. Results at one year after surgery were comparable: most analyses favoured LASIK but they were not statistically significant. | pmc = 11848121 }}</ref>