How Does A Laser Create A Lasik Flap?

The first thought that comes to mind of lasers for most people frequently is a simple laser pointer than casts a solid red or green dot across a room. After all, lasers really are just a concentrated burst of light. So how do lasers go from being just a light beam to being able to form complex 3D structures such as a lasik flap?

Not all lasers are the same. While some lasers works like the laser pointer and treat whatever it hits (such as how the excimer laser works in lasik to correct prescription). Some lasers can actually focus in and treat inside of transparent objects at a targeted spot. This is how the femtosecond laser works. The femtosecond laser is actually able to focus within the cornea to do a precise treatment.

Each treatment of the femtosecond laser creates a microscopic air pocket within the cornea. In fact, the femtosecond laser gets its name because each pulse of the laser is only a femtosecond long, which is insanely short: a millionth of a billionth of a second!! This short pulse allows the laser to be incredibly precise and gentle.

Now, one pulse wouldn’t really do anything. So, the next step for the laser is to create another pulse right next to the first one. In this way, these pulses are chained together to create multiple interlocking microscopic air pockets. With programming, these air pockets can take on complex shapes to create the shape of the lasik flap. All that is left is for the surgeon to finish connecting all the air pockets together and fold back the lasik flap for treatment!

Technology sure is incredible!

Also check out How Does Lasik Work? on EyeMountain.com

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