What is an Excimer Laser?

Invented nearly 50 years ago, the excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser that is used to reshape the cornea during LASIK surgery. As opposed to burning or cutting corneal tissue to produce optimal contours, an excimer laser gently ablates tissue, safely improving your vision.

Excimer lasers are the only type of LASIK technology used in every LASIK procedure. How the flap is made in the cornea will differ from person to person, but the reshaping of the cornea itself is always performed with this safe and effective laser.

Excimer Laser Uses

Excimer lasers are not only used in LASIK, but in other refractive procedures as well, most notably PRK. Like LASIK, PRK uses an excimer laser to gently reshape corneal tissue, greatly improving both near and far vision. However, whereas in LASIK a flap is created with a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, PRK uses an excimer laser to remove the outer layer of corneal tissue as well as to reshape inner tissue for optimal eyesight. Which procedure is best for you will be dependent on factors such as the thickness of your corneas, your refractive error, and your personal desires.

If you are interested in learning if LASIK can help improve your vision, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area to schedule an appointment today.