Laser eye surgery glossary
L
Lacrimal gland
Organ in the eye responsible for tear formation. Further reading
LASEK laser eye surgery
Laser ASsisted Epithelial Keratomileusis. An adaptation of the PRK procedure where the epithelium is first softened by diluted alcohol before moving it aside as an 'epithelial flap', prior to the use of the laser. Unlike PRK, the aim is to keep this epithelium flap intact and replace it in position once the laser eye surgery treatment is complete. This should mean the first 24-72 hours after treatment are more comfortable (less pain) than in the case of PRK. Further reading
Laser
An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A medical instrument that produces a powerful beam of light and can produce intense heat or cool vaporization when focused at close range. Lasers are often used in surgery to remove tissue. Further reading
Laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery is any surgical procedure that attempts to decrease the patient's refractive error using a laser. Typically the surgeon alters the shape of the cornea in order to change the angle at which an image is projected onto the retina. Further reading
Laser Keratome
A laser device used to create a corneal flap.
LASIK laser eye surgery
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. The most common laser eye surgery procedure in the world. A flap of corneal tissue is raised and the laser is applied to remove some of the tissue of the exposed layers of cornea, before the flap is replaced in position. The removal of the tissue makes the refractive change designed to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Further reading
Lazy eye
See Amblyopia. Further reading
Lens
A transparent material used to bend light and form images correctly onto the back of the retina. Lenses placed in a frame and worn as glasses, or placed directly onto the surface of the eye as contact lenses, or surgically placed inside the eye. The natural lens inside the eye bends the light as it passes through can change shape (accommodate) in order to see objects at different distances. In older age this lens can become stiff which results in the need for reading glasses and is called presbyopia. In old age this lens can become cloudy and is called a cataract which then requires removal and replacement by a new lens. Further reading
Limbus
The visual borderline between the clear window (cornea) and the white globe (sclera) of the eye. The conjunctival layer which covers the globe also joins at the limbus.
