LASIK - Eye Anatomy
In Chicago, Illinois
The gift of sight is precious and requires careful study to maintain. At Northwestern Vision Correction Associates, our Chicago laser eye doctors have spent years studying the anatomy of the eye in order to help maintain or correct patients' vision. We've provided some basic information to give you a good idea of how the eye works and what is involved with refractive errors.
Our vision is basically a system of processing light. The way that our eyes process light determines how we view the world, including shapes, colors, brightness and contrast. When you focus on an object, light waves enter the eye through the cornea, then pass on to the pupil and through the crystalline lens. The light waves are bent by the cornea and lens, then the image is flipped upside down. The light waves then come to a focal point on the retina. Impulses then carry the "image" to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing you to see the image. With clear, natural vision, the cornea is smooth and perfectly curved. When a patient suffers from a refractive error, the corneal curvature is abnormal.
Myopia
About 22% of Americans are myopic, or nearsighted. With myopes, distant objects are blurred and near objects are clear. Light rays from a distant object converge before they should and prematurely focus in front of the retina, resulting in failure to view distant objects. During your refractive procedure, your LASIK surgeon will use the VISX Star 4 laser to flatten the cornea.
Hyperopia
About 25% of the population is hyperopic, or farsighted. With hyperopes, distant objects are clear, while close object appear blurry. Light rays from a near object come together to focus too late, beyond the retina, resulting in failure to view near objects. During your LASIK procedure, your surgeon will use the VISX Star 4 laser to steepen the cornea.
Astigmatism
In astigmatic patients, natural corneal curvature becomes altered (such as an egg shape), resulting in blurry vision for both near and distant vision. During your LASIK procedure, your surgeon will use the VISX Star 4 laser to create a more spherical cornea.
A thorough eye examination with one of our Chicago ophthalmologists will enable us to see if you might benefit from refractive surgeries such as LASIK. Contact Us
Discover LASIK and the world beyond glasses and contacts. Call or email Northwestern Vision Correction Associates in Chicago, Illinois for your free vision consultation.