Corneal Flap Management

Following the keratotomy, the surgeon is presented with a closed, non-contaminated corneal incision. The flap must be reflected, or laid back, to expose the underlying stromal bed where the laser pulses are delivered to remove and reshape the curvature of the cornea.

Conventional LASIK - In conventional LASIK, the flap is reflected open or folded in half (“Taco” technique) and is typically flayed either directly on the eye (nasal or temporal hinge), lid margin region (superior flap hinge) or on a surgical sponge or metal tool where it remains through out the laser delivery. During this period the flap may be directly exposed in fluids and secretions that contain debris, oils, and other contaminants from the lid margins and lashes. None of these methods provides for containment of the highly absorbent flap. (Illustration 13)

LAHayeSIK™ Surgical System - The LAHayeSIK™ Handpiece incorporates a patented non-metallic platform, providing an area for the facile and contained placement of the flap. The flap platform is contained within the cylinder body of the handpiece and is located above the level of the eye tissues, minimizing any direct contact of the flap with lashes, lid margins, drape edges, and cul de sac fluids. LAHayeSIK™ Surgical System provides for the contained placement of the delicate corneal flap “cradling” it during the laser treatment. The platform is designed to anatomically support the contoured flap and minimize flap/hinge “fold over”. (Illustration 14)

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