Femtosecond Lenticule EXtraction (FLEX) is a new form of refractive eye surgery similar to LASIK that creates a lenticule for removal and a corneal flap, all with a femtosecond laser. Currently under development by Carl Zeiss MEDTEC for their VisuMax laser^[1][2] with good initial results,^[3] 20/10 PERFECT VISION has also reportedly begun development of a similar procedure. Refractive eye surgery is any eye surgery used to improve the refractive state of the eye and decrease dependency on glasses or contact lenses. ... LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a form of refractive laser eye surgery procedure performed by ophthalmologists intended for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. ... The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, providing most of an eyes optical power [1]. Together with the lens, the cornea refracts light and, as a result, helps the eye to focus. ... A femtosecond is the SI unit of time equal to 10-15 of a second. ... A laser (acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is an optical source that emits light in a coherent beam. ...

References

1. ^ http://www.ariva.de/news/article.m?id=2209897&secu=22
2. ^ http://www.revophth.com/index.asp?page=1_13191.htm
3. ^ http://www.lachmanconsulting.com/EyeQRpt9.pdf