LASERS IN EYE SURGERY
Introduction
   Our group researched the use of lasers in eye surgery to correct vision problems.  We have explored the basics of the eye, learning how the lens, cornea, and various fluids come togethr to form a structure that operates the same way that a converging lens in the physics world works.  We discovered that if the cornea is misshapen, optical problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can result.  Then, some sort of corrective measure is needed; it can come in the form of eye glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
    
      Radial Keratotomy (RK) and Photorefractive Keratectomoy (PRK) were the first laser surgical procedures and reshaped the cornea by sculpting it with a laser. Another type of laser eye surgery is Thermokeratoplasty. Heat from the laser is used to change the appearance of the cornea. The newest and most precise surgery is Lasik eye surgery. It was created to make a person not dependent on contacts or glasses. Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. With the use of the excimer laser, the procedure permanently alters the shape of the cornea.
   
      With regards to the physics associated with our topic, we have gone into great detail explaining how the eye works as a lens, and also have provided background information on how lasers function.
Discussion of Physics
The Eye
Lasers
Answers to Questions
What Physics Did These Articles Teach Me
How Could This Benefit Society
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Annotated Bibliography
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