Clinical Information

The Tulane University Department of Ophthalmology offers a complete range of clinical procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic. Here are some of the procedures we provide patients.

LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis)

The word "keratomileusis" is derived from the Greek keratos (cornea) and mileusis (carving). Therefore, the cornea is "carved" horizontally and this flap retracted. An excimer laser is used on the inside of the cornea to change the eye's refraction. The flap is then put back into place. Below is a video that shows an actual procedure.

Cataract Removal

A cataract is an opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye. Its removal is accomplished in several stages. First, a capsulorhexis is performed, where the anterior lens capsule is incised. The nucleus is then separated from the rest of the lens by hydrodissection. The nucleus is removed using phacoemulsification (ultrasonic emulsification of the nucleus [phakos in Greek = "lens"]). The softer lens cortex is aspirated from the lens capsule. Finally, an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. During the capsulorhexis and IOL implantation, a substance called viscoelastic is used to help the eye maintain its shape.