John Berdahl, MD

Dr. John Berdahl specializes in advanced Cataract, Corneal and Glaucoma Surgery, in addition to Refractive Surgery to correct nearsightedness.

The actual laser used in LASIK, LASEK, PRK and laser vision correction is known as the excimer laser. This excimer laser is used to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of "cool" laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.