The point at which the LASIK flap remains connected to the cornea.

In the earliest days of experimentation with LASIK, there was no hinge; a "button" of tissue was cut out of the cornea and replaced after the laser was applied. The hinge was later added as an improvement, both in terms of not severing nerves in a 360 degree radius and allowing for more accurate repositioning of the flap.

Normally the flap hinge is either superior (at the top) or nasal (on the side towards the nose).

LASIK

Are we missing a good link on this page? Email it to us! (Please include a link to this page for reference.)

Last updated 1 Dec 2004.