LASIK Surgery

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure. Anesthetic (numbing) eyedrops are placed in the eye immediately prior to surgery in order to minimize discomfort during the procedure. In some cases, a mild sedative pill may be administered to reduce apprehension prior to surgery. The eyelid is cleansed and held open using a special instrument. The other eye is covered with a patch during the treatment.

During the LASIK procedure, the surface cells on the cornea usually remain intact. The first step of the procedure involves a device known as a microkeratome to create the corneal flap. In order to do this accurately, the pressure inside the eye needs to be raised to extremely high levels. This is accomplished with a suction ring placed on the white of the eye. When the suction ring is activated, the pressure inside the eye is confirmed to be sufficiently elevated and the microkeratome is used to cut a partial thickness (generally less than 1/3 of total corneal thickness) section of corneal tissue. In the vast majority of cases, the microkeratome is stopped before it completely goes accross the cornea, creating the desired hinged flap. In rare cases a full round disc is sectioned (called a cap). After the flap is created, it is retracted exposing the underlying stroma.

With the underlying corneal tissue exposed, the laser application begins. This usually takes 30 - 60 seconds depending on the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness and /or astigmatism that is being treated. The exact number of pulses delivered by the laser is calculated by the laser's computer. During the procedure, the patient will hear a load snapping sound and may detect a slight odor (resulting from the interaction of laser light and the corneal tissue).

After the laser treatment, the flap is put back in its original position (a cap can be similarly replaced into position) without sutures. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are placed in the treated eye after the procedure si completed.

In the immediate post-operative period, the patient may notice his/her vision to be significantly improved compared to before surgery. Best vision, however, may take several days or weeks to achieve. Because of this, and also because of potential effects of any sedatives administered, the patient will not be allowed to drive home. Surgery will not be performed unless a driver is present or other arrangements have been made.