What is the LASIK procedure like?
In order to best understand how the LASIK procedure works, it is important to understand a little bit about the eye and vision errors. Your doctor will explain this information to you in a consultation visit. To locate a qualified specialist near you, please call 1800LaserDr (527-3737). The Eye and Vision Errors The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. It works in much the same way that the lens of a camera focuses light to create an image on film. The bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction. Usually the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect and the image on the retina is out-of-focus (blurred) or distorted. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors. There are three primary types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. -Myopia- Persons with myopia, or nearsightedness, have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. -Hyperopia- Pers
Some patients might be worried about lasik eye surgery. The main concern is usually about the common one about pain. Nobody likes to go under the knife, even when the knife in this case is a guided laser. The truth is, I hardly experienced any sensation during and after the procedure, except for some minor pain thereafter which was more than bearable. In fact, I expected it since there are hardly any surgeries that are done without some degree of pain thereafter. Those who are worried can ask for pain medication, but in the case of lasik, it is rarely required. Lasik surgery normally starts with the surgeon forming a flap on the cornea. This is done so that the cornea can be exposed and worked on underneath the flap. The surgeon then uses something known as an excimer laser to shape the cornea accordingly to allow improved eyesight. The flap is then later replaced once this part of the surgery is completed.
After preparation of the eyes with drops, an eyelid holder is placed so you cannot close the eye. A suction ring is placed on your eye to increase the eye pressure. You will feel a pressure sensation and your vision will dim. The microkeratome is used to create the flap. Then the pressure ring is removed and your vision returns but it is fuzzy. The flap is lifted, the laser treatment performed and the flap is replaced. The interface is irrigated and the flap adheres for several minutes. After the surgery the vision is moderately blurred for several hours.
After preparation of the eyes with drops, an eyelid holder is placed so you cannot close the eye. A suction ring is placed on your eye to increase the eye pressure. You will feel a pressure sensation and your vision will dim. The microkeratome is used to create the flap. Then the pressure ring is removed and your vision returns, but will be fuzzy. The flap is lifted, the laser treatment performed, and the flap is replaced. The interface is irrigated and the flap adheres for several minutes. After the surgery, your vision will be moderately blurred for several hours, and it is recommended that you go home and take a nap to allow for optimal healing of the flap.
