Pre-Op
LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a common type of eye surgery that permanently alters the shape of the cornea--the transparent covering on the front of the eye--in order to improve vision and lessen or eliminate the need for eye wear. Before you undergo LASIK surgery, your doctor conducts a thorough eye examination, diagnoses any abnormalities and decides the precise area of your cornea that should be reshaped. This reshaping is accomplished with the use of a scanner (aberrometer) that produces a meticulous outline of your eye.
Surgery
LASIK eye surgery generally takes about a half hour. You are given medication to induce relaxation, and numbing drops are inserted in your eyes as you lie on your back in a reclining chair. A special instrument is used to keep your eyelids open. The large laser machine includes a microscope that's connected to a computer monitor.
Your eye doctor may use a mechanical blade called a microkeratome to cut a flap in the cornea. This involves placing a ring on your eye that's attached to a cutting device and applying high pressures to produce suction to the cornea. This may cause your vision to darken, and you may notice some brief irritation.
A laser is preprogrammed to take away a specific amount of tissue from your cornea. A minuscule piece of corneal tissue is eradicated with each pulse of the laser beam. You may notice an odor that is comparable to burning hair during the procedure. Once the reshaping is finished, the flap is folded back into its proper place and typically heals without stitches. Your doctor places a protective patch over the eye until it has sufficiently healed.
Post-Op
Upon completion of LASIK surgery, your eyes may be watery, itchy and possibly burn. Pain medication and/or eyedrops are available to help ease post-operation discomfort.
You will be able to see following LASIK eye surgery, but your vision will be blurry for a time. It generally takes three to six months before your eyes completely heal and your improved vision becomes permanent.
In certain cases, a second surgery is necessary to achieve desired results. Although the vision of most patients greatly improves following LASIK eye surgery, some people find they still need glasses for optimal vision.
