Lasik is a type of eye surgery that is intended to improve vision. It is an acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery, which means it changes the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear membrane that covers the pupil and iris, which is the colored part of the eye. The cornea bends, or refracts, light that passes through the eye and focuses it on the retina. When the cornea does not accurately focus the light, the result is poor vision. Lasik corrects the problem by changing the shape of the cornea, allowing it to more accurately focus light on the retina.
Before Surgery
Contact lenses should not be worn for a week before the Lasik surgery date. Eye cream or eye makeup should not be worn on the day of surgery. There should also be an arrangement for a ride home from surgery because vision can be blurry for a time after surgery.
Preparation
Patients preparing for Lasik surgery will lie on their backs in reclining chairs. They may be given a medication for the purpose of relaxation. Eye drops are applied to numb the eyes. The cornea is marked with an ink that is water-soluble to guide replacement of the corneal flap.
Eye Preparation
An instrument is used to keep the eyelid open and to hold the eye in a steady position. There may be a feeling of pressure because of this instrument. Vision may temporarily dim.
Keratectomy
During the keratectomy part of the procedure, the surgeon raises a thin layer of the cornea. This is a flap that is folded aside so the surgeon can cut the portion of the cornea that needs to be cut to change the refractive properties of the cornea. According to the Eye Surgery Education Council, the flap is the outermost 20 percent of the cornea thickness.
Laser Cut
The surgeon tests the laser for proper alignment and assists the patient to properly focus the eye on a point of light. The laser is automated by a computer and removes portions of the cornea that will improve its ability to focus. The laser process takes less than 60 seconds.
Flap Replacement
The corneal flap is folded back into position and is checked for 3 to 5 minutes by the surgeon to ensure it bonds properly. Healing is rapid, and no stitches or other bonding assistance is required.
After Surgery
There may be some temporary burning and itching in the eye after surgery. The eye may also be watery. A shield may be worn to assist with the healing process. It will take 2 to 3 months for the eye to completely heal and for vision to stabilize.
