LASIK

What is LASIK?

The name "LASIK" is short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) which utilizes the Excimer Laser, LASIK reshapes the cornea with laser technology. The shape of the cornea is what determines whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism or have normal vision.

LASIK Surgery

Before Surgery

If you are interested in LASIK surgery, you will need an initial or baseline evaluation by your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. This consultation is free of charge. Your doctor will:

If you qualify for surgery, your doctor may tell you to stop wearing your contact lenses for a few weeks before the surgery is scheduled because contacts can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. Your cornea should be in its natural shape the day of surgery. Your doctor also may tell you to stop wearing makeup, lotions or perfume for a few days prior to your surgery. These products can interfere with the laser treatment or increase the risk of infection after surgery.

Also before your surgery, arrange for transportation to and from your surgery. On the day of surgery, your doctor may give you some medicine to make you relax. Because this medicine impairs your ability to drive and because your vision may be blurry, even if you don't drive make sure someone can bring you home after surgery.

During Surgery

LASIK is an ambulatory procedure; you walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again. In fact, the actual surgery usually takes less than one minute per eye, and you're awake the whole time. The doctor will give a mild oral sedative once you get to the surgery center. Numbing drops will also be put in your eyes. Most people don't feel anything during LASIK surgery.

The doctor will have you lie down, and then make sure your eye is positioned directly under the laser. (One eye is operated on at a time.) A numbing drop will be placed in your eye, and an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open. After lifting the hinged flap aside, the corneal bed is inspected for smoothness, gently cleaned, and moistened slightly to prepare it for the application of the Excimer laser treatment.

A special device cuts a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue off the outer layer of the eyeball (cornea) and the flap is lifted out of the way. A ring will be placed on your eye and pressure will be applied to create suction to the cornea. Your vision will dim while the suction ring is on and you may feel the pressure and experience some discomfort during this part of the procedure. The microkeratome, a cutting instrument, is attached to the suction ring. Your doctor will use the blade of the microkeratome to cut a flap in your cornea.

The surgeon will use an ink marker to mark where the flap should be placed. The flap is then created with either a microkeratome blade or with a laser, depending on the surgeon's preference. During the procedure you won't actually see the creation of the flap, which is very thin.

The doctor uses a computer to adjust the laser for your particular prescription. You will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea. Most lasers are equipped with a special tracking device that follows your eye even if it moves.

The laser light pulses will then painlessly remove the tissue. You'll hear a steady clicking sound as the laser is operating. The higher your prescription, the more time the surgery will take. The surgeon has full control of the laser and can turn it off at any time.

After LASIK:As with any kind of surgery, it's important that you follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Get proper rest, fill and use any necessary prescriptions and call your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem. What occurs after the surgery can affect your vision just as much as the surgery itself.

Immediately after LASIK, the doctor will have you rest for a bit, then you can go home (someone else must drive). At home, you should relax for at least a few hours.

You may be able to go to work the next day, but many doctors advise a couple of days of rest instead. They also recommend no strenuous exercise for up to a week, since this can traumatize the eye and affect healing.

Avoid rubbing your eye, as there is a chance (though slim) of dislodging the corneal flap.

Healing is relatively fast, but you may want to take a few days off after the surgery. Be aware that:

• You may experience a mild burning sensation for a few hours after surgery. Do not rub your eye(s).
• Your vision probably will be blurry the day of surgery, but it will improve considerably by the next day when you return for a follow-up exam.
• If you experience aggravating or unusual side effects, report them to your doctor immediately.
• Do not drive until your vision has improved enough to safely do so.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools for two weeks after surgery.
• Avoid eye make-up for ten (10) days.
• Avoid dirty, dusty, smoky environments for one week.