Laser eye surgery is by far the most technologically advanced method available of restoring poor vision. LASIK, or Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis is the most common laser eye surgery procedure performed, with thousands of successful procedures performed since its inception. Prior to actually being scheduled for laser eye surgery, your surgeon will perform a very comprehensive eye examination and will give you ample opportunity to ask questions and address concerns.
Your examination will include a glaucoma test, retina exam, and careful measurements of a number of areas of your eyes. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you and inform you of any possible risks or complications. You will then be asked to sign an informed consent form. Be sure you completely understand the form before signing. Your physician will also advise you of anything you need to do before the procedure, such as not wearing contacts or make-up for a period of time.
The LASIK procedure itself is an outpatient surgical procedure, which is usually performed in the physicians office or surgical center. The surface of the eye will be numbed with anesthetic eyedrops. In the procedure itself, a very thin flap is made to the outer layer of the eyeball with an instrument called a microkeratome. The flap is then moved out of the way .The excimer laser is then used to remove a very thin layer of tissue beneath the flap to reshape the cornea. The amount and intensity of laser energy required for correction of your specific problem is pre-programmed into the lasers computer. After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is placed back over the cornea where it will adhere to the eyeball. The entire surgical procedure should take an average ten to fifteen minutes to complete.
Healing after a laser eye surgery procedure is fairly rapid. There will likely be some blurry vision on the day of the surgery and you may experience a mild burning sensation for a few hours after the procedure. Your doctor may give you prescription eye drops to keep your eyes moist and prevent infection. A follow up visit will usually be scheduled within 24-48 hours after the procedure, and then at regular intervals for the first 6 months after surgery.