The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is performed while the patient reclines under a surgical device called an excimer laser in an outpatient surgical suite.
First,
the eye is numbed with a few drops of topical anesthetic. An eyelid
holder is placed between the eyelids to keep them open and prevent the
patient from blinking. A suction ring placed on the eye lifts and
flattens the cornea and helps keep the eye from moving. The patient may
feel pressure from the eyelid holder and suction ring, similar to a
finger pressed firmly on the eyelid.
From the time the suction
ring is put on the eye until it is removed, vision appears dim or goes
black. Once the cornea is flattened, a hinged flap of corneal tissue is
created using an automated microsurgical device, either a laser called
a keratome, or an instrument called a microkeratome blade. This corneal
flap is lifted and folded back. Then the excimer laser preprogrammed
with the patient'' unique eye measurements is centered above the eye.
The
surgeon checks that the laser is positioned correctly. The patient
looks at a special pinpoint light, called a fixation or target light,
while the excimer laser sculpts the corneal tissue. Then the surgeon
places the flap back into position and smoothes the edges. The corneal
flap sticks to the main cornea within two to five minutes, and stitches
are not needed.
The patient should plan to have someone drive
him or her home after the procedure and then take a nap or just relax.
To help protect the cornea as it heals, the surgeon may place a
transparent shield over the eye(s) to protect against accidental bumps
and to remind the patient not to rub the eye(s). The patient may need
to wear the shield only when sleeping. The surgeon will provide eye
drops to help the eye heal and relieve dryness.
It may take
three to six months after LASIK surgery for the improvements in a
person's vision to fully stabilize and any side effects to go away.
