LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is a procedure in which a laser is used to reshape the outer curvature of the cornea to improve vision so that glasses or contact lenses may no longer be required. LASIK provides great promise for those who do not like glasses or may have difficulty wearing contact lenses, however, a patient should be thoroughly evaluated to make sure he or she is good candidate for this procedure. We work closely with area laser centers to help ensure excellent outcomes for our patients desiring laser vision correction.
How LASIK Works
During LASIK the surgeon first applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. Next a suction ring is applied that is designed to hold the eye steady and also confirms the pressure of the eye. The surgeon then creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the excimer laser is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The computer-controlled excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 60 seconds, high-energy pulses from the excimer laser actually reshape the internal cornea. The flap is then repositioned over the treated area. This is the exact corneal flap that serves a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Eye drops will be applied to assist with the healing process. You will be required to take eye drops on a regular basis in the post-operative period. Your doctor will then watch the eye for five minutes to ensure proper healing. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively.
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