Lasik Eye Surgery- How it Works

Lasik eye surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to physically reshape your cornea. This reshaping is done through a tissue removal process known as photoablation. A computer driven beam of ultraviolet light (laser) precisely stimulates select molecules on your cornea until they break up and are vaporized. Each pass of the laser removes approximately 0.25 microns of tissue (about 1/500th the size of a human hair).

For a nearsighted patient, the lasik eye surgery procedure entails removing tissue from the center of the cornea to flatten out its shape. For a farsighted patient, the lasik eye surgery procedure is used to remove tissue from the outer parts of the cornea to make its shape more acute. The lasik eye surgery technique used to correct astigmatism entails the removal of selected corneal tissue to smooth out the surface of the cornea. In actuality, lasik eye surgery reshapes the surface of your eyes to match your current glasses prescription.

The Procedure:

First the lasik surgeon marks your cornea to indicate where the flap will be made. This mark is made with an optical zone or lasik eye surgery marker.

Then, the lasik surgeon places a suction ring on the sclera surrounding the cornea. Once suction is applied, you will not be able to see during the lasik eye surgery.

Next, the lasik surgeon maneuvers the microkeratome across the track of the suction ring. The lasik surgeon is careful not to make a complete circle, but to stop short leaving just enough tissue attached to act as a hinge for the flap.

Once the flap has been created, the suction ring is removed

After the ring is removed, the lasik surgeon uses a spatula tool to lift the flap exposing the inner cornea (called the stroma)

After the flap has been lifted, the lasik surgeon initiates the laser eye surgery procedure. This typically takes 30-60 seconds depending on the amount of correction needed.

After the computer-guided laser has finished, the lasik surgeon will lubricate and cleanse the area, and then close the flap.

The lasik eye surgery is now finished for the first eye, and the lasik eye surgery procedure will now be repeated on the second (if need be)

After the lasik eye surgery is complete, you will be escorted out of the operating room into a waiting area to relax.

After 15-20 minutes of resting with your eyes closed, the lasik surgeon or staff optometrist will check to see if your flaps are in place using a slit lamp.

At this point, the lasik surgeon will instruct you to take a nap when you get home and to use over the counter pain relievers for any discomfort. The lasik surgeon will also inform you how often to use the antibiotics, anti-inflammatory eye drops and artificial tears provided.

The most important thing to remember after your lasik eye surgery is not to rub your eyes. Your corneal flaps begin to heal immediately after they are closed, but excessive rubbing can re-open them.

Once the lasik surgeon has given you the instructions he will schedule a follow up appointment for you on the next day so that they can monitor your progress. You are now free to go, but use caution when leaving and have a designated driver.

After the anesthetic eye drops wear off after your lasik eye surgery, your eyes will feel slightly irritated for 2-3 hours. It will feel like there is something in your eye, but don’t rub it.

A good way to deal with the discomfort after lasik eye surgery is to take a nap. Sleep helps escalate the healing process.

Within 24 hours of your lasik eye surgery your eyesight should be significantly improved. Over the next several days it will get even better as your healing process progresses.