Procedures

How the LASIK Procedure Works

LASIK is a procedure that basically uses two high technology instruments, an excimer laser and a microkeratome, which work together to reshape the corneal surface. LASIK helps patients who have refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism.

A device will be used to separate the thin layers of the cornea, which make a "flap". The excimer laser is an extremely precise instrument, which combines a computer and a laser to vaporize the layers of corneal tissue beneath the "flap". 

How It Works

LASIK/Nearsightedness To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing the tissue from the center of the cornea.	.....
.
LASIK/Farsightedness To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
.
LASIK/Astigmatism To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.

Images copyrighted and licensed by Stephen F. Gordon


Day of Surgery

1.		On the day of surgery, patients are given a mild sedative to relax (usually valium).
2.		Anesthetic drops are then placed in the patient's eyes, which numbs the eye being treated.
3.		A device will be used to create the "flap", thus separating the corneal tissue.
4.		As the patient focuses on a light, the laser reshapes the corneal tissue to the physician's calculations. (Treatment time is usually 15-60 seconds depending upon correction needs).
5.		The "flap" is then gently placed back over the treated area and the surgeon realigns it for proper healing.
6.		Clear eye shields are placed over the patient's eyes and are to be worn for the initial 24 hrs until patient is seen post-operatively.
7.		Patients are urged to go home and sleep following surgery. The first 6-8 hrs following surgery may result in minor discomfort, such as grittiness, stinging or burning sensation.
8.		Non-prescription pain relievers may be taken following surgery for mild discomfort.
9.		Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are normally given to expedite healing at the 24-hr post-op visit.
10.		Patients are normally followed on a post-op schedule based upon their needs and progress (normally 24-hr, 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months post-operatively).