LASIK typically takes 5 to 10 minutes per eye. Each step of the procedure
is explained to you as it is performed.
- Eye drops are used to anesthetize your eye and make the procedure
completely comfortable. No injections or needles of any kind are used
during the LASIK procedure.
- An eyelid holder called a "lid speculum" is used to keep
you from blinking during the procedure. Because of the anesthetic
eye drops used, you will not feel the need to blink during the procedure.
- A ring is placed on the white part of the eye (sclera) to help hold
your eye steady during the creation of the protective corneal flap.
You will not see anything or feel any discomfort other than a "pressure
sensation" from the ring during the creation of the corneal flap.
- The corneal flap will then be lifted, but remains attached to the
cornea by a "hinge" of corneal tissue.
Your surgeon will ask you to fixate carefully on a red target light.
It is not uncommon for patients to move their eyes slightly during
the procedure, and small movements will not cause any risk or damage
to the eye.
- The computer-controlled Excimer laser is then applied to the central
part of the cornea to remove a precise amount of tissue (usually less
than the thickness of one human hair). You will hear a clicking or
tapping noise while the laser is being used. The surgeon will be able
to constantly keep the laser beam centered on your eye with a joystick
control and is able to stop the laser for any reason in a fraction
of a second.
- The flap is then placed back in the original position and your eye
will be left to "settle" for a few minutes. Your eye will
create a "natural vacuum" to keep the flap in place without
the need for sutures until the protective layer of the eye grows to
keep it together (within 24 hours).
- Vision will be blurry immediately after the procedure, but will start
to improve within a few hours. Most patients are able to see to drive
and go back to work within one day.
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