Step by Step Lasik

A detailed map of the surface of the eye is created to calibrate the specialized laser used in the procedure. Anesthetic drops are applied in each eye to ensure that the patient will feel no pain in the process.

The patient will recline in a chair, looking into a small blinking light, where a instrument is used to keep the eye open. The surgeon will create a small flap in the cornea, no bigger than one-fourth of the entire corneas depth, using a surgical instrument called a microkeratome. The process, like the whole procedure, is painless…and only takes about 10 seconds.

The flap of the cornea is reflected, so that the corneal bed is exposed. A cool beam of light from the excimer laser is used to gently and precisely re-shape the cornea, thus correcting the vision of the patient.

The flap is carefully put back in place, where it acts as a natural “bandage” to the eye, and the instrument keeping your eyes open is removed. In a short amount of time, the flap will heal and bond securely. The entire procedure has taken only about five minutes, and the laser itself has actually been applied to the eyes for less than a minute, each.

After only a few minutes, and after more drops are placed in the eye for moisture, the patient is now blinking normally. While the patient cannot rub the eyes, in most cases, he or she will already be seeing results of the procedure immediately. The surgeon will prescribe lubricating drops for the eyes, as they will feel somewhat dry for the next few days. A ride should be pre-arranged- no motor vehicles are to be operated after the procedure. However, the patient will probably be out of the office only an hour or two after they walked in…and probably seeing better than they ever have before!