Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a safe, quick surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. It corrects the farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes and is generally painless, enabling patients to achieve 6/6 vision with a fast recovery.
LASIK works by creating a thin corneal flap, lifting it, and then using an excimer laser to vaporize microscopic tissue, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. This informative guide explains what LASIK eye surgery is and how it works.
How Does Lasik Work?
Every LASIK eye surgery procedure follows a consistent protocol defined by the specialist for decades. The process begins by creating a thin flap in the cornea, which is later lifted. A second laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. After reshaping, the corneal flap is repositioned and bonds back without stitches.
Step 1: Preparing the Patient for LASIK Eye Surgery
A surgeon performs a detailed scan of the eyes to determine the cornea’s shape and thickness before a LASIK eye surgery. This map serves as a blueprint for the subsequent treatment.
Step 2: Numbing the Eyes
Once the surgeon performs the detailed scan, they numb the eyes with eye-numbing drops and apply a suction ring, which may create pressure.
Step 3: Creating a Flap
After numbing the eyes and preparing the area, a surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap using a microkeratome (blade) or a femtosecond laser.
Step 4: Reshaping the Inner Cornea
The surgeon lifts the flap and reshapes the inner cornea (stroma) using an Excimer laser. In the case of nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened, and in the case of farsightedness, the cornea is steepened. In the case of astigmatism, the irregularities are smoothed.
Step 5: Healing after Eye Surgery
The flap is laid back down, adhering naturally without stitches. The laser procedure itself takes less than a minute per eye. Patients can go home the same day and resume their usual activities while following certain precautions.
Recovery and Results with LASIK
According to an online estimate, 700,000 Americans undergo LASIK surgery each year. It is one of the most popular elective procedures in the U.S., with over 95% patient satisfaction and high success rates in achieving 20/20 vision.
What Should You Expect After LASIK?
You will have dry eyes, but your doctors will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and keep your eyes moist. You may experience a slight burning sensation or blurred vision while using these eye drops. However, it is recommended that you don’t use any eye drops without first asking your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any issues or unusual side effects.
Bottom Line
If you are thinking about LASIK eye surgery, there is no need to worry, as many patients have benefited from LASIK, with a fast recovery and noticeable improvement within 24 hours.
You will start driving leggy the very next day without correction. However, there could be some mild dryness or light sensitivity earlier, but those won’t affect your new vision.