A Complete Guide to The Procedure of LASIK Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a very common form of treatment for short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism. Such important procedures can be done at clinics like Ultravision Tomy Starck M.D. Identical to other refractive surgeries, LASIK surgery modifies the cornea in such a manner that light directly focuses on the retina, thus providing improved vision to the patient.
If you are a candidate for LASIK surgery, this guide will give you a comprehensive idea of the entire procedure.
How is it done?
Anesthetic drops are used by the LASIK eye surgeon and there is no need for stitches. A round flap is made in the cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond. This flap is then folded to reveal access to the stroma where tissue in the cornea is removed with the use of an excimer laser. The removal of tissue reshapes the cornea to improve the patient’s vision.
If the patient suffers from short-sightedness, the cornea is flattened during the procedure. On the contrary, a steeper corner is favored in a case of long sightedness. Astigmatism is treated by using the laser to smoothen the cornea into its ordinary form.
Following the modification of the cornea, the procedure is concluded by replacing the flap of the cornea that was previously cut out. The cornea is then allowed to be healed naturally.
Pre-op procedures
An eye test is done to ensure the eye is in a condition to undergo the procedure. Several characteristics including moisture levels, size of the cornea and the existence of other eye issues are usually checked for during the pre-op procedures. The cornea is then mapped out using a corneal topographer. Your previous health records will also be taken into consideration, regardless of whether you are in New York or San Antonio. LASIK surgeon will also ask you to cease using contact lenses for a period of time too. This is because the contact lenses can affect the usual form of the cornea.
What happens during the surgery?
The first step is the application of eye drops to numb the eye. The eye is then placed under a laser and a lid speculum keeps the eye open throughout the surgery. Before the flap is cut, the LASIK eye doctor marks the cornea and uses a suction ring to stop any unexpected movements in the eye. After the flap is cut, the LASIK doctor sets up the laser using a computer. You will be instructed to look at a certain point while the laser cuts into your cornea.
While you might feel pressure in the area, the overall process does not hurt and takes approximately five minutes.
Post-op procedures
Once the surgery is done, the LASIK doctor will let you rest for a while after which you will be subjected to a quick test of the results. Once that is done you are free to go home.
An itching sensation is common right after the surgery while burry vision might occur for some time. Your eyes will stabilize after a few days and you are highly recommended to rest at home for a week.