What is LASIK?
LASIK, or In-Situ Keratomileusis is the most commonly performed refractive surgery used today to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out what millions around the World have already discovered through LASIK – clear vision and freedom from glasses or contacts.
The LASIK Procedure
After it has been determined that you are a candidate for the LASIK procedure and your pre-operative evaluations have been completed, it will be time to correct your vision. Upon being escorted into the laser suite, your eyes will be numbed using anesthetic drops. An eyelid holder will be placed against your eyelids in order to prevent you from blinking.
The Excimer Laser
LASIK involves the use of an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of “cool” laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage or pain as a result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.
Recovery
Recovery is fast. The first couple of hours after surgery, the eye feels somewhat irritated, with a burning sensation and some tearing. Vision is typically hazy during this time. Most patients nap for a couple of hours due to the preoperative sedation. After several hours, the irritation goes away and the vision begins to clear. The day after surgery, most irritating sensations are completely gone and vision is remarkably clear.
