If you’re deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, you probably have questions about what to expect from the procedure. The entire process can be categorized into three main parts the initial examination, surgery, and postoperative checkups. Here is what you can expect from each part.
The initial examination
Once you have decided to start looking into getting LASIK eye surgery, you will need to have a consultation visit with a LASIK surgeon. During this visit, the doctor will take a thorough examination of your eyes to determine the type of vision problem you are having and what corrective actions will need to be taken. This is done with a Wavefront scanner which makes a 3-D map of your eye to guide the surgeon during the reshaping process.
After this is complete, the doctor will discuss what can be done, the results you can expect to achieve, and will make recommendations on how to proceed. Now is also the time to discuss the risks, eye health history, and have any other questions you have about the process answered.
If your surgeon determines you are a good candidate for surgery and you are ready to proceed, the next step will be the surgery itself.
Surgery
Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment on the day of your LASIK surgery. Once there, you will lie down on a reclined chair where a numbing eye drop will be administered, your eye will be cleaned and a specialized tool will be used to keep your eyelids open.
To begin the surgery, the doctor will need to make a flap in the cornea, the outermost portion of the eye. There are two methods used to create this corneal flap: use of a metal microkeratome blade, or a laser microkeratome. If your corneal flap is being made using the metal microkeratome, a device will be placed over your eye which applies suction to the cornea. The microkeratome attaches to this device and creates the flap within a few seconds. During this time your vision will dim and you may also experience some discomfort. After the flap is made, both devices will be removed.
If a laser microkeratome is used, your cornea will be flattened using a clear plastic plate. Again, your vision will temporarily dim and you may feel discomfort. Then a high powered laser makes a thin incision into your cornea to create the flap. After the flap is made, the plastic plate will be removed and the reshaping process can begin.
The doctor will now fold the corneal flap on its hinge and dry the exposed area. You will be asked to stare at a light to keep your eye in place so the laser can accurately reshape portions of your exposed cornea. The reshaping laser is computer guided by the map created from the Wavefront scanner made during your initial visit to precisely remove portions of corneal tissue. Once the reshaping is completed, the surgeon will replace the flap and a shield will be put on your eyes to protect them while the flap heals. This entire process should be complete in about 30 minutes. You will also receive instructions on any medications to take and how to care for your eyes while they heal.
Postoperative checkups
Typically, your eye surgeon will make a follow up appointment with you for the day after your surgery to ensure everything went well. You will have your vision tested and your eyes will be examined by a specialized microscope to enure that the corneal flaps are healing properly. You will also have appointments to visit your eye surgeon one week, one month, three months, and six months after your surgery to measure the effectiveness of the surgery and ensure proper healing. It is important that you follow your doctor’s directions and discuss any vision problems at these checkups.
As time goes by, your vision will improve and any residual vision problems should fade away. If a touch-up is required, most patients have it performed 2 to 3 months after the initial surgery.
Knowing what to expect from LASIK eye surgery can take a lot of worry and anxiety out of the mind of patients. If you and your doctor decide LASIK is right for you, this should help you to know exactly what will happen.
