Lasik Procedure: How Does Lasik Work

LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It is a vision correction surgery performed using a laser. During LASIK eye surgery, the shape of a person's cornea is permanently changed in order to improve vision and minimize their dependency on glasses or contact lenses. It is performed for all degrees of nearsightedness. The Food and Drug Administration first approved the excimer laser for use in LASIK procedures in November 1998. It also ruled that individual physicians can perform LASIK under the general 'practice of medicine,' if it's in the patient's best interest.

Preoperative LASIK procedure involves an evaluation of your medical history, as well as some eye tests. Examinations to ensure that a person's eyes are healthy, and that surgery is a possibility include checking of the shape of the eyes, and measuring corneal thickness, refraction and size and position of the pupils. Like before all surgeries, a patient will have to sign a consent form acknowledging the risks and possible complications.

How Does LASIK Work

The LASIK procedure may be done on both eyes during one session, or may be done in two sessions. The LASIK procedure is commenced by the doctor placing anesthetic drops in your eyes, that makes the surface numb. The eyelids will be held wide open using an instrument called a lid speculum, so that they do not cause any interference during the procedure. Then, a thin film of corneal tissue is cut off the outer layer of the eyeball with a special knife (a mechanical or laser microkeratome), but a small portion is left attached so that it forms a flap. The flap is then lifted out of the way, following which a special laser reshapes the deeper underlying corneal tissue. The laser is guided by a computer program which contains the patients individualized, corrective data. This program dictates how much tissue is to be removed. The corneal flap is then replaced and secured by the doctor, without stitches. The doctor will then place an eye shield or patch over the eye or eyes to protect the eye and prevent rubbing during the healing process. LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

Soon after the surgery, most people experience burning and itching in the eye, or a feeling that something is in one's eye. At this time it is critical not to scratch or rub the eye, or the flap may get dislodged or displaced. Your doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever to alleviate this discomfort.

Many patients experience blurry or hazy vision for a short while during the recovery period. Certain other problems such as sensitivity to light or seeing halos around lights may also occur. However, if there is severe pain or any of the symptoms worsen, one must immediately contact their doctor. During the first appointment after surgery, the eye shield will be removed, and your vision will be examined by your doctor. He may also prescribe eye drops to prevent infection. Fluctuation of vision for a few months after surgery is normal, and it may take up to 6 months for a person's vision to stabilize completely.

Post operative care is very important. The eyes must be protected, and lotions, cremes, and eye make-up should be avoided for between 2 - 4 weeks after surgery. Contact sports such as boxing, football, karate, etc., should be avoided for four weeks at the least after surgery. Driving, especially night driving, must not be attempted until one's vision has stabilized. Also keep away from swimming pools, hot tubs and whirlpools, which are sources of infection. Most importantly, follow all your doctor's instructions.

When a person considers going in for LASIK surgery, they must first and foremost understand whether they are a good candidate for the surgery. Ideally, one should be over 21 years of age. Also, one must have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars and any other eye diseases. Also, all the risks and advantages involved must be properly understood. The most important step is to discuss your case with your doctor and follow the advised course.