LASKI

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) provides vision correction through the use of a laser by reshaping the cornea and changing its focusing power. This procedure can be used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (misshapen cornea).

How it is done

Before you undergo LASIK surgery, or any refractive surgery, you will be instructed to discontinue the use of contact lenses for 1 to 4 weeks prior to surgery to allow the cornea to return to its original shape.

A mild anesthetic will be given, usually orally, before surgery, and numbing eye drops will be administered, which eliminate the element of pain, although some patients do experience some discomfort.

A small device, called a microkeratome is attached to a suction ring placed on your eye, the blade of which is used to cut a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma, which is inspected for debris and dried.
You will then be asked to focus on a fixed spot as your doctor begins the laser, cutting and removing corneal tissue based on the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then repositioned and left to heal. Because no stitches are used, you will be required to wear an eye patch to prevent rubbing, irritation, and pressure that might disturb the healing process.
Both eyes can be operated on at the same time if you are healthy enough and have ample recovery time. In some cases, however, doctors will recommend that their patient receive monovision treatment, which is the correction of only one eye for near or far vision. LASIK surgery typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.

Am I a candidate?

Candidacy for LASIK surgery can vary depending on your doctor and the type of laser that is used. The minimum requirements are that a patient must be at least 18 years old and has had no drastic change in vision over the past year. For patients with severe refractive errors LASIK may not be an option, but with the advancements in refractive surgery, almost anyone with stable and healthy eyes can be treated with some type of surgery.

How long do I have to be hospitalized?

Soreness, a burning or itching sensation, and the feeling that something is in your eye are all typical for the first several hours to few days following surgery. Vision is usually hazy or blurry for the same period of time, and tearing or watering is not uncommon. Some doctors would prefer for the patient to stay overnight for observation.

Recovery and Recuperation

After surgery your doctor will schedule you for a follow up exam within one or two days in order to remove the eye patch and gauge recovery and he or she may also wish to see you at periodic intervals throughout the next six months. It is important to remember to not rub your eyes as this might interfere with the healing process of the flap. Strenuous activity, contact sports, and swimming should be discontinued for the first one or two months following surgery, although you may feel comfortable enough to return to work as early as three days after surgery. Your doctor may place additional restrictions on your activity and return to work based on your individual case.

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