The Basics Of LASIK Eye Surgery

The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common type of laser vision correction procedure well known in the United States these days. Many people considered it as an extremely effective outpatient procedure that suits low, moderate, and higher prescriptions. It is widely recognized today that many eye centers, particularly in the United States, are offering this kind of service. With its enduring popularity, it's no wonder that 10 years from now, LASIK will be recognized as a remarkable eye treatment in almost every corner of the world.

What is LASIK? LASIK basically stands for Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea of the eye so to correct the myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In this king of eye surgery, a thin flap of tissue is cut, and then peeled back from the very front of the cornea, which is the transparent covering over your pupil. The laser literally vaporizes away some of the corneal tissues beneath the flap to make your cornea a slightly different shape which will correct any of your refractive error. The flap is placed back over the front of your eye after that basic procedure. Today, many experts considered LASIK as an outpatient procedure that is commonly performed by a refractive surgeon. Procedures Involved in LASIK At the start of the LASIK procedure, the patient is required to take an initial evaluation by the eye doctor. It is typical that you will be advised to stop wearing contact lenses and be made switched wearing glasses full time. Also, you will be informed about the possible risks and benefits involved in the treatment. This is to let the patient decide whether to go for the treatment or not. So, it is important then to weigh your options before signing the informed consent form. So you've decided to take the surgery. Well, the day before surgery, you better stop using creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes. According to some experts these products may increase the risk of infection after undergoing the LASIK procedure. On the day you undergo the treatment, the doctor may give you some medicine to make you relax. The doctor will also ask you to tell about your past and current medical and eye conditions. And, another important part of the preparation is to inform your doctor about the medications you are taking; including any medications you are allergic to. The entire LASIK procedure usually takes about thirty minutes to complete. And, in that 30-minute duration, you will be treated according to these procedures: 1. Before the LASIK eye treatment, numbing or anesthetic drops are instilled. This is performed while you lie on your back on the laser table. 2. A speculum will be placed on your eye. This will hold your eyelid open, and so to prevent you from blinking. As many LASIK patients have testified, this is the most uncomfortable part of the LASIK procedure. 3. The doctor will proceed by making reference marks which the doctor uses for correctly aligning the flap after the LASIK laser procedure has been performed. This will be done with the use of a particular device, designed for such purpose. 4. Another device, commonly known as a suction plate, will be used to provide a base for the microkeratome. When this device is applied, your eye is held stationary and you will feel some pressure, resulting in a temporary black out of vision in the eye. 5. With the eye held firmly in place, the second part of the device is used to flatten the cornea. Experts say that this will enable the special microkeratome blade to form a flap of uniform thickness. 6. When the flap is formed, the doctor will lift the flap back to expose the inner layer of the cornea. 7. With the flap folded back, the said refractive correction is made particularly on the inner layer of the cornea. 8. It is usually at this point when the doctor makes sure that your eye us perfectly focused and aligned. 9. Then, the laser treatment begins. The doctor will use laser with a metal tracking ring, which works in conjunction with an infrared tracking device. This is specially applied for tracking any slight movement of the eye, and also to make sure that the laser remains positioned on the area intended for treatment. What really indicates if the tracking device is locked in position is a small red light in the middle of the pupil. 10. Aside from the small red light in the middle of the pupil, there are also two outer red lights that are used to gauge the correct focus of the laser. If the focus is corrected, the sponge will be placed over top of the flap. This is to ensure that the inner surface of the flap is unaffected by the laser, and that the laser treatment is confined to the area intended for treatment. 11. The laser will then contour the exposed layer of cornea in accordance to the correction as well as the widest possible optical zone. 12. When the LASIK treatment is complete, the tracking ring will be removed. 13. Washing of the treated surface of the eye will follow. This is to ensure that any debris is flushed. 14. The flap is then floated back into its original position and the doctor will wash under the flap so remove any bubbles or any bits of debris left on the eye. 15. At this point, proper care must be taken by the doctor to make sure that the flap is excellently repositioned. 16. The flap is then returned to its original smooth position and the LASIK vision correction is complete. It is further worthy to note that the eye has a natural suction facility that keeps the flap firmly in place. And, since very little of the epithelium has been disturbed during the LASIK procedure, only few hours of discomfort after having the LASIK treatment has been reported by most patients. What to Expect During the Procedure A number of patients who have undergone LASIK eye surgery are surprised to find out how little time the actual procedure takes and how little the discomfort is experienced. Well, we cannot say that this is often the case as the result varies from person to person. This result is even affected by the technology used, as well as the technique of the performing surgeon or doctor. However, many patients are still astonished as to how little time it takes to make such a big difference. Many have even claimed that with the LASIK surgery, there is little or no pain. And, since it is given that LASIK is an outpatient vision correction procedure, you then have the chance to go home directly afterward. Now, here is what to expect while undergoing the procedure: ? You will be awake and aware throughout the entire procedure. ? You will be asked to lie upon a treatment table and a pillow will be placed under your knees. ? In order to make you comfortable and the procedure pain-free, numbing drops will be placed in the eye intended for treatment. ? You will feel the plastic drape in you eye lids as it is placed there to keep the eye lashes away from the treatment area. ? You will feel some discomfort when the speculum is gently placed on your eye to ensure that your eye stays open while the doctor does his job. Well, this is just natural since only the eye itself has been frozen and not the eyelids, right? ? You will feel some pressure and your vision will go dark when a suction plate is applied to your eye. After the vision goes dark, you will feel a vibration as the LASIK flap is created. ? You will be asked to look at the colored light in order to center the laser treatment on the pupil. ? You will hear a clicking or snapping noise during the procedure. This is actually the noise of the laser in action. ? You can smell somewhat like that o burning hair during the treatment. This is for the fact that the laser is actually vaporizing tissue. ? You will be taken to a recovery room to rest your eyes for a few minutes after the procedure. And, as the anesthetic wears off the, you will notice a burning sensation in your eyes. According to experts, this is just normal and will usually last for five to six hours as the surface epithelium heals. ? Expect your vision to be blurry right after the procedure. Although if you have a small to medium correction, you can typically read the clock across the room. ? Before you leave the clinic, a slit lamp microscope will be used to check and ensure that the flap has not moved and is on its original position. That's simply it! You will then be ready to go home and start with your postoperative care of your treated eye. Postoperative Directions and Tips Many surgeons and LASIK patients have noted that as soon as the anesthetic wears off, you eyes will be watery, light sensitive and sore. According to them, this phase of the healing usually lasts for about 6 to 8 hours until the surface layer of your eye, particular the layer at the edge of the flap, heals. So, during this period, it is highly suggested that you take your eye drops if you have one, and if possible, try to sleep wearing your shields. The following day, your eyes will still be light sensitive and blurry. Well, during this period, it is typical to be able to go back to most of your normal routine from 3 to 7 days. Also worthy to note is that after the LASIK eye surgery, you may experience a sort of fluctuation in your vision from morning to evening. Also, you can expect to see halos around lights at night. According to some experts, this is normally caused by a normal postoperative swelling, commonly known as edema. So, don't just worry as this is just a normal part of the healing process. You may wait for several for this fluctuation to resolve. Many of the patients who have experienced LASIK treatment further note that even though they see 20/20, the vision may not be as sharp, clear or well defined as before. The primary cause of this is actually a small loss of contrast. This is often considered as a minor tradeoff for acceptable vision without glasses. Things to Do After the LASIK Eye Surgery ? As mentioned earlier, you should wear the eye shields after the operation. Wear this at night for about 4 nights to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep. ? You should relax and rest for 24 to 48 hours immediately after the procedure. ? You can place gently place a cold cloth across your eyelids for the first 24 to 48 hours as this will help greatly with comfort. ? If you are working, prepare to take 3 to 7 days off from your work. ? You can use Tylenol and Aspirin for discomfort. ? You can apply eye drops and antibiotic drops onto your eyes as prescribed by your surgeon. Things to Avoid After the LASIK Eye Surgery ? Always remember NOT to rub your eyes. ? Avoid getting soap or shampoo near your eyes. ? Avoid dusty and smoky environments for about one week. ? Avoid hot tubs, pools, saunas, and water sport activities also for one week. ? If you engaged in some activities that could result in a direct blow to your eye, refrain from doing them for several months. ? Also refrain from driving for the first 3 to 7 days until you have gained 20/40* vision correction. ? Do not wear make-up for one week postoperatively. ? Since reading, watching TV and computer use usually strain your eyes, do them in moderation for the first few days following the LASIK vision correction. Postoperative Medication Typically after the LASIK surgery, you will be required by your surgeon to apply eye drops. Well, I have here below a sample of the medication schedule that you may be asked to follow. Tobradex (Antibiotic/steroid) ? One drop four times a day for two days. ? One drop three times a day for two days. ? One drop two times a day for two days. ? One drop one time a day for two days. Artificial Tears ? You can apply one drop while awake for every 30 to 60 minutes for 2 to 3 days. ? Apply one drop every 4 hours for 3 to 4 days thereafter. Postoperative Appointments Usually after the LASIK eye treatment, you will be required to go back to the clinic 24 hours after the procedure. This is highly required for an examination. Also, it is important to note that you will be required to hear postoperative appointments which are typically one week, one month, and three months from your surgery date. If in case you experience further problems after your surgery, additional number of visit may be necessary. Note that every postoperative appointment is as necessary as the LASIK surgery itself. Thus, they should not be missed or skipped. Also, every appointment will help you to evaluate your healing process. And, if certain new dilemmas occur between your follow up visits, never wait for your regular appointment. Contact your clinic immediately in order for you to determine if an earlier appointment is recommended. Just take some extra care.

Okay, that's all! Just note however that LASIK eye procedure is a serious treatment that requires enough time for you to decide. Thus, consider it seriously. You should not only base your choice for a LASIK on the cost of the surgery. Always remember that you also have to think about quality and service. After all, LASIK is a procedure you will likely have only once in your lifetime and your vision is one of the most significant assets of yours.