LASIK – How Does This Laser Eye Surgery Work?

When interested and potential patients inquire about refractive eye surgery, they ask: How does laser eye surgery work? How does LASIK work? For LASIK has become synonymous with laser eye surgery.

Some facts about LASIK are needed before one can get to the answers of: how does laser eye surgery work?

LASIK stands for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis and FDA has approved this surgical technique since 1998. Eye surgeons normally prescribe this laser eye surgery procedure for persons who have nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and who have thick corneas.

The preliminary step begins with the eye surgeon administering tests to check your suitability for LASIK. If you have dry eye syndrome, diseases like glaucoma, cataract or diabetes, you will be strongly advised not to undergo the treatment. Reputable clinics report that at least 50% of those who come in for an initial consultation are rejected.

So how does LASIK? How does laser eye surgery work?

First phase of the operation

To begin, you are positioned on a reclined chair, and a numbing drop of solution placed in your eye. Afterwards the cornea is cleaned of floating foreign matter, and then instrument called a lid speculum is put over your eyes to keep the eyelids open. The ring is place right on the eyeball. Suction is then applied around your cornea. You’ll experience blurring and dimming of your vision. Then the surgeon uses a microkeratome (surgical knife) to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea.

Second phase

Afterwards, the microkeratome and ring are removed. The doctor then asks you to stare at the light. This is to get your eye stay focused on a fixed object, so that the doctor can proceed to the final phase of the operation.

Third phase

The pre-programmed laser then cuts corneal tissue, thereby reshaping it. After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is replaced back with a preventative shield is placed over your eyes to protect them from irritants.

The actual operation would have taken you less than a minute, with improved vision apparent in 24 hours.

Post operative care is as important as the operation itself. So don’t drive for a few weeks. Don’t do contact sports. Go for the post operative check ups the eye surgeon has scheduled with you.

Follow the do's and don'ts faithfully, so you'll be able to answer the question: How does a safe laser eye surgery work? With a bright smile and clear vision.

Tim Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Vision-Doctor.com an online website that offers discounts on contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses and free information on LASIK eye surgery procedures that you can view in the privacy of your own home.

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