The Truth about Refractive Surgery

LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is currently the most common type of laser vision correction procedure. It is an extremely effective outpatient procedure that is suitable for low, moderate, and higher prescriptions. It can be used to correct severe prescriptions, and is currently one of the most commonly performed healthcare procedures in North America.

Although no medical procedure is perfect, the excimer laser allows for an unparalleled degree of precision and predictability. Each pulse of the laser can remove 39-millionths of an inch of tissue in 12-billionths of a second. This enables an experienced surgeon to achieve remarkable accuracy while maintaining excellent control throughout the procedure.

However, the LASIK procedure requires a great deal of technical skill and training to perform properly, so choosing the proper surgeon is critical. The doctors at SouthWest Eyecare co-manage laser procedures with ophthalmologists that are top in their field.

Steps to the Procedure:
Prior to the procedure, an extremely detailed map of your eyes’ surface is created by a computer and then used by your TLC surgeon to calibrate the excimer laser to your exact prescription. Before going into the laser room, your TLC technician will put a few anesthetic drops in to numb the eye and prevent pain.

Once the laser has been properly calibrated, your surgeon will place an eyelid holder in your eye to keep it open throughout the procedure. Your surgeon then uses a microkeratome (an automated microsurgical instrument similar in design to a carpenter's plane) to create a corneal flap, that has a thickness of approximately ¼ of the cornea’s depth. A cool laser beam of light from the excimer laser is then used to precisely and gently reshape the cornea.

When your surgeon is finished, the flap is carefully put back into place and the eyelid holder is removed. Over the next few days, the flap will heal and bond more securely.

The entire procedure only takes about five minutes to complete and the laser is on each eye for less than one minute for an average prescription.

After your procedure is completed, you will relax in the recovery room for about fifteen to twenty minutes, allowing the center staff to ensure that everything is in order before you leave. During this time, additional drops will be placed in your eyes to keep them lubricated. You may also be given protective eye shields to place over your eyes to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while sleeping during the first night, and sunglasses to reduce the discomfort the sunlight may cause. During this early postoperative period it is important to not squeeze or rub the eyes. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are used to prevent infection and decrease inflammation.

After leaving the center, many patients will feel the need to rest for a few hours. Later that evening, most patients feel very well and are extremely pleased with their results already. Many patients go back to work the next day, while others wait a few days.

You will need to go for a post-operative check up following your procedure to ensure that your eyes are healing as expected. There are a few restrictions for a week or so following your procedure, but as long as you follow your doctors instructions, you should be free to resume all of your normal activities thereafter.