Lasik
Overview

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Lasik Overview

The cornea is the central front surface of the eye . (A contact lense rests directly on the cornea.) The cornea plays an important role in focusing light rays from objects onto the retina. A cornea that is too steep focuses light in front of the retina causing myopia or nearsightedness. A cornea that is too flat focuses light behind the retina causing hyperopia or farsightedness. Astigmatism results from irregular degrees of corneal curvature. The bottom line is that an incorrectly shaped cornea creates an image that is not perfectly focused on the retina and poor vision results. This is where lasik comes in

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea with extreme accuracy by removing (“ablating”) microscopic layers of tissue. First, a circular flap is created on the front part of the cornea using a precision instrument called a microkeratome. Creation of the flap allows the laser to access the middle layers of corneal tissue while preserving the integrity of the front surface of the cornea. The superficial flap is lifted up and the laser is used remove a precise amount of underlying tissue to change the curvature.. The flap is then repositioned and adheres without stitches within a couple of minutes. The corneal shape is thus changed while the integrity of the front surface is preserved.

Lasik Step by Step

You arrive at the surgery center and instructions are given by our refractive surgery coordinator. Karen Hill has had lasik and is very adept at answering questions. A mild sedative will be given to calm anxiety and stress. Anesthetic drops are administered to completely numb the eyes.

You enter the operating suite and are placed in a comfortable reclining chair. A second set of numbing drops are administered. An eyelid holder is gently inserted to keep the eyes open. It is not possible to blink during the procedure and you are not aware of anything approaching the eye. The laser computer has already been programmed with your exact correction to precisely reshape the cornea.

The thin superficial corneal flap (which resembles a soft contact lens) is made with an instrument called a microkeratome. This flap is laid back and the laser treats the tissue underneath. Dr. Jones will position the laser and ask you to focus on a blinking red fixation light. He will activate the Excimer laser and begin reshaping the cornea. Each pulse you hear removes a microscopic layer of cornea. The actual laser treatment time varies from a few seconds to about a minute depending on the correction required. After the laser treatment, Dr. Jones will reposition your corneal flap and apply several eye drops. No stitches are necessary. The flap seals itself naturally within a few minutes. There is minimal sensation or discomfort during any part of the lasik procedure.

Dr. Jones will briefly examine your eyes about 15 minutes after completion of the procedure. Protective eyewear is given to wear until the next day, along with 2 sets of medicated drops which you will use 4 times a day for 5 days. You will also be given artificial tears to use frequently for awhile. Someone must be present to drive you home. One advantage of the lasik procedure is rapid healing time and you should see very good the following morning when you see Dr. Jones in the office.