We have heard of LASIK many times already, it has become so popular that in fact, it is already synonymous to laser eye surgery. Now, the question you probably have in mind is: how does it work?
Before we dig into the procedure, let us get to know the basics of LASIK. This term is short for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis. It is approved by the FDA and has been available since 1998, performed by eye surgeons around the world to help people who have problems with astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
The first thing that the eye surgeon will do is to conduct tests to check if you are eligible to undergo LASIK. If you have any of the following, you might not be suitable for the operation:
1. Dry eye syndrome
2. Glaucoma
3. Cataracts
4. Diabetes
5. Other serious eye diseases
Studies show that the ratio of eligibility is 1:1, which means that out of every 10 people who undergo the tests, only 5 are eligible.
The LASIK Procedure
Part 1
You will be asked to sit on a reclined chair. Then, the eye/s will be poured with anesthetic drops which will numb it. Once that has taken effect, the cornea will be rid of floating substances. As soon as that is done, a lid speculum, which is used to keep your lids open, will be placed over the eyes with the ring directly on the eyeball. In this stage, you will feel a dimming and blurring of vision. A microkeratome, more commonly referred to as the surgical knife, is then used to create a rounded flap in your cornea.
Part 2
Once the surgical knife and ring are removed, you will be asked to focus your gaze on the light. This is to prepare you for the last phase.
Part 3
The laser used for LASIK is already set to cut the corneal tissues in order to reshape it. The rounded flap will then be put back along with a preventative shield to keep irritants away.
If you are not to include the preparation time, it would be safe to say that the procedure will take less than a minute, but overall duration is about ten to fifteen minutes. You will notice a significant improvement in your vision in 24 hours.
As with any surgical procedure, post-op care is very important. This may take several weeks which means you should not engage in any physical activities that involves contact, and you should not drive during this time. You will need to get in touch with your eye surgeon a few times, as indicated in the instructions given to you after the procedure.
