LASIK Eye Surgery

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction involves reshaping the cornea with a specifically designed, computer-guided laser. Using this laser an extremely precise reshaping of the cornea can be achieved, resulting in greatly improved vision without glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK surgery involves the painless reshaping of the middle part of the cornea. LASIK is performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In the past, the first step in LASIK surgery used a very fine oscillating blade to make the corneal flap. Now, Dr. Gross uses the highly precise IntraLase® FS femtosecond laser to create the thin corneal flap. Compared to a blade, the femtosecond laser ensures less variability when creating the flap, which in turn makes this part of the procedure safer. After the corneal flap is made, it is lifted to expose the middle of the cornea. Then the VISX® STAR S4 excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to provide better vision. Finally, the corneal flap is placed back and the surgery is complete.

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is similar to LASIK. However, instead of creating a flap and reshaping the middle of the cornea, the surface of the cornea is reshaped using the VISX® STAR S4 excimer laser. This procedure is not as common as LASIK but is best for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK. During this surgery, the thin layer of cells on the surface of the cornea is removed, and then the excimer laser reshapes the front of the cornea. Due to the removal of the surface cells, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it as it heals over the next several days. 

Preparing for Your LASIK Procedure

Before undergoing LASIK, you will need to attend a consultation with your eye doctor at Tri-State Ophthalmology to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will consider factors like your medical history, refractive errors, eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals to determine whether LASIK is right for you.

This appointment also provides an opportunity for patients to ask questions about the procedure, including how to prepare and what to expect during recovery. Your eye doctor will likely recommend picking up any prescription medications or eye drops you’ll need beforehand, and downloading entertainment like podcasts, music, or audiobooks to entertain you while you rest. 

You’ll also need to arrange a ride to and from the procedure, as well as to your first follow-up appointment.

What to Expect During LASIK

On the day of your procedure, your LASIK surgeon will begin by numbing your eyes with anesthetic drops, ensuring your complete comfort. They may also offer you anti-anxiety medication. 

Your eyes will be gently held open with a special device to ensure you don’t blink during the procedure. Then, they will use the IntraLase® FS femtosecond laser to create a flap on the surface layer of the cornea. They will fold this flap back to access the underlying corneal tissue, which they will then reshape with the VISX® STAR S4 excimer laser. Your LASIK surgeon completes the procedure by placing the corneal flap back in its original position, where it will naturally reattach to the eye and act as a protective bandage while you heal.

The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and you can return home on the same day. 

What is LASIK Recovery Like?

After LASIK, you’ll need to have a friend or loved one drive you home to begin recovery. It’s best to nap or rest during this time and avoid strenuous activity as much as possible. 

Your eye doctor will give you specific recovery instructions, including: 

• Not rubbing your eyes

• Avoiding getting water in your eyes

• Wearing an eye shield while you sleep

• Not participating in strenuous exercise for about 2 weeks

• Not participating in contact sports or swimming for one month

• Applying preservative eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection

• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outside

You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your LASIK surgeon so they can monitor how you’re healing and let you know when it’s safe to return to normal activities. Most patients enjoy visual improvements almost immediately after the procedure, with many being cleared by their eye doctor to resume activities like working and driving the following day.  

Healing will continue gradually over the following weeks, with most patients achieving peak visual clarity months after the procedure.