Laser eye surgery is a popular and effective procedure designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina, leading to clearer vision. If you’re considering this procedure, understanding the process can help you feel more at ease. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what happens during laser eye surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before undergoing laser eye surgery, your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye examination to ensure you are a good candidate. This includes measuring your corneal thickness, mapping the surface of your eye, and assessing overall eye health.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be asked to avoid wearing makeup, lotions, or perfumes to minimize the risk of infection. Once you arrive LASIK at the clinic, the surgeon will explain the process again and answer any last-minute questions. Before the surgery begins, numbing eye drops will be applied to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Creating the Corneal Flap
For LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis), the first step involves creating a thin flap on the cornea. This is done using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
In PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), an alternative laser eye surgery method, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed instead of creating a flap. This layer naturally regenerates after surgery.
2. Reshaping the Cornea with a Laser
With the corneal tissue exposed, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape it. This step is quick, usually lasting less than a minute per eye. The laser precisely removes microscopic amounts of tissue to correct the vision problem:
- For nearsightedness (myopia): The cornea is flattened.
- For farsightedness (hyperopia): The cornea is steepened.
- For astigmatism: The cornea is smoothed to achieve a more symmetrical shape.
A sophisticated eye-tracking system ensures accuracy by adjusting to even the slightest eye movements during the procedure.
3. Repositioning the Corneal Flap
In LASIK, after the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned. It naturally adheres to the eye without the need for stitches. In PRK, since no flap is created, a protective contact lens is placed over the eye to aid healing.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Care
Once the surgery is complete, your vision may be blurry, but it will gradually improve over the next few hours or days. You might experience mild discomfort, dryness, or sensitivity to light. Your doctor will provide medicated eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Most patients notice significantly improved vision within 24 to 48 hours, but full recovery may take a few weeks. During this time, you should avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or engaging in strenuous activities. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.
Laser eye surgery is a safe and highly effective way to correct vision problems, offering long-term benefits with minimal downtime. Understanding the procedure can help ease any concerns and prepare you for what to expect. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, consult a qualified ophthalmologist to determine if it’s the right choice for you.