What are the steps in the LASIK surgery? Full Guide to LASIK

Step by Step Lasik Surgery Lasik is a type of eye surgery that can help correct refractive problems with your vision that result in the need...

Step by Step Lasik Surgery

Lasik is a type of eye surgery that can help correct refractive problems with your vision that result in the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. An increasingly popular solution, LASIK is now so popular that millions of Americans have undergone the procedure.

Step by Step Lasik Surgery

However, many people are still confused as to what the treatment involves and that's why we have put together this step-by-step guide to LASIK surgery.

Step 1: Consultation

Before you can have LASIK surgery, you will need counseling. It will be with your surgeon who will make sure that you know all the benefits and risks of the procedure. He or she will then perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your suitability as a candidate for surgery. He or she will ask about your general medical history and any medications you are currently taking, as well as an evaluation of the size and thickness of your cornea, the size of your pupil, your refractive errors (whether you are farsighted or nearsighted). and any pre-existing ocular conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma.

Step 2: Preparing for the Surgery

If you have been approved for Lasik, you may need to start preparing for your surgery shortly before the actual procedure. Make sure you read all of the information provided about your surgery, and write down any questions your surgeon may have. Most LASIK surgeons request that wearers of soft contact lenses stop wearing them two weeks before the procedure to ensure that your corneas are stable. If you have hard lenses, you may be asked to stop wearing them for four weeks before surgery.

You should ensure that you are completely makeup-free on the day of your procedure, and avoid wearing perfume or facial moisturizer. You will also need to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure and to return for your check-up again the next day. You must not drive unless you have been given explicit permission to do so.

Step 3: Surgery

LASIK surgery also takes place in several stages.

When you enter the room where you will have LASIK surgery, you will be asked to lie down in a comfortable treatment chair, where you will be given eye drops that will numb them for the duration of the procedure. Your surgeon will then place a small instrument on your eyes to help keep them wide open so that they can have the best access to your cornea.

Next, a small laser or bladed surgical tool is known as a microkeratome will be used to create an ultra-thin flap over the center of your cornea. Both devices attach to your eye using light suction, which you'll be able to feel as light pressure, but won't cause pain. Once the flap is cut, the surgeon will fold it back so that it can access the cornea below.

The laser will have been pre-programmed to shape your cornea in just the right amount to fine-tune your unique vision. Your surgeon will position the laser directly over your eye. You will be asked to focus on a specific point while the laser begins the reshaping process, which your surgeon will look at through a microscope. The whole process only takes a few minutes per eye.

When the reshaping is complete, your surgeon will put the flap back in place and start again on the other eye.

There is no need for stitches or anything to keep the flap in place, the eye moisture will do the work for you and it will heal very quickly.

Step 4: After surgery

You will be advised to take eye drops after your Lasik surgery. These are medicinal and will help reduce swelling and potential infection while your eyes heal. It is not unusual to feel a mild stinging or burning when administering these eye drops, but you should continue to use them according to your instructions. You may also be given a bottle of artificial tears to take home with you. This is important because some people find that their eyes feel very dry after LASIK surgery, and using artificial tears can help keep their eyes moist and comfortable.

The day after your surgery you will be asked to return to see your surgeon, who will be able to check that everything is going well as it should. You will also be given a vision test, which you must pass to be cleared to drive again.

In the first few weeks after your treatment, your vision may not be as clear as you expect. However, depending on how fast your eyes heal, your vision may continue to improve for several weeks after your procedure.