HOW IS LASER VISION CORRECTION PERFORMED?

LASIK is a two-step procedure:

STEP ONE

An instrument called a microkeratome lifts the thin surface layer of the cornea away from underlying layers in a process known as making a corneal flap or cap.

Flap creation begins with the instillation of anesthetic eye drops. A suction ring is then centered around the cornea and a vacuum is generated to hold the ring on the eye. During the few seconds the vacuum is on, the vision grows dim and a mild pressure sensation is felt.

The microkeratome is then attached to the suction ring and passes across the surface of the cornea to create the flap.

After the microkeratome pass, the vacuum is released, the suction ring is removed from the eye and the protective corneal flap is lifted and reflected off to the side. (Flipped open like the cover of a book.) The middle layer of the cornea is thereby exposed for the upcoming laser treatment.

STEP TWO

The laser treatment usually lasts anywhere from a few seconds up to a minute, depending on the amount and type of correction needed.

The patient is asked to look at a blinking target light. Then, the surgeon focuses the laser on the exposed middle layer of the cornea. A foot pedal is depressed to activate the laser.

While the laser is running, it makes a rapid ticking sound. Each tick represents an individual pulse of the laser.

After the laser reshapes the cornea, a small amount of fluid is used to wash away microscopic debris. The protective corneal flap is then gently folded back into place, like closing the cover of a book. In a few short minutes, natural adhesive forces seal it in place without the need for sutures.

The above procedures are then repeated for the second eye.