Procedure Description: The use of a laser to reshape the eye to reduce the need for glasses or contacts
What To Expect: Your
eye will be completely anesthetized before the procedure starts. We use
a device to keep you from blinking during the short time of the
procedure. A suction device is applied to your eye to provide a stable
surface for the microkeratome. The microkeratome shaves a thin,
protective flap from the cornea, leaving it attached at one side. This
flap is then flipped over, exposing the bed of the cornea. The laser is
then used to reshape this bed. During this time it is important that
you keep looking at the fixation light. Your surgeon will be watching
to make certain that you do so. The actual laser portion of the
procedure lasts less than 2 minutes for most people. The protective
flap is then repositioned and irrigated to remove any debris.
Typically, the whole procedure lasts less than 15 minutes. For most
patients there is very little discomfort during the procedure or even
afterwards.
Preprocedure: Prior
to performing LASIK, it is important that your eyes are stable. The
strength of your glasses or contacts should not have changed much
during the past year. You should not have worn any contact lenses for 2
to 4 weeks prior to the pre-op testing or the LASIK. Contact lenses can
cause small changes in the shape of the cornea which can significantly
affect the outcome of the laser. We will need to take precise
measurements of the correction needed as well as the shape of your
cornea. Your initial exam will consist mostly of determining if you are
a good candidate for refractive surgery. There is no charge for this
exam. If you are certain that you want to have the LASIK done, there is
a small charge for the pre-op testing which is applied towards the cost
of the procedure. At this time (10/1/00) the charge is $1000 per eye.
As stated, this includes the pre-op testing. It is important that you
do not wear any cologne or perfume nor any eye makeup for 2 days prior
to the day of the LASIK
Postprocedure: After
the LASIK is performed, it is very important that you do not rub your
eyes. The protective flaps are not sutured down. The natural pumping
action of the cornea creates a vacuum which will hold the flap in
position. Rubbing your eyes could dislodge these flaps. Your eyes may
also be dry so you will be instructed to use artificial tears
frequently, while awake (every 1-2 hours). You will also be on other
drops to prevent infection and inflammation. You will need an exam the
next day to make sure everything is healing well. The first night after
the procedure, your vision will still be blurry but should improve
quickly over the next 1-2 weeks. You should avoid swimming or putting
your head under water for 2 weeks after your LASIK