What Can I Expect During LASIK?

LASIK is a procedure that gives you clear vision by reshaping the cornea permanently. The process of getting LASIK doesn’t take very long, only 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

A lot happens during that short period of time. Have you ever been curious about how LASIK surgeons help patients achieve amazing results? Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and what to expect during the procedure!

When You First Get to the Office

You should arrive at the office 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure. This will give you plenty of time to fill out any paperwork and to ask any questions you may have.

Being more informed on what to expect during LASIK eye surgery can help reduce your nerves if you are feeling anxious.

Beginning the Procedure

After you enter the surgery suite, you will sit down in a reclining chair and asked to lay back. You will notice many machines around you.

This is the laser system and attached computers that are used to perform the surgery. You will then be laid back in the chair and will receive numbing eye drops.

After a brief period of time, these drops will make your eyes completely numb. This will prevent you from feeling pain when you have LASIK.

Creating the Flap and Reshaping the Cornea

In order for LASIK to work, your corneas’ shapes are permanently altered. The changes are subtle but make a massive difference.

The change in each eye is made to the middle layer of the cornea. To get to this middle layer, the surgeon has to create a flap using a laser in the top layer of the cornea.

After creating and opening the flap, an excimer laser is then used to remove tissue. Again, the amount of tissue removed is so small it seems almost negligible.

It is removed from specific points in specific quantities that produce incredible results. After removing the tissue, the flap is carefully placed back down.

This allows the flap to take the shape of the underlying tissue. The tissue heals rapidly, so stitches are not necessary.

The End of the Procedure

The LASIK procedure itself takes only about 30 minutes to perform. You will not leave directly after LASIK is over, as you will need to rest.

During this time, the numbing drops may wear off. You may begin to experience itching or burning in your eyes, as well as a slight ache.

All these symptoms are totally normal. While it is a good idea to never rub your eyes, it is especially important to avoid this after LASIK.

Rubbing your eyes could lead to serious complications. You will need to cope using eye drops for the time being.

You will undergo a short post-operative exam after your rest, after which you will be able to go home. You will not be able to drive yourself after having LASIK.

Make sure you have a scheduled ride who can get you home. You will need to undergo a full evaluation the next day to determine if you are safe to drive. When you get home, it is important to get plenty of rest wearing your protective eye shields.

Wondering if LASIK may be the right vision correction procedure for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Vermont Eye Laser in Burlington, VT and find out now!