LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, which is a treatment that corrects refractive errors. This eye surgery reshapes the cornea, making clearer vision possible.
Refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, hinder a person's focusing ability of the eye, thus making them dependent on eyeglasses and contact lenses.
LASIK provides patients with an alternative. This safe, effective procedure removes a predetermined amount of corneal tissue and reshapes the cornea, which improves the focusing power of the eye and visual acuity. LASIK helps to reduce a patient's reliance on eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Steps of LASIK Vision Correction
First, your eye will be anesthetized with topical eye drops so that you cannot feel anything. Then, your doctor will use a specialized, hand-held laser to create a hinged corneal flap on the outermost surface of the eye, which will reveal the underlying cornea. The doctor will carefully reshape the cornea using a laser, correcting your poor vision. When finished, the flap is replaced, and a contact lens is inserted for protection.
For each eye, the complete procedure lasts approximately 15-30 minutes. Afterward, you will stay in the office no longer than an hour or two for recovery, and then you will be released. Please bring someone with you to drive you home.
The corneal flap will heal on its own – without stitches. When you leave the office, you will likely be sensitive to light, but this sensitivity will fade. We will prescribe antibiotic eye drops for you to use for the next few days. A full recovery usually takes a few weeks.