The best-known and most popular laser vision procedure — LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) — corrects photorefractive vision errors to reduce or eliminate the need for accessory lenses, like contacts or eyeglasses.
At Advanced Lasik in Midtown East, New York City, Duarte and Long Beach, California we took our name from the procedure and expanded our practice to include all the major laser vision correction surgeries. Led by ophthalmologist Randa Garrana, MD, we’re one of the premier vision correction practices in the United States.
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of a typical LASIK surgery, so you know what to expect.
Pre-LASIK prep is minimal: Discontinue using products on your face the day before your surgery, as cosmetics and lotions can get in your eyes, posing a slight risk of infection.
Most importantly, have someone else drive you to and from your appointment. LASIK surgery usually takes about 30 minutes, for both eyes. Here’s what to expect:
Fast-acting anesthetic eye drops numb eye tissue for optimal comfort during surgery. The drops take effect almost instantly, lasting a little longer than the duration of your procedure.
A device to prevent blinking is put in place and the corneal surface flap is cut and folded to the side, like a page in a book. You’ll look at a bright light to aim your eye as Dr. Garrana makes the flap. This lasts about 30 seconds and you’ll feel no pain. Your vision will become blurry during this step.
An excimer laser reshapes your cornea, which takes less than 60 seconds per eye. The corneal tissue removed during this part of the process changes the way the cornea bends light.
In fact, the cornea accounts for up to 75% of the eye’s focusing power, with the deeper natural lens providing the fine-tuning.
Once Dr. Garrana finishes reshaping the cornea, she flips the corneal flap back in place. For the first day after the surgery, the flap remains held in place by two natural forces; the endothelial pump, which creates suction, and an osmotic gradient, a difference between water densities present in the cornea.
After about 24 hours, the epithelium (the eye’s outer surface) seals the flap’s edges. The flap bonds more completely in the weeks and months after surgery.
Many LASIK patients resume their normal routine within 24 hours of surgery, though Dr. Garrana may prescribe eye drops for the week after your procedure. Your eyes will naturally feel tired after surgery, so resting or napping later in the day is a good idea.
Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of laser vision correction? Find out if you’re a candidate by scheduling a visit at your nearest Advanced Lasik office today: We have one East Coast office in Midtown East, New York City, and two West Coast offices in Duarte and Long Beach, California.
