Steps in a LASIK procedure

The following will help you understand what will happen prior to, during and
after your surgery.

The patient is screened to insure that he/she is a good candidate for LASIK surgery
and does not have any contraindications for the procedure. The patient has a
comprehensive evaluation that includes corneal topography.

The patient arrives at the surgery center with their driver at least 45 minutes prior to the
scheduled procedure time. After the patient checks in, all paperwork will be reviewed
with them to ensure that all consent forms and documentation are completed. Post-
operative instructions are also reviewed and the patient will verify that they have
all of the necessary post-operative medications.

While the patient sits in the waiting area, anesthetic drops are placed in the eye(s)
undergoing the procedure. The operative medications (such as Valium) may be given
to the patient at this time. An adhesive "dot" used for reference is placed
above the eye(s) undergoing the procedure.

When it is time for the surgery, the patient is escorted into the laser room and is helped
into the reclining chair. The area around the operative eye is cleaned (prepped) to ensure
sterility. The non-operative eye is covered to help the patient with fixation. A drape is
placed over the eye and a small device is inserted to keep the eyelids open and to prevent
the patient from blinking.

The technician explains the way the microkeratome (see picture above),
power supply and laser sound. The suction ring of the microkeratome is placed on the
eye to immobilize it during the procedure. The microkeratome then is used to create the
flap, which is lifted by the surgeon.

The surgeon then aligns the laser with the patient's eye and continues to explain what
will happen during the procedure. The patient is instructed to fixate on the blinking light.

The surgeon starts the laser and the patient hears a snapping sound, which is the sound
of the laser running. The procedure is complete within 30-60 seconds. At the end of the laser
procedure, the surgeon will lay the flap back down and smooth the surface. The flap adheres
to the cornea with a drying time of approximately 4 minutes.

The technicians assist the patient in sitting up. At this point, the doctor may have the patient
go to another instrument called a slit lamp so the doctor can look at the eye. The doctor
will administer eye drops and a clear plastic shield will be placed over the eye.

Your accompanied driver will assist you to the car. It is best to rest and keep your eyes closed
as much as possible for the first 12 hours, being careful not to rub or touch your eyes for 24 hours.

The patient sees either the surgeon or the primary care doctor the following day. Additional
doctor visits are required at one week, one month, 6 months and one year post-operatively,
as well as recommended yearly exams thereafter. Within a couple days, the cornea will
be crystal clear and there will be virtually no trace of the flap. Usually, there is no pain involved
in the post-operative period, and vision will start to improve within hours after the procedure.
As with any refractive procedure, the patient may end up with some under- or over-correction.
If so, an additional procedure may be performed to enhance the results.

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