Lasik - Simple Procedure or Dangerous Surgery?
Lasik is a relatively simple and fast procedure. The entire
surgery takes about 30 minutes, during which you will be lying
on your back in the room containing the laser system. The laser
system is a machine with a computer screen and a microscope
attached to it. Whether you have shortsightedness,
farsightedness or astigmatism the cause is the same - your
cornea is not a perfect shape. The goal of the lasik surgery is
to reshape (polish) your cornea so the light going through it
focuses better on your retina.
The surgeon can't use a general anesthetic because you have to
remain conscious, throughout, and be able to look directly at
the laser. However, anesthetic drops are used for your eyes, so
you will not feel any pain - only some pressure and a little
discomfort. You will be able to see during the entire procedure,
although your vision might blur or flicker, for a few moments.
Lasik surgery can be separated into 6 steps
1. First of all the surgeon will drop a few numbing drops into
your eye and clean the area around it. Then your eyelids will be
propped open.
2. Before the laser can start its work, the surgeon will need to
cut a flap in your cornea. This could be done with either a
laser or with microkeratome - a special cutting instrument. It
might sound scary, but don't worry: you won't feel the cutting.
3. After that, the laser will be positioned over your eye and
you will have to look directly at it for about 60 seconds. The
reshaping has not started yet, but your eye needs to get used to
being focused on the light. When your eye is in the perfect
position, the laser will start its work. The laser is controlled
by a computer, which is preprogrammed by the surgeon to remove a
specific amount of corneal tissue.
4. After your cornea is reshaped, the flap is put back on it
place.
5. Stitches won't be used to keep the flap in place; instead,
doctors use a special protective shield to hold it. The shield
will protect your eye from being touched accidentally.
6. That's it! Usually you can go home straight after the
procedure, but you will have to organize a lift for yourself
because you might feel a bit dizzy and your vision will be
blurred, at first; obviously you shouldn't drive, under these
conditions. The improvement in vision is usually noticable the
same day, or by the following morning, at the latest.
Straight after lasik surgery you might feel some discomfort,
like there is something in your eye. The most difficult thing is
to resist the urge to rub your eyes, but you mustn't touch them
until the flap is healed. There are also several restrictions,
after the surgery. You shouldn't use any eye make-up for two
weeks, play any sports for four weeks, or swim or take a hot
bath for two months. Also you will have to come in for a follow
up visit within 48 hours after the surgery, plus a few more
visits during the following six months.