Laser eye surgery offers patients a quick and effective solution for restoring their eyesight. This surgical technique precisely transforms the shape of the cornea, correcting widespread vision issues, including astigmatism. Here are a few of the steps involved in a LASIK treatment:
Creating the Protective Flap
The first step in laser eye surgery involves creating a thin, protective flap on the cornea’s surface. With a precision computer-controlled laser, the process is carried out with accuracy and consistency. The laser creates the flap quickly and accurately while minimizing disruption to surrounding corneal tissue.
Advanced imaging technology is used to map the eye before treatment, allowing the laser to be guided with customized precision. It enables flap creation in the precise place and depth depending on the overall shape of the patient’s eye. The flap provides access to the inner corneal layers where vision correction takes place. This prepares the eye for the reshaping that subsequently occurs and establishes the groundwork for a smooth and successful procedure.
Exposing the Cornea for Treatment
During surgery, the flap is carefully lifted and folded back, exposing the corneal tissue beneath. This allows the surgeon to have direct access to the underlying tissue, which needs to be reshaped. By reshaping the cornea, the way light is focused on the retina can be adjusted to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Advanced tools used in performing the procedure maintain the tissue in a steady state. The flap stays attached on one side, acting as a natural hinge. Numbing drops are also used to minimize discomfort, and the eye is held in position to prevent blinking during the surgery.
Reshaping the Cornea With Laser Precision
After opening the flap, a specialized excimer laser permanently reshapes the cornea. Doctors will remove microscopic pieces of corneal tissue using the laser in carefully calculated patterns. They customize treatment based on the individual’s vision needs. Detailed scans and measurements taken beforehand are programmed into the laser, allowing reshaping with micron-level accuracy. This degree of accuracy enables patients to get corrected results that might surpass those offered by glasses or contact lenses.
The laser operates quickly and delicately, enabled by high-tech eye-tracking technologies that track the slightest movements of the eyes in real-time. This reduces the risk of error during the procedure. Upon completing this step, a new shape of the cornea is permanently fixed to correct refractive errors, resulting in clearer and sharper vision than before.
Finishing and Starting the Healing Process
Once the doctor finishes with the surgery, medical professionals return the protective flap to its original position. The flap naturally adheres to the cornea, creating a protective seal as healing begins. Protective shields can be used for a while to avoid accidental eye rubbing. Doctors may prescribe medicated drops to accelerate healing and reduce the risk of dryness or irritation.
Schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and ascertain that the eyes are healing properly. The flap adapts seamlessly to the surrounding tissue over time, enhancing long-term stability. This natural healing process usually causes minimal discomfort and supports long-term vision stability. Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid excessive physical exercise for a short period of time to prevent strain on the healing area. Adhere to all post-operative instructions to speed your recovery.
Schedule an Assessment for Laser Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery provides a long-term solution for restoring eyesight. From preparation through recovery, patients benefit from advanced eye care technology and experienced specialists dedicated to safety and lasting results. Schedule an appointment for a LASIK assessment to find out if this procedure is the right fit for your vision needs.
