How is LASIK done?

LASIK is performed in an outpatient surgical suite. Shortly before the procedure, your surgeon will perform a final eye examination, and you will receive a mild sedative. Your eyes are then numbed with a few drops of topical anesthetic. An eyelid holder and suction ring are used to keep the eyelids open and prevent the eye from moving. You may feel some pressure, and your vision temporarily appears dim or goes black.

The surgeon then uses an automated microsurgical instrument called a microkeratome to create a hinged flap of paper-thin corneal tissue, exposing the areas that the laser will treat. The surgeon lifts the flap and folds it back. The laser, which is preprogrammed to your prescription, is centered above the eye.

While you stare at a target light, a cool-beam laser gently sculpts the exposed cornea, removing microscopic amounts of tissue. The surgeon then replaces the flap and smoothes the edges. The actual procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes, with most patients noticing vision improvement immediately afterwards. You will be instructed to go home and rest with your eyes closed for two hours, and reminded not to rub your eyes after the procedure.

A see-through shield protects your eye for the first day and night after surgery. Your eye may burn or feel scratchy for the first few hours, so you are given eye drops to help you heal and alleviate dryness. You will be asked to come into the office for a check-up with your eye doctor the next day, and then at again at one, three and six months after surgery.

At Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology, most LASIK procedures are scheduled for a Friday, and patients usually return to work on Monday or Tuesday.