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Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the laser procedure. Your eye will be photographed and a computerized map is made called corneal topography. This will assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the diagnostic tests your doctor will use to help ensure precise results.
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The treatment process depends on which procedure your physician deems most appropriate. Overall, most procedures take between 5-15 minutes. If the use of the laser beam is required, it will only take 15-50 seconds. Your entire visit will take less than one hour.
During the treatment, you will sit on a reclining chair and a topical anesthetic eye drop will be used to numb your eye. Your doctor will position your head under the laser and a retainer will be placed gently and comfortably to hold your eyelids open during the procedure. The treatment begins with the removal of the outermost layer of the cornea (PRK) or forming a thin flap of the cornea (LASIK). Then you will focus on a blinking light. Microscopic amounts of tissue, less than the thickness of a human hair, will be removed from your cornea by the gently pulsing light. Afterwards, some drops or ointment will be placed in your eye for protection and comfort.
You will walk out of the Refractive Surgery Center and notice changes in your vision almost immediately. You must bring an escort to drive you home on the day of the procedure. After this visit, you will have periodic follow-up exams with your doctor during the first year.
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Results vary with each individual, but your vision should improve almost immediately after treatment. During the first 24 hours following the procedure, patients may experience some blurred vision. Some patients may experience small vision changes during the first several months, which is a normal occurrence.
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Some people go back to work the day after treatment, however, two or three days are suggested.
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Your physician can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you.
Some guidelines include:
• You must have healthy eyes and be at least 18 years old if you are nearsighted or farsighted, and 21 years old if you have an astigmatism
• Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the laser procedure
• You are not pregnant or a nursing mother
• You do not have a condition that makes healing difficult
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What happens before the treatment?