LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis ) Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery is the most advanced type of laser eye surgery used today to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK surgery is also the most common type of laser vision correction performed around the world for patients with these vision problems.

LASIK is actually an abbreviation for the medical term, Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis that describes a procedure whereby a laser is used to reshape the cornea from within. This type of laser eye surgery is called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of the cornea. In performing the LASIK procedure, the LASIK surgeon begins by placing a few eye drops in your eyes to numb the surface of your eye. This is to make you are comfortable during your treatment. In fact, you will not experience any discomfort during your procedure.

After entering the Excimer laser suite and reclining on the laser bed, the eye surgeon will carefully place a fine instrument between your eyelids to help you remember to keep them open during the LASIK procedure.

The LASIK surgeon will then create a very thin layer, which is a “flap” of clear tissue in the center of the cornea. The surgeon is then able to gently fold the flap over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the laser can be applied. The application of the laser can take anywhere from 60-90 seconds depending on the type of prescription to be corrected. The laser and its application time are carefully controlled by a computer in the laser that the LASIK surgeon and staff have determined and programmed, based on their measurements and calculations gathered from your LASIK consultation.

After the laser has been applied, the corneal curvature will have the new shape necessary to correct your vision. The LASIK surgeon can then replace the flap into its original position. The cornea is a remarkable tissue in that it has extraordinary natural bonding qualities-similar to Velcro-so that when the flap is replaced is will adhere to the underlying the cornea without the need for stitches. The makes the healing and visual recover process very quick for most patients.

During the first few days after your LASIK surgery, it is important to avoid bumping or rubbing your eyes. It is normal and expected for you to have a mild gritty sensation of “something in my eye”, but you will usually not be uncomfortable. The LASIK surgeon and staff will be giving you detailed instructions regarding eye drops to use to assist with the healing process. Please follow them carefully. Also you will be required to return for a number of follow-up visits to check the healing process. Most patients are able to pass a driver’s eye test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so of their LASIK Surgery.

It is most important to discuss all of your concerns and questions with the LASIK surgeons and staff at Connecticut Eye Center so that they can take the time to explain any information that you may be uncertain about. As you prepare to schedule your LASIK consultation, take a moment to think about the specific things in your everyday life that you would enjoy more if you weren’t dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Share these details with the Connecticut Eye Center staff so that together you can set realistic expectations for your LASIK surgery. The LASIK surgeons at Connecticut Eye Center are dedicated to learning about your personal vision correction goals and making sure that they help you achieve them as well as helping you learn more about LASIK in Connecticut.