During LASIK Procedure
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During LASIK
After LASIK Enhancements Alternatives to LASIK |
It is natural for patients to feel a mixture
of excitement and nervousness before their LASIK procedure. Be assured that these are common and absolutely
normal emotions. To aid in your comfort and to help you rest afterwards, you will be given a mild sedative before the procedure begins.
You will need to arrive an hour before your appointment, and be well rested. The entire process, including processing and recovery, will take approximately two hours. Because LASIK eye surgery is an ambulatory procedure - meaning that you walk into the surgery facility, have your procedure and then walk out - you will need someone to drive you home. We suggest that you print out this map and directions for your driver.
- First, you will lie down. Your eyelid area will be cleaned with a disinfectant; then your eyes will be numbed with special eye drops - no general anesthetic is necessary.
- One eye is operated on at a time. Dr. Cutarelli will position the eye directly under the laser. A device called a "lid speculum" will be placed under the eyelids to gently and comfortably hold them open - a soothing balanced salt solution is used to keep your eye moist and comfortable.
- Your eyelashes will be draped to keep them out of the surgical field. A lightweight suction-ring will be placed on your eye for creating the flap; the lights may appear to go out for a brief period, as you won't actually see the creation of the flap.
- Dr. Cutarelli views your eye through a highly specialized surgical microscope and creates a flap about 8.5 to 9.5 mm in diameter and around 120 microns thick - this is very thin. The flap is intentionally not cut completely so that it retains a hinge that connects to the rest of the cornea. He will lift up this flap to expose the tissue just below the surface, called the corneal stroma.
- The VISX 3D ActiveTrak will follow the tiny motions of your eye instantaneously, in three dimensions, and automatically repositions the laser to ensure accuracy. You simply need to focus on a special fixation light for a minute or less.
- The VISX S4 Star Excimer Laser reshapes the exposed stromal bed by removing a delicate amount of the exposed tissue. Under Dr. Cutarelli's full control, the wavefront computer software directs precisely how much corneal tissue is removed and where.
- The flap is then replaced over the cornea. No stitches are required to keep the flap in place, as the epithelium cells of the cornea will migrate over the edge of the flap to seal it in a very short time, usually overnight.
- The drapes and eyelid holder will be removed, and antibiotic, anti-inflammatory eye drops applied.
- After the procedure, you will rest for a few minutes. Clear protective eye shields will be positioned over both eyes to protect them from injury. There may be some slight, temporary discomfort after treatment, although some people experience none. Dr. Cutarelli may prescribe pain medication if necessary, although he has seldom needed to do so.
- Your vision will most likely be blurry at first; this is completely normal, and why you must have someone available to drive you home. Rest and relaxation is the next order of business, for approximately 4 hours, to facilitate the healing process of the flap.
Next: After LASIK.
