LASIK Educational Material
Laser Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado
Your Best Possible Vision through LASIK Technology!
Step 6: Your LASIK procedure
Prior to your procedure, it is very natural to feel a mixture of eager anticipation and nervousness. Most LASIK patients describe similar experiences, so be reassured this is both common and absolutely normal. You will be given a mild sedation, such as Valium or Ativan, to help you relax during your procedure (and to nap at home afterwards).
LASIK eye surgery is an ambulatory procedure, which means that you walk into our surgery facility, have your procedure and then walk out again.
We suggest that you print out the map and directions to take with you. You will need to arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time, and be as well rested as possible. The entire process, including recovery, will take approximately 2 hours or less.
LASIK Step-by-step:
- First, you will be lying on a comfortable, laser bed. Your eyelid area will be cleaned with a disinfectant; then your eyes will be numbed with special eye drops - no general anesthetic is necessary.
- Dr. Cutarelli will position your head under the laser. A device called a lid speculum will be placed over one eye, to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids 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 to create a very gentle pressure (for creating the flap); the lights may appear to go out for a brief period.
- Dr. Cutarelli maintains full view of your eye through a surgical microscope to ensure ultimate precision and guidance. He always has complete control over the laser, being able to instantly pause it at any time.
- Using the IntraLase Laser, Dr. Cutarelli will create a corneal flap about 8.5 to 9.5 mm in diameter and around 120 microns thick - so that it includes epithelium , Bowman's membrane, and some stroma. The flap is intentionally not cut completely so that it has a remaining hinge, which connects to the rest of the cornea . He will lift up this flap, like the cover of a book, to expose the tissue just below the flap's 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.
- Through a series of pulses, the VISX S4 Star Excimer Laser reshapes the exposed stromal bed by removing a delicate amount of the exposed tissue. Under Dr. Cutarelli's supervision, the wavefront computer software directs precisely how much corneal tissue is removed and where.
- Dr. Cutarelli then replaces the flap over the cornea. No stitches are required to keep the corneal flap in place. Typically overnight, the epithelium cells of the cornea will migrate over the edge of the flap to seal it.
- Dr. Cutarelli will remove the drapes and eyelid holder, and apply antibiotic, anti-inflammatory eye drops.
- When Dr. Cutarelli tells you to, you may get up from the chair and rest for a few minutes. Clear protective eye shields will be positioned over both eyes to protect them from injury. There may be some temporary discomfort after treatment, similar to having an eyelash in your eye. Dr. Cutarelli can prescribe pain medication if necessary, although he has never needed to do so.
- Your vision will most likely be somewhat fuzzy at first. This is completely normal. You'll go home to rest and relax for approximately 4 hours to facilitate the healing process of the flap. Someone must be present to drive you.
Next step: Your LASIK recovery .
