Overview of LASIK eye surgery

In the center of the surface of the eye, rest the cornea. The cornea functions by focusing rays of light that enters into the eye, onto the retina. If the cornea is too steep, the light will be focused in front of the retina which then causes myopia, better known as nearsightedness. When the cornea is too flat, it is the opposite; the light is focused behind the retina and this is called hyperopia, also known as farsightedness.

Then there is astigmatism, which results from irregular degrees of the curve in the cornea. Basically, if the cornea is not the proper spherical shape, it will result in vision problems and many people have more than one.

LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, and utilizes an excimer laser (exciplex laser) to correct the shape of the cornea with extreme precision. The lasers works by ablating fine layers of corneal tissue. A microkeratome is first used to build a flap on the front of the cornea. The flap exposes the middle layers of tissue to the laser, while keeping the front of the cornea protected. The cursory flap is then lifted, and the laser is utilized to remove the exact amount of tissue to give the cornea a proper degree of curvature.

The flap is put in its proper position and will reattach to the cornea on its own within just a few minutes. This leaves the integrity of the eye's frontal surface uncompromised, while changing the cornea's shape.

What usually happens at a LASIK clinic? There are 12 basic steps to the entire procedure:

1. Upon arriving at the surgery center you are given instructions by a surgery coordinator who will then answer any remaining questions you have.

2. You are given a light sedative to squelch any stress and anxiety you may have.

3. Your eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops

4. You are taken to the operating room where there is a reclining chair.

5. The numbing drops are administered a second time.

6. A device is used to hold back your eyelids. You are not able to blink during the procedure but you will also be unaware of anything coming at your eye.

7. The preprogramed laser computer is set to your exact needs.

8. You will be asked to focus on a blinking red light while the laser if focused.

9. The cornea flap is created

10. There will be a serious of audible pulses, each removing a layer of tissue.

11. The cornea flap is put back in place to heal on its own.

12. Lastly, eye drops are placed in your eyes to moisturize and advance the healing process.