Laser Eye Surgery Articles                

What to Expect During Laser Eye Surgery....3rd Aug 2009

You have carried out your laser eye surgery research, chosen your ophthalmology surgeon, your eyes have been examined thoroughly by him/her and you have had a detailed discussion with the surgeon regarding your eye correction surgery, your general health, and any medication you take.

Your surgeon has confirmed you are a suitable candidate for eye correction surgery, your procedure has been planned and now the day is here.

On the day of your eye correction surgery, it is imperative that you do not use any creams, make-up or lotions as the eye area must be scrupulously clean.

Some surgeons will supply a special soap and gentle brush asking you to scrub the eyelids and surrounding area prior to your arrival at the clinic.

You will need someone to accompany you as you will be unable to drive following your procedure.

Your surgeon and their team will discuss all of your treatment details and then a lid speculum will be fitted to keep your eyelid open during the laser surgery. Prior to creating the LASIK flap, a suction device will be placed on your eye to fixate it.

You will experience some pressure which might be a little uncomfortable and your sight will briefly become quite dark.

Your surgeon will use a microkeratome to create the corneal flap. Following this the microkeratome and suction will be removed. Your sight will return, however, be prepared for it to be blurred throughout the whole procedure.

Your surgeon will carefully move the flap so that the corneal tissue is on show, any moisture will be dried and your corneal thickness will be measured.

The laser will now be positioned over your eye and you will be instructed to stare straight at the light. Don't be alarmed, this light is not the actual laser but simply a method to keep your eye focused and straight during the procedure.

The laser will be started by the surgeon as soon as they are satisfied with the eye position. Laser treatments vary for each patient and condition but usually last less than a minute.

You might experience a strange burning odour - don't worry this is simply the corneal fluid evaporating during the laser treatment.

A ticking sound may be heard and this too is perfectly normal when laser surgery is being performed. When sufficient corneal tissue has been ablated by the laser, the flap will be carefully placed back into position. Stitches/sutures are not required.

A shield will be placed round your eye(s) to protect it/them from accidental rubbing as the cornea is very delicate at this stage.

If you are having both eyes treated at the same time, the procedure will be repeated on the other eye. You will be given antiseptic drops and cream if your surgeon feels it is required and will be asked to return the next day for a follow up appointment.