What Happens During LASIK?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on May 13, 2024

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, more commonly called LASIK, is one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction surgery. The procedure has been used for over twenty years, and millions of people have opted to get LASIK for permanent vision correction. 

The procedure is safe and effective, has a very low complication rate, and boasts a high level of patient satisfaction. During LASIK, your eye doctor uses specialized lasers to reshape the cornea. 

The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer, and it helps focus light on the retina. The shape of the cornea affects your visual acuity and can cause refraction errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness. 

Reshaping the cornea can correct these issues and give you clear vision without glasses or contacts. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK, including what happens during the procedure!

What is a LASIK Consultation?

Before LASIK, your eye doctor will meet with you for a detailed consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. During this appointment, your eye doctor will review your medical history and ask about your vision goals. 

They will perform a comprehensive eye exam and check your vision. In addition, they will take specialized measurements of your eyes to plan your procedure. 

Ensuring you are a good candidate for LASIK helps make sure the procedure is safe and provides the most optimal vision results.

What Happens During The LASIK Procedure?

The LASIK procedure takes place in your eye doctor’s office. You will be awake during the procedure, but you can request medication to help you feel more relaxed. 

Once you’re checked in, your eye doctor will give you special eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes, ensuring that you don’t feel any discomfort.  Your eye doctor starts by placing an instrument to comfortably hold your eyelids open so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure.

Then, your eye doctor will use a laser to carefully create a small flap in the tissue on the surface of your eye. Once the flap is created, it will be moved to the side in order to access the inner layers of your cornea. 

Your eye doctor will use another laser instrument to reshape your cornea. After the cornea has been reshaped, your eye doctor will carefully reposition the flap on the surface of your eye for healing. 

The flap will heal itself, so there is no need for stitches. The entire procedure can usually be completed within thirty minutes for both eyes. 

What Happens After LASIK?

After LASIK surgery, your eyes may feel sore, gritty, dry, or watery. Your vision may be a little blurry, and you won’t be able to drive. 

You should plan to have a friend or family member take you home. Your eye doctor will give you care instructions before you go home. 

It will be important to follow those directions, including:

• Wear an eye shield for the first day, and when you sleep, so you don’t rub your eyes. You may need to wear the eye shield for several nights.
• Use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and any additional medications your doctor recommends.
• Restrict activities like strenuous exercise or swimming for several weeks.
• No cosmetics around your eyes for several weeks. 

You may notice your vision improving within a few days of LASIK. The full recovery from surgery takes several months, and you should expect some fluctuations in your vision during recovery. Your vision should stabilize within six months of your procedure.

Are you ready to learn if you might be a good candidate for LASIK?  Schedule a LASIK evaluation at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!