What is LASIK Surgery?

STEPS OF LASIK

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SURGICAL DAY (PLEASE ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 3-4 HOURS AT THE CENTER)

STEPS OF LASIK

STEP 1

Arrive on time (ladies – no eye makeup) wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to feel relaxed.

STEP 2

Your eyes will be dilated using eye drops and measured for the procedure. You will also receive additional eye drops to numb or anesthetize the eyes. There are no needles or IV’s. After you eyes have been prepared and cleansed for surgery, you will be comfortably laid on the laser bed. The eye to be operated on will be held open using a lid holder called a lid speculum so it is properly exposed for the doctor. A temporary shield will cover the eye that is not being operated on. The doctor and technicians will work together performing a checklist to ensure that the laser is properly set and that all of the necessary things are in place for your surgery.

STEP 3

Next, the surface of your eye will be prepared. In some cases, a microkeratome (an instrument that makes a thin flap of protective tissue) is used. This part of the procedure requires that a suction ring is engaged to stabilize the eye. During this time, your vision can grow very dim and you can feel some tightness in your eye. The eye tracker system will be engaged and the laser will follow the very small movements of your eye. Now the laser treatment will be applied.

STEP 4

More eye drops will be used and you will be sent home for the remainder of the day. It is important for you to rest for the next 24 hours or as directed by your surgeon before resuming your regular daily activities. It is common to return to regular activity in approximately 1 to 2 days.

STEP 5

Plan to return on the following day for a postoperative visit. This appointment will be scheduled before you leave the surgery center.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR SURGERY

There is some discomfort that patients may experience after surgery. You may be sensitive to light. You may also have a feeling that there is something in your eyes. Sunglasses usually help make you feel more comfortable. The eye drops that you will be given will alleviate some of this discomfort.

Postoperative eye drops will be used for approximately 7 days. Sometimes as determined by the surgeon, you may need additional drops past that time period.

You will not be allowed to rub your eyes and you will be given eye shields to protect your eyes while you sleep. You will also be asked to avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo in your eyes while showering or bathing.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT YOUR EARLY VISION TO BE?

Typically patients experience small fluctuations and blurriness in their vision for the first week to a few months as their eyes are healing. This can be very dependent on the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism that was treated. It is common, however, for most patients to see enough to resume their regular activities very quickly. Your surgeon will discuss what is best for you based on your situation.

LASIK RISKS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

LASIK eye surgery, as in any other major surgery, has risks. Dr. Broussard, who is a highly experienced LASIK surgeon and ophthalmologist, can answer your questions about LASIK risks and possible side effects. Every FDA-approved laser used in vision correction has various risks and complications associated with them. But all lasers approved for LASIK include the risks of dry eye syndrome, which can be severe; the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery; visual symptoms including halos, glare, starbursts, and double vision, which can be debilitating; and the loss of vision. LASIK is considered contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, and in patients with collagen vascular, autoimmune or immune deficiency disease as well as keratoconus or suspected keratoconus. Patients currently taking Accutane or Cordorone are also considered contraindicated for LASIK.

LASIK SELF TEST

Are you a candidate?

The only way to know if you are a candidate for laser vision correction is to have a thorough LASIK exam with our highly trained staff and eye doctor. This self-evaluation will give us an indication if you may be a good candidate and can benefit from the visual freedom that comes with having LASIK vision.