In the field of Ophthalmology, LASIK has become solution to correct myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. With the use of laser, it is a refractive surgery procedure that is “laser-assisted in situ keraromileusis.”  Unlike other vision corrective procedures, LASIK involves less pain and results can be experienced a day after the surgery.

Before one can undergo such, a thorough evaluation is required whether or not he or she is a good candidate. The eye doctor will do this through an eye exam that helps assess the condition of the eyes. It is vital for the Opthalmologist to determine the kind of vision correction and the amount of laser ablation needed once it has been confirmed that the eyes are healthy enough to undergo LASIK. During the assessment and if there are symptoms of the dry eye disease, the doctor should first treat the eye by clearing it up before the surgery. It is crucial to avoid developing dry eyes after the procedure so treatment should be done. Another important part of the evaluation is the use of corneal topographer to measure the curvature of the eye. This wavefront technology, light waves are sent through the eye to acquire a precise map of aberrations that affects the patient’s vision.Also, the doctor needs to know if the patient has health problems and medications he or she is has been to. There are some health conditions that couldn’t undergo LASIK.

The evaluation takes much more time than the actual LASIK procedure. This could be the fastest surgery as it just takes less than five minutes. Although it occurs with such little time, the surgeon has the option to give a mild oral sedative before the procedure. But like any other surgeries, LASIK requires a highly skilled surgeon with proper equipment to make it successful. The eyes are also delicate and so is the procedure. To avoid any discomfort during the procedure, numbing eye drops are necessary. The patient should comfortably lie down while the eye is positioned directly under the laser. Take note that only one eye can be operated at a time. Even though the patient is just lying down and eye drops have been used, there is one thing that apparently makes him or her uncomfortable – the retainer placed under the eyelids to keep them open.

With an ink marker, the surgeon marks the cornea before creating the flap with a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. To ensure the good quality of the flap, the device should be securely attached to the cornea with a suction ring, which prevents eye movements. As long as there is sufficient attachment, loss of contact will be prevented to achieve the quality of the ultra thin flap that serves as a natural bandage. While the patient looks at a target light, the doctor looks at the eye through the microscope as the laser sends pulses of light to the cornea.

After the procedure, a few minutes of rest is essential so as not to strain the eyes so much. Some medication may be prescribed especially if there is some pain or mild discomfort after the surgery. In any case, the patient should follow the doctor’s care instructions. Most patients experience the improvement in their vision right away, if not gradually within days or weeks.