subject: Understanding Lasik [print this page] LASIK (Laser-Assited-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure that uses a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye to correct your vision. It is a highly effective outpatient procedure that is suitable for most low, moderate and higher prescriptions.
LASIK typically takes about 10 minutes to perform on each eye, and is one of the most frequently performed health care procedures in North America, says Dr. Tom Tooma, Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centers in Southern California who has performed more than 100,000 LASIK procedures. In fact, according to the FDA, six million Americans have undergone LASIK to date.
Here is a brief summary of the LASIK procedure :
1.Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
2.A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.
3.Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of your cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.
4.The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.
5.Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.
There are risks with the laser vision correction procedure. However, the chance of having a vision reducing complication has been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal. Remember, millions of people have had excellent results from laser vision correction.
