Lasik Recovery

What is Lasik Surgery?

There are several types of refractive eye surgery that can be used to reverse the effects of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The lasik procedure is the most popular and lasik recovery is the fastest. Lasik which stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, uses an excimer laser to perform the reshaping of deep corneal tissue in order to correct the refractive properties of the eye. The reshaping of deep corneal tissue allows the surgery to be performed with little or no discomfort as the surface pain receptors are not disturbed. A thick flap is cut in the corneal surface and repositioned so that natural healing can occur.

What happens during the lasik procedure?

After being carefully seated, anaesthetic eye drops will be applied to the eyes to numb them and an antibacterial wash will be used. The eye will be held open by a retaining tool and a suction ring used to keep it still during the procedure. The patient will be instructed to concentrate on a red or green light whilst the surgeon uses a microkeratome to cut a flap beneath the epithelium, making sure that the epithelial layer is not disturbed. Enough tissue will be left to form a hinge where the flap can be suspended from during the operation. The flap will be folded back to expose the inner cornea, which is then dried in preparation for the laser treatment. The laser is moved into place and then removes the prescribed areas of the cornea using vaporization. When the laser has completed the reshaping of the inner cornea the flap is put back in to place and left to heal.

What happens after the procedure?

Immediately after surgery, the eyes will feel itchy and the patient will have to return to the clinic for a 48 hour check up to assess the healing process. Lasik recovery is more delicate during the first 7 days when the patient should rest well and replace showers with baths to avoid pressurized water contact that could disturb the corneal flap. Goggles will be prescribed for sleeping to prevent rubbing at night and also sun shades to protect the eyes that will be sensitive to light for the first couple of weeks. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and help with discomfort. Some patients report clear vision immediately after surgery whilst others take a few more days to see clearly. Complete vision correction can take up to six months to reach but clearer vision will be almost immediately.