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LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure

The LASIK eye surgery procedure is quite a simple one, and for most people it is comfortable and pain free. You will be completely conscious and alert during the procedure.  There is no need to be nervous, as this is one of those outpatient procedures that is over almost before you know it.

The first step in LASIK eye surgery procedure is the application of the anesthetic drops that completely numb the eye. You will also be given drops that dilate the pupils. You will be offered a mild sedative.

A corneal suction ring is then applied to the eye, holding the eye in place. Once the eye is immobilized, a flap is created by using a special instrument with a metal blade called a microkeratome, or a laser microkeratome (also known as bladeless LASIK or IntraLASIK). This creates a hinge at one of end of the flap, which is folded back, revealing the stroma, or the middle section of the cornea. This part of the procedure is generally described as uncomfortable, but not painful.

Next, an excimer laser delivers cool pulses of ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea. It does this by vaporizing the top layer of cells in the areas needed without damaging the adjacent stroma. There is no burning with heat or cutting required to ablate the tissue. During this step, the patient's vision will become very blurry and disorienting. This is completely normal. Excimer lasers in use today use an eye tracking system that follows the patient's eye position and movement up to 4,000 times per second. Any eye movements during the LASIK eye surgery procedure will cause the excimer laser to redirect laser pulses for precise treatment.

After the laser has reshaped the surface of the cornea, the LASIK flap is replaced and checked for air bubbles, debris, and proper fit and placement on the eye. No stitches are requires as the eye naturally heals the flap in place. The entire procedure only takes several minutes per eye.

The LASIK Review can help you find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area. Click here to schedule a free LASIK consultation appointment, or contact us to have a LASIK Eye Surgery center contact you.

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