How is lasik eye surgery performed

A hinge on the flap prevents it from being completely separated from the cornea. Now, a more common and safer method is to use a different type of laser femtosecond to create the corneal flap. The amount of corneal tissue the laser will remove is calculated ahead of time. The surgeon will calculate this based on several factors including:. Once the reshaping is done, the surgeon replaces and secures the flap.

No stitches are needed. The cornea will naturally hold the flap in place. LASIK is most often done on people who use glasses or contact lenses because of nearsightedness myopia. It is sometimes used to correct farsightedness.

It may also correct astigmatism. For people with presbyopia , LASIK cannot correct vision so that one eye can see at both distance and near. This is called "monovision. In some instances, surgery on only one eye is required.

If your doctor thinks you're a candidate, ask about the pros and cons. You should not have this procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because these conditions can affect eye measurements.

You should not have this procedure if you take certain prescription drugs, such as Accutane, Cardarone, Imitrex, or oral prednisone. A complete eye exam will be done before surgery to make sure your eyes are healthy. Other tests will be done to measure the curvature of the cornea, the size of the pupils in light and dark, the eyes' refractive error, and the thickness of the cornea to make sure you will have enough corneal tissue left after surgery. You will sign a consent form before the procedure.

This form confirms that you know the procedure's risks, benefits, alternative options, and possible complications. Call the eye doctor right away if you have severe pain or any of the symptoms get worse before your scheduled follow-up appointment 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

At the first visit after the surgery, the eye shield will be removed and the doctor will examine your eye and test your vision. You will receive eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. Do not drive until your vision has improved enough to safely do so. Other things to avoid include:. Most people's vision will stabilize in a few days after surgery, but for some people, it may take up to 3 to 6 months.

A small number of people may need to have another surgery because the vision is over- or under-corrected. Sometimes, you will still need to wear contact lenses or glasses. Some people need a second surgery to get the best possible results. Although a second surgery may improve distance vision, it may not relieve other symptoms, such as glare, halos, or problems with night driving. After four to six hours, patients may feel relatively comfortable with their vision.

Most patients feel very comfortable with their new vision by the next day. However, this may depend on the severity of your eyesight prior to the procedure. Although it is rare, it may take several weeks before you see full results.

You may also struggle with the following issues:. To learn more about this procedure and determine if you are a candidate, schedule an appointment with a Penn Medicine provider online. Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. It's advice from our physicians delivered to you on your time.

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Date Archives Year Share This Page: Post Tweet. You may also be required to wear eye shields at night to prevent rubbing your eyes for the first week. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after any vision correction and in no event should you drive until your vision is clear. Learn more about what to expect after the procedure. Skip to main content. Are you a candidate? Eyesight simulator Find the ideal procedure for you.

Home What to expect The procedure itself. The procedure itself You will be escorted to the operating room where you and your surgeon will again discuss the procedure you are about to undergo. Before the procedure begins, you will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil and numb your eye. While you relax on the treatment bed, a tiny incision will be made in the cornea, and an ultrasonic probe will be used to soften the lens and remove it a laser will not be used to complete this surgery.

An intraocular lens implant or IOL is then inserted into the space left where the natural lens used to be. The lens membrane, or capsular bag, is left intact to provide support for the new lens. Your clinic : Montreal.