LASIK is a very quick and easy procedure for the patient. Preparation includes cleaning around the eyes, a series of eye drops and receiving a mild, oral sedative. A family member or friend needs to be present to drive you home due to the sedation. They are invited to view your LASIK procedure with your approval.
After the medications take effect technicians will assist you into the laser suit. Once in the laser suite, Dr. Abel inserts a lid holder between the upper and lower lid to prevent blinking. A suction ring is placed on your cornea, as suction increases you feel pressure on your eye and vision fades out for approximately twenty seconds. This instrument, called a micro-keratome, creates a thin protective flap of tissue which is folded back so the laser can gently reshape the curvature of the cornea. Patients do not see the microkeratome and will only feel mild discomfort from the pressure.
As the laser reshapes the cornea, you will be asked to focus on a red fixation light. When the laser begins to work, you hear a ticking noise. Dr. Abel will let you know when the reshaping is about to begin so that this does not startle you. Reshaping generally lasts between 10-60 seconds, depending on the amount of correction desired. When the corneal reshaping is complete, the flap is replaced to the original position. Dr. Abel removes the lid holder and the procedure is complete.
