What Happens During the LASIK Procedure Part 2

Step 3: In case of a Laser keratome, a plastic plate is used in place of the suction ring over the cornea to flatten it. You might experience some discomfort due to the pressure. A laser light is then focused inside the cornea and thousands of gas and water bubbles are created that connect and expand to separate the layers of the corneal tissue. This creates a flap on the surface of the cornea.

Step 4: The flap will be hinged on one end, and the doctor will open it to expose the inner layer of the corneal tissue. The corneal tissue is dried before the laser begins its job. You will now be asked to focus on a spot of laser light directly above your head. It is important to note that if you cannot stare at one spot for 60 seconds, you might not be a good candidate for LASIK. The surgeon now starts the laser. The laser emits ultra-violet pulses of light which begin to painlessly vaporize parts of your cornea and reshape it. The computer is pre-programmed by the doctor with the correct specification required for reshaping your cornea. You might hear a clicking noise as the laser starts working. There will also be an acrid smell like that of hair burning which is caused due to vaporizing of the corneal tissue. The surgeon has complete control of the laser and can turn it off anytime.

Step 5: Once the corneal tissue has been vaporized according to specifications, the laser will be stopped and the flap will be put back into position. The doctor will ask you to rest for some time before beginning work on the other eye. Some even prefer doing the second eye a week later.

After the surgery is complete, a shield is placed over the eye to protect it from any foreign matter and to allow the flap to heal. You will experience very mild discomfort and some amount of itching, but keep your fingers as far away from your eyes as possible. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from the clinic. You might even want to take someone along. The entire process will not take more than 20 minutes.

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