Lasik is a revolutionary laser procedure that changes the shape of the human cornea to improve the ability of the eye to focus incoming light on the retina, thus improving your vision.  The result is the elimination of the need for glasses or contacts, or less dependency on them.

There are several steps to the Lasik procedure. In the first, the patient is evaluated to determine whether or not he or she is a good candidate. If the patient is a good fit, a number of tests are performed to determine that the eyes are healthy and in good condition. In addition, the surgeon decides how much correction each eye needs, and the patient is informed of the risks of Lasik.

First of all you need to schedule an appointment for Pre-Lasik checkup. The Lasik Consultation is complimentary if you just wish to speak with eye doctor about the benefits of Laser Vision correction and your suitability for the procedure. You may be assured that your eye doctor will offer you the procedure if you will benefit and have better vision.

Usually the Pre-Lasik checkup is performed by eye doctors themselves. This will determine if your eyes are fit to have Lasik and the procedure that will suit your eyes the most eg: Standard Lasik, Custom Lasik or Epi-Lasik. The complete checkup takes about half an hour to 45 mins.

A complete eye examination that will be performed to determine if you are a suitable candidate includes these tests:

• Accurate Refraction
• Pachymetry – To measure the thickness of cornea
• Topography – This instrument enables a very accurate map of the cornea to be plotted out almost like the whorls and grooves of the fingerprint. This is individual to each eye and forms the basis of the entire procedure.
• Keratometry – To measure corneal curvature the keratometer evaluates the cornea for any irregularity or any surface defect and looks for keratoconus or corning of the cornea which would preclude Lasik, with an automatic detection system.
• Applanation Tonometry – To measure interocular pressure.
• Indirect Opthalmoscopy – To rule out any retinal pathology.
• Other investigations to rule out any septic foci in the body

After you are fully prepared, the Lasik procedure takes less than fifteen minutes to complete for both eyes.  This will seem a remarkably short time to have a permanent change to your vision, and in this regard Lasik seems almost too good to be true.  In addition, most Lasik patients notice improved vision immediately or within a few hours after the Lasik procedure has been performed.

If you will fit into the prescribed criterias then only surgery can be performed:

1. Anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye for surgery, and the surgeon marks the cornea with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap.
2. The surgeon applies a suction ring designed to hold the eye steady and checks the pressure of the eye.
3. The surgeon raises a thin layer of the cornea, or corneal flap, with the microkeratome to expose the portion beneath. This part of the procedure is called keratectomy.
4. The flap – the outermost 20 percent of the thickness of the cornea – is lifted and reflected to the side.
5. The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process.
6. The surgeon then directs a beam of light that reshapes the cornea and corrects the individual refractive error. This step is fast (approximately 10 seconds of laser time per diopter of prescription) and totally painless!
7. Finally, the surgeon lays the flap back into its original position and observes the eye for three to five minutes to ensure bonding. Because the cornea bonds quickly, healing is rapid, and the eye does not require stitches.

After the Lasik procedure, your eye doctor will apply medicated eye drops and clear protective shields over your eyes. You can open your eyes and see well enough to walk without glasses, but you must have someone drive you home.

You will be expected to use medicated eye drops several times a day for a week or so to protect your eyes from infection and help them heal properly. You will also be told to use artificial tears frequently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Some other useful tips that you need to know during Lasik procedure day:

• Arrive an hour prior to the procedure.
• We recommend that you bring someone who can assist you home.
• Further measurements may be taken during the day of your Lasik procedure.
• The Lasik procedure takes about half an hour.
• Once you are done we advise you to go home and nap – then visit our office the next day! Most patients return to work immediately after Lasik procedure!