What is Laser Eye Surgery and How Does it Work?
Choosing to have laser eye surgery to correct or improve your vision problem is a very important decision.
Therefore, it is essential that you have a good understanding of the exact nature of your vision problem, as well as the potential benefits and limitations associated with the range of treatment options available. Refractive surgery is a general term that encompasses the various types of laser surgeries used to correct the most common forms of ametropia, which is an optical refractive error that results in reduced eyesight.
In an eye that functions normally, the cornea and crystalline lens are able to focus incoming light on the retina, a state called emmetropia. In myopia, the light is focused on a point in front of the retina, whereas in hyperopia, the light is focused behind the retina. For its part, astigmatism is characterized by an abnormal curvature in the cornea which results in a distorted image, regardless of the distance from the object. Lastly, people with presbyopia have trouble seeing up close.
These vision problems can be completely corrected or significantly improved with surgical procedures that are safe, accurate, and non-invasive. The two most common laser surgery techniques used in the above conditions are femtosecond LASIK, and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
If you decide to undergo laser eye surgery, here are the main steps you can expect:
Step One: Appointment
The first step involves making an appointment for a free evaluation of your vision problem. This initial meeting, which typically lasts an hour, will determine whether you are a candidate for laser eye surgery.
During the evaluation, specialized vision tests will be conducted, as well as a brief medical exam using a questionnaire. The ophthalmologist will review your test results and determine if laser eye surgery is an appropriate treatment option for you. If so, the method recommended for your case will be explained to you in detail by the nurse. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
During this first appointment, you will also receive detailed information about the cost of the recommended procedure, as well as a consent form that you can read over prior to your treatment.
Step Two: The Day of the Eye Surgery
Preoperative consultation with your surgeon
This is an important day and our main objective is to make sure that you receive exemplary and reassuring care and support. Upon your arrival at the clinic, you will be introduced to your nurse and guided to the operating room for your preoperative consultation with your surgeon. The latter will conduct an ophthalmological exam and walk you through all the steps of your procedure in detail. He will inform you of the benefits of the treatment as well as the potential risks and complications associated with it. And of course, he will answer any questions you may have about the consent form. This is also a great opportunity to bring up any remaining questions or concerns that you may have.
The procedure
Laser eye surgery is a non-invasive and short procedure that is usually completed within 15 minutes. In fact, during surgery, the laser is applied on each eye for less than one minute.
Some additional helpful information
- If you’re feeling anxious before the surgery, we can give you a mild oral sedative.
- We will invite you to lie on your back and rest before we begin.
- Your eyes will be anesthetized with eye drops. No needles are used in the procedure.
- Your eyes will then be gently propped and kept open, and the instrument used to create the corneal flap will be put in place.
- The corneal flap will then be delicately folded back to expose the internal layer of the cornea.
- The surgeon will proceed to reshape the cornea using the laser technique appropriate to the vision problem.
- Once this is completed, the surgeon will then fold the corneal flap back into place, and the cornea will begin healing almost immediately and continue to do so in the following hours.
- Before you know it, the surgery will be over.
Recovery
The eyes recover very quickly from laser eye surgery. Most people can walk, drive, work, read and watch television without glasses the day after a LASIK procedure, and 5 to 7 days after a PRK procedure.
- After your surgery, we will ask you lie down and rest for 30 to 60 minutes in the recovery room. You will then be free to return home.
- Before you leave, we will give you recovery recommendations to follow as well as some eye drops.
- It’s very important to follow these postoperative care recommendations to optimize your recovery and reduce the risks of complications. If you have any questions or concerns following your operation, feel free to contact your surgeon.