LASIK
LASIK surgery involves cutting a trapdoor-like flap on the cornea. The underlying bed of cornea is treated with the excimer laser beam to reshape the exposed surface to the specific requirements. At completion of the laser treatment the flap of cornea is replaced into its original position.
Recovery is typically rapid and comfortable.
LASIK has some potential advantages over surface treatments, but because a flap must be created, lifted, replaced and stabilised, the risk profile is greater than that of ASLA/PRK.
85+% of our cases are LASIK technique allowing bilateral same-day procedure.
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
Before your Excimer Laser refractive procedure
Careful measurements of your eyes are crucial to the success of the procedure. Soft contact lenses must be left out for one week prior to both measurement and surgery. Hard contact lenses must be left out for three weeks prior to measurement and surgery. A topographical map of your cornea will be scanned to optimize your treatment parameters.
How the procedure is done
Dress comfortably and bring a companion on the day of laser surgery. You must NOT drive yourself home immediately after the procedure. The treatment visit takes about one and a half hours, but the Excimer Laser application lasts only minutes. The procedure is painless under local anaesthetic eye drops. No injections are necessary.
You will be asked to lie on a bed looking up into the laser's centering light. A small lid speculum holds the eyelids against blinking and the laser is designed so that both the laser and the surgeon, rather than you, keep the eye centred during laser treatment. The laser beam can be stopped and restarted at any time during the treatment.
Post Operative LASIK Instructions
DAY OF SURGERY
- You will need to have someone to accompany you home following laser surgery. They are welcome to stay and watch the procedure if you wish.
- The entire visit lasts 60-90 minutes.
- Please do not wear eye make-up or strong perfume to the laser centre.
- Postoperative drops and detailed intructions for use will be provided following the procedure.
AFTER THE SURGERY
- It is recommended that eye make-up be avoided for one week after surgery.
- Following surgery you will be advised on how to care for your eyes, and will be given a medication pack to use. Please ensure all medications are taken as directed.
- It is important to rest your eyes as much as possible during the first 24 hours.
- A shield is provided for you to wear at night, or when sleeping, during the first 3 days following surgery.
- Do not rub or squeeze the eye for one week post laser surgery.
- Don't drive after surgery until you are accustomed to your changed vision, especially distance judgement (usually days).
- Fluctuating vision, glare sensitivity, and reading problems are common during the first few post-operative weeks.
- Sunglasses are recommended when outdoors for protection from glare, trauma, and extreme drying of the eyes.
- Vigorous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks and contact sports for the first month.
Post-op visits
These are requested by your doctor and generally occur at one day, ten days and two months for treatment and follow-up.
Additional visits are arranged whenever necessary.
