For millions of people worldwide, LASIK eye surgery has transformed their vision and eliminated their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Knowing each step of the LASIK procedure can help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey toward better vision.
Keep reading to gain an in-depth understanding of LASIK, from preparation to procedure and recovery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a precise surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea using advanced laser technology. The procedure corrects common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, by permanently altering how light enters and focuses on the retina.
Most patients enjoy complete independence from visual aids for decades, with many experiencing better vision than they ever had with glasses or contacts. The surgery itself is quick, minimally invasive, and virtually painless.
Here is a step-by-step look at the LASIK procedure:
Step 1: Pre-Surgical Preparation and Eye Numbing
Your LASIK procedure begins with thorough preparation to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the treatment. The first step involves applying anesthetic eye drops to completely numb your eyes.
These topical medications work quickly and effectively, meaning you’ll experience no pain during the procedure. If needed, mild sedatives are available to help you relax, though most patients find the procedure comfortable without additional medication.
Your LASIK surgeon will also use a painless lid separation device to gently keep your eyelids open during the procedure. This ensures you don’t need to worry about blinking at the wrong moment, as the device maintains steady access to your cornea throughout the treatment.
Step 2: Creating the Corneal Flap
The second critical step in LASIK involves creating an ultra-thin flap in the outer layer of your cornea. South Texas Eye Institute utilizes the advanced IntraLase femtosecond laser system for this step, offering a significant advancement over traditional microkeratome blade techniques.
The IntraLase system creates the corneal flap using bladeless technology, producing a thinner, more uniform flap compared to mechanical methods, which results in fewer complications and reduced post-surgical dryness. The precision of the IntraLase system allows your surgeon to customize the flap thickness, diameter, and hinge location based on your unique eye anatomy.
This personalized approach ensures optimal healing and visual outcomes.
Step 3: Corneal Reshaping
Once the corneal flap is created and gently folded back, your LASIK surgeon can begin reshaping your cornea to correct your vision. South Texas Eye Institute employs the state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser, which delivers cool ultraviolet light pulses to precisely remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue.
The laser treatment is entirely based on the detailed measurements and mapping performed during your pre-operative examination. Patients who choose CustomVue LASIK receive the added benefit of Wavefront technology, which creates a three-dimensional map of your eye’s unique optical characteristics.
This personalized approach corrects not only standard refractive errors but also higher-order aberrations that can affect vision quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The excimer laser’s computer-guided system also tracks your eye movement in real-time using 3D ActiveTrack technology.
This ensures the laser remains perfectly centered over your eye, even if your eye moves slightly during the procedure. The actual laser treatment usually takes less than one minute per eye, though the exact duration depends on the degree of correction required.
Step 4: Flap Repositioning and Natural Healing
The final step involves carefully repositioning the corneal flap over the newly reshaped corneal tissue. Your LASIK surgeon gently smooths the flap back into place, ensuring proper alignment and eliminating any air bubbles or wrinkles that could affect healing.
One of the remarkable aspects of LASIK is that the corneal flap naturally adheres to the underlying tissue, eliminating the need for stitches. The entire repositioning process takes only a few minutes and completes your LASIK procedure.
What to Expect Immediately After Your LASIK Procedure
Right after the LASIK procedure, you’ll rest briefly in a recovery area while your eyes begin the initial healing process. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision, although some initial blurriness or haziness is normal as the eyes adjust.
Your vision will continue to improve over the following hours and days. Before leaving South Texas Eye Institute, you’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions and prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Having a designated driver is essential, as you cannot drive immediately after your procedure.
What is LASIK Recovery Like?
Recovery from LASIK begins immediately after your procedure and progresses rapidly for most patients. You can expect to recover from LASIK within one to three days, though individual recovery times vary.
Some patients experience significantly improved vision within hours, while others may take several days to achieve results. Most patients can return to work the day following their procedure, though ophthalmologists recommend taking at least one full day of rest with minimal activity.
Your follow-up appointment the day after surgery allows your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and ensure everything is progressing normally. You’ll also likely be cleared to drive at this time and resume light physical activity, such as walking.
For more strenuous exercise and sports, it’s recommended you wait at least two weeks, with a full month wait period for swimming and water sports.
Why Choose South Texas Eye Institute for Your LASIK Procedure
If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, understanding each step of the procedure can help you feel confident about your decision. Contact South Texas Eye Institute today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward clearer vision.
The experienced team will guide you through every aspect of the LASIK process, ensuring you have the information and support needed to achieve your best possible visual outcome. Schedule your appointment at South Texas Eye Institute in San Antonio, TX, today!
