What is the process of LASIK eye surgery?

In order to understand the process of LASIK surgery, you must first understand exactly what this type of surgery entails. LASIK stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” which describes a procedure in which the cornea is permanently reshaped in order to enhance vision. LASIK is an FDA-approved, outpatient surgery that is very quick (under 20 minutes in most cases) and is virtually painless for most people.

Poor eyesight can often be attributed to misshapen corneas. For example, nearsightedness, or “myopia,” occurs when the cornea is too steep. LASIK surgeons commonly employ blades or lasers to correct this condition surgically by creating a flap in the cornea and reshaping it to correct vision standards. There are other ways of performing vision correction surgery as well, but the general expectations you should have of the process are the same:

Before the surgery:

You will undergo a screening exam to check the health of your eyes, and to determine the most appropriate LASIK surgery procedure for your specific needs. All the vision tests and measurements will be performed and our expert surgeon will explain to you the benefits and the risks of the surgery, as well as what you should expect after your LASIK procedure.

Day of the surgery:

Since you’ll be fully awake for the LASIK procedure, you will be given a low dose of Valium to relax you and prepare you for the surgery. You will then enter our surgical suite full of the latest LASIK equipment and state-of-the-art health systems. The procedure will begin and usually takes only 15-20 minutes. You come out of your LASIK procedure with your eyes open and the use of your vision.

After the surgery:

You will need to be seen three times after your surgery, including the day after your LASIK surgery, in three months and in one year. Depending on the type of the procedure you have, your follow up schedule may vary. We like to keep a close eye on your condition to make sure that all is going according to plan. After the surgery, you may resume all physical activities, with the exception of swimming (for two weeks). You should also avoid eye rubbing for at least two weeks after the surgery. You may need to use drops for a short period to ensure proper healing.

To get started with the path to clear sight with New York LASIK surgery, simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Ilan Cohen at The 5th Avenue Eye Center. We’ll take a computerized image of your cornea to see if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery. During this time, the doctor will discuss your options with you in easy-to-understand terms. The procedure is quick and painless, and there is no obligation to you. We take pride in our ability to educate our clients on the LASIK surgery procedures, but you can also bring a spouse or loved one with you to help you understand the choices you have available to you in order to make the best decision.