While many people have heard of laser eye surgery or know someone that has visited a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute, not many people fully comprehend the process as it relates to vision correction. This lack of understanding can contribute to the spread of misinformation and misconceptions about LASIK. In an effort to remedy the general confusion on the topic, LASIK eye specialists are here to explain some important details about this particular kind of refractive surgery.
LASIK surgery requires two distinct steps. The first is the creation of a corneal flap and the second is the reshaping of the cornea. While these two actions do not make up the entirety of the procedure, they are the basic operative measures. All other steps revolve around these segments of vision correction.
Corneal Flap
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. It helps your eye focus the light that passes through. This layer is the first point of interception for what you see and perceive. You can think of it as a window. In order to focus light properly, the cornea has to be shaped in a certain manner. Distorted corneal lenses can affect your vision negatively.
When you experience nearsightedness or farsightedness, it could be the result of a misshapen cornea, which blurs your vision. Many people visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute for this very reason. LASIK has been known to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The success of this procedure has allowed many patients to achieve their vision goals without the aid of their prescription glasses or contact lenses.
When a LASIK surgeon is creating the corneal flap, they will likely use a microkeratome blade or laser. This will all depend on whether you are receiving blade or bladeless LASIK. You can speak to an eye specialist at a Los Angeles LASIK clinic such as Excel Laser Vision Institute about these two different methods and see which one fits your vision needs better.
Corneal Reshaping
For the precise reshaping of the cornea, a LASIK surgeon will use an excimer laser. This technology has many names, depending on the brand and manufacturer, but it provides the same level of programable accuracy. Excimer laser technology has also advanced over the years to provide a greater depth of customizable properties. With the use of this laser, LASIK surgeons can successfully reshape the living tissue in a person’s cornea without damaging it or any other part of the eye.
The excimer laser functions by eliminating microscopic cells in the cornea that sit under the surgical flap. Topography-guided technology is the key to a procedure that targets each patient’s specific vision correction needs.
After LASIK
The surgery is complete once the LASIK eye specialist replaces the corneal flap and applies any necessary bandages to promote healing. The recovery process is relatively quick and painless. Many LASIK patients are able to return to their regular driving, working schedules by the next day. Your LASIK surgeon will discuss post-operative care with you before you undergo the surgery. Nearly 80% of vision is achieved within the first few days of the procedure and vision strength continues to improve as the eyes fully heal and adjust.
It is important to attend all post-surgery appointments and discuss your vision progress with the LASIK eye specialist. LASIK eye surgery can help many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better!
