Behind the Scenes: What Happens During a LASIK Procedure?

Posted by: Dakota Eye Institute in Uncategorized on October 18, 2023

One of the most performed ways to achieve clear, sharp vision is to undergo LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, a laser eye procedure that changes the shape of the cornea. A mechanical microkeratome blade device or a laser keratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea to correct refractive errors of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK is the eye surgery leader when it comes to expertise, affordability, and success rate. The surgery itself only takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, providing patients with immediate results of improved vision.

Behind the scenes of what happens during a LASIK procedure is relatively simple. A general outline of the procedure includes these four steps: 1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye. 2. The surgeon creates a protective flap to access the corneal tissue. At this point, the patient’s vision is likely dim and a bit blurry. Once the flap is created, the patient will be able to see again this time with the flashing light of the laser and bright lights overhead for the surgeon to adequately see during the procedure. 3. The inner layers of the cornea received pulses of laser light controlled by a computer. The laser light is invisible but makes a clicking noise as it gently reshapes the inner corneal layer. An eye-tracking device measures any eye movements to redirect the laser to ensure precise correction. 4. Following the reshaping method, the surgeon carefully repositions and realigns the corneal flap to its original position and places a protective shield over the eye to prevent any touching of the eye while the flap heals naturally. 
The type of LASIK your surgeon will perform will be determined with a series of exams before the procedure. Some patients opt for bladeless LASIK, where a laser creates the corneal flap versus the manual creation by the hands of the surgeon, while others may benefit from a custom LASIK procedure dependent upon your vision needs and degree of correction. To learn more about your LASIK options and what you can expect before, during, and after your LASIK surgery, contact Dakota Eye Institute at 701-222-3937 or WEBSITE.