What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK is short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” True to its name, it uses the advanced technology and unbeatable precision of state-of-the-art surgical laser tools (instead of traditional manual devices) to reshape your corneal tissue. To understand how this procedure corrects your vision, it’s first important to understand how vision normally works.

The cornea is like a “window” into the eye, receiving light so it can be refracted into clear images on the retina. But an abnormally-shaped eyeball or cornea can make normal refraction impossible, resulting in the blurred vision of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. (Another refractive error, presbyopia, results from age-related stiffening of the lens.)

Traditionally, compensating for these refractive errors has involved placing corrective lenses in front of (or directly onto) the corneas. But modern medical technology has made it possible for us to simply change the refractive behavior of the cornea itself by subtly re-sculpting it.

LASIK Vision Correction by Our Ophthalmologist in Plano TX

In traditional LASIK eye surgery, a femtosecond laser makes an extremely fine opening along the perimeter of the cornea, allowing the ophthalmologist to gently position the outermost corneal tissue. Dr. Ali, then uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue in exactly the right patterns to correct your refractive error. The flap is then replaced over the cornea where it heals on its own, without stitches.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Patients must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for LASIK surgery. They should be in good general health with no current eye diseases, such as glaucoma, infections, or other conditions. Additionally, ideal candidates should have a stable vision prescription that hasn’t changed significantly in the past 12 months.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait until a later date to receive the surgery because these conditions affect the measurement of the eye. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can temporarily alter corneal shape and thickness, potentially leading to inaccurate measurements and suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Corneal thickness is another critical factor in determining candidacy. The procedure involves removing corneal tissue, so patients must have sufficient corneal thickness to allow for safe tissue removal while maintaining the structural integrity of the eye.
Your eye doctor at Texas Eye Surgeons will do a complete evaluation of your current vision and an assessment of your suitability for LASIK surgery.

What to Expect From LASIK Eye Surgery

The first step towards successful laser vision correction is a detailed evaluation from our team in Plano to determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK. If you’re under 18 or your prescription is currently changing, for instance, you may not be eligible. If you have an unusually thin cornea, we may direct you toward an alternative procedure, such as PRK. During your evaluation, we will use a pachymeter and other devices to measure your corneal tissue depth and curvature in great detail.

You may be surprised at how quick and easy SMILE and LASIK surgery is. Numbing eye drops are administered to ensure that you feel no pain during the procedure. Any blurred vision or minor irritation should clear up within a day, leaving you with remarkably clear vision. (Be aware, however, that you still might need reading glasses if you suffer from presbyopia.)

How is the LASIK Procedure Done?

The LASIK procedure is relatively simple and only takes a short time. Eye drops are administered to numb the surface of the eye. Once the eye is properly numbed, the surgeon uses a specialized instrument called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The surgeon then folds back this flap to access the underlying corneal tissue (stroma). A high-energy laser device is used to cut a thin layer from the surface of the eye. The amount of tissue to be removed to produce good vision is calculated ahead of time. This calculation is based on the patient’s prescription and corneal mapping data obtained during the evaluation. The excimer laser precisely removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea, reshaping it to improve light focusing on the retina. The flap that is created on the surface of the eye is then replaced. No stitches are needed to hold the tissue in place, as it will begin healing naturally immediately.

The entire procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, with the actual laser treatment lasting only 30-60 seconds for each eye. Throughout the procedure, patients remain awake but are given medication to help them relax. The surgeon provides clear instructions during each step, making the experience less intimidating for most patients.

What is the Recovery Time After Surgery?

A patch is usually placed over the eye, and the patient is advised to allow it to remain in place overnight. This protective measure helps prevent accidental rubbing or touching of the eye during the critical initial healing phase.
Eye drops to prevent infection and a pain reliever or sedative are generally provided after the surgery. These medications help manage any discomfort and reduce the risk of complications during the healing process. Patients are instructed to use preservative-free artificial tears frequently to keep their eyes lubricated and comfortable.
The recovery timeline for LASIK is relatively quick compared to many other surgical procedures. Most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24 hours, though some fluctuation in vision quality is normal during the first few days to weeks. Patients can typically return to work within 1-2 days, though you will need to avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for at least one week.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals, usually one day after surgery, one week later, and then at one, three, and six months post-surgery. These check-ups allow the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.
While most patients achieve stable vision within a few days, the eyes continue to heal and adjust for up to six months after the procedure.

Are There Any Side Effects From LASIK Surgery?

Some patients may experience blurriness on the day of the surgery, but this will likely quickly resolve. A feeling of burning or itching can sometimes occur, but this typically resolves within hours of the surgery. These temporary effects are part of the normal healing process and shouldn’t cause concern.
Dry eye syndrome is perhaps the most common side effect, affecting a significant number of patients temporarily. This occurs because the procedure can disrupt normal tear production. While most cases resolve within a few months, some patients may need to use artificial tears for an extended period.
In very rare cases, infections, halos around objects, or dry eye syndrome can occur. Night vision disturbances such as glare, halos, and starbursts around lights can occur temporarily and usually resolve within 3-6 months as the brain adapts to the changes in vision. However, some patients may experience these effects for a longer period, particularly those with large pupils or very high prescriptions.
Post-surgery visits to your eye surgeon will ensure that healing is proceeding normally. These follow-up appointments are crucial for detecting and addressing any complications early.
With proper screening, experienced surgeons, and advanced technology, the vast majority of LASIK patients experience significant improvement in vision with minimal side effects. The high satisfaction rate among LASIK patients reflects the procedure’s overall safety and effectiveness when performed under appropriate conditions by qualified professionals.