What Does LASIK Involve?

What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Involve?

Before surgery, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK surgery, what to expect before and after surgery, and any questions you may have. If you wear contacts, you may be asked to stop wearing them prior to the surgery, but your surgeon will provide guidelines on how and when to stop wearing contacts.

LASIK surgery at the Stephenson Refractive Surgery Center at the Dean McGee Eye Institute involves three steps:

Step One

We will create your personalized vision profile using iDESIGN technology. This high-definition sensor uses more than 1,200 data points to render a 3D map of your cornea. It also measures the refractive error 20 times more accurately than a standard refraction, which gives a superior outcome. Your surgeon then uses this information to create a custom LASIK treatment plan for you — all at no additional charge.

Step Two

We make your personalized LASIK flap using our state-of-the-art, ultrafast femtosecond laser. This laser uses tiny, precise pulses of light to create your unique flap — a thin layer of tissue that is folded back to reveal the corneal tissue underneath.

Step Three

Guided by the iDESIGN technology, we will deliver your personalized vision correction using a second type of laser, called an excimer laser, to gently reshape the cornea and smooth out any distortions to eliminate your refractive error. When finished, your surgeon will reposition the LASIK flap and your procedure is complete all in a matter of minutes.

Things to Consider Before Getting LASIK

LASIK is a surgery that can change your vision and your life, so it is important to ask questions and be educated about the process. At DMEI, we encourage everyone to ask their surgeon about the procedure, what they can expect, how to prepare for LASIK, and what to expect during recovery. There are no such things as stupid questions, so feel comfortable knowing that your DMEI surgeon is here to answer any question you may have.

In addition to asking any questions you may have up front, it is also important to consider your overall health as well as the health of your eyes before getting LASIK. Keep the following in mind before starting the LASIK process. Our expert staff can also help you determine if you are healthy enough to undergo LASIK surgery during your free screening* and the consultation with your surgeon.

Are You Healthy?

Like every surgery, being healthy is important to the success and outcome of any procedure. Certain illnesses and diseases may prevent your body from healing, so it is vital to disclose any conditions you may have with your doctor.

Certain conditions may prevent you from being a good candidate for LASIK, including:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus
• Depression
• Chronic pain disorders, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis

When the body is fighting against a disorder, it has a harder time healing. People with disorders such as diabetes may need to be more careful as the condition does pose more complex issues during LASIK. However, the procedure is considered safe for those with diabetes as long as their blood sugar is well-managed and they do not have severe diabetic retinopathy.

Women who are pregnant should also be careful when considering LASIK due to hormonal changes in the body which may affect vision. Most experts agree that pregnant women should wait until they are no longer pregnant or nursing to be evaluated for a LASIK procedure.

Are Your Eyes Healthy?

Your eyes should be generally healthy in order to qualify for laser eye surgery. Conditions such as eye infections, severe dry eye, or conjunctivitis (pink eye) may delay the LASIK procedure until your eyes have healed.

Talk with your doctor if you suffer from chronic dry eye issues. Your doctor may prescribe treatments for your dry eye that will help your eyes become healthy enough for LASIK.