LASIK Procedure, Step-by-Step

LASIK is a surgical procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. No general anesthetics are used.

Step 1: Anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye for surgery, and the surgeon marks the cornea with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap. Step 2: The surgeon applies a suction ring designed to hold the eye steady and checks the pressure of the eye. Step 3: The surgeon raises a thin layer of the cornea, or corneal flap, with the microkeratome to expose the portion beneath. This part of the procedure is called keratectomy. We at IWANT2020 only use the #1 brands for all our surgical equipment--this is why we use the Bausch & Lomb's Hansatome microkeratome--because it has created more flaps than all other brands--combined! Step 4: The flap - the outermost 20 percent of the thickness of the cornea - is lifted and reflected to the side. Step 5: The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. Step 6: The surgeon then directs a beam of light that reshapes the cornea and corrects the individual refractive error. This step is fast (approximately 10 seconds of laser time per diopter of prescription) and totally painless! Step 7: Finally, the surgeon lays the flap back into its original position and observes the eye for three to five minutes to ensure bonding. Because the cornea bonds quickly, healing is rapid, and the eye does not require stitches.

Steps 1-4: Steps 5-6: Step 7:

Read some of Dr. Chynn's articles about LASIK:

• Hyperopic LASIK
• Hyperopic LASIK: a comparison of the Nidek EC-5000, Chiron PlanoScan, and Kera Isobeam
• Prospective randomized comparison of simultaneous and sequential bilateral laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia
• LASIK Laser Vision Correction - UPDATE
• See Better...Drive Better!
• Intern's Perspective on LASIK Surgery. Kam Siu. (Reviewed by Dr. Emil W. Chynn, MD)
• Flap striae after LASIK can be treated successfully. Insun Lee, Miten Vasa and Emil W. Chynn, MD.

Seven Tips to Maximize Your Vision after LASIK

• Always bring your drops with you into the office and the exam room. This makes it easier for us to explain what they are (many people confuse their drops).
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection for six months after your LASEK, especially when you are in a sunny environment. This will help prevent scarring.
• Use artificial tears AT LEAST four times per day for six months after your LASIK or LASEK. This will help keep your eyes moist and heal so you will see your best.
• Get insurance approval for Punctal Plugs for dry eyes to help your eyes heal after LASIK or LASEK. You will see better. parkavenuelaser.com accepts ALL insurance plans!
• Take all your drops EXACTLY as prescribed.
• Keep all your post-operative exam appointments. Call ASAP if you have a problem.
• Protect your eyes against trauma after your LASIK. Dr. Chynn had a patient who was poked in the eye, and his LASIK flap came up in a bar--so use common sense!

Disclaimer: New York City eye surgeon Dr. Chynn's website is not intended to provide medical advice. It offers information to patients in Long Island, Manhattan and surrounding areas on Lasik eye surgery.