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LASIK is the most popular technique of laser eye surgery to reduce
or eliminate glasses and contact lenses. The word LASIK stands for
laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. A fancy way of indicating
the doctor will create a thin corneal flap at the beginning of the
procedure, perform the laser surgery, and then roll the flap back
into position.
The laser aspect of LASIK is the same as it is for PRK. The
difference is in how the doctor exposes the layer of the cornea
he/she wants to reshape with the laser. Using the flap-making
process with LASIK, the recovery time is drastically reduced
compared to PRK. Most people who have had LASIK are able to see
20/20, or very close to it, when they are checked the day after
surgery.
The creation of the flap is done with an instrument called a
microkeratome, or a different kind of laser. Using a laser to
create the flap is still somewhat controversial and has some
disadvantages over the microkeratome, so Dr. Boyd has chosen to
continue using the microkeratome for the best results.
During the first few days after surgery, it is not unusual for
vision to fluctuate mildly. Care must also be taken to avoid
rubbing the eyes during the first week (you will be provided with
plastic shields to wear over the eyes while sleeping during the
first week after surgery).
Dryness of the eyes is possible following any type of eye surgery.
If you experience dry eye symptoms already (feeling like something
is in the eye, or the eyes tiring easily, or possibly contact lens
intolerance, to name a few), then it is more likely you will
experience increased dryness for a period of time after surgery.
For most people, the dryness lasts a few weeks. Some people need
to continue using artificial tear drops for up to a year. Very few
people will have chronic dry eyes indefinitely.
The majority of people who are candidates for LASIK choose it over
PRK. It has quicker recovery and, if any pain is experienced it
lasts for the matter of hours rather than days. You will be
required to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for about a
week after the surgery to prevent infection/inflammation.
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