What Does Laser Eye Surgery Do To The Eye?

 

In the UK, there's a growing curiosity about what laser eye surgery actually does to the eye. Many people are intrigued by the idea of ditching their glasses or contact lenses for good, and laser eye surgery promises just that. As the technology and procedures become more advanced and accessible, more and more Brits are considering this option to improve their vision. However, the decision to undergo such a procedure can be daunting, with questions about safety, effectiveness, and recovery playing on people's minds. Amidst this curiosity, there's a desire to understand the transformative effects of laser eye surgery and what it could mean for their daily lives.

A Technical Perspective

Laser eye surgery, specifically procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), aims to correct refractive errors in the eye using the latest technology for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. During the procedure, a specialised laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye responsible for focusing light onto the retina. 

In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue. The excimer laser is then used to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping it to correct the refractive error. Once the reshaping is complete, the corneal flap is repositioned.

PRK, on the other hand, does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to expose the corneal tissue underneath. The excimer laser is then applied to reshape the cornea directly. Over time, the epithelial layer regenerates.

Both procedures aim to improve vision by altering the shape of the cornea, allowing light to focus more precisely on the retina, thus improving clarity of vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

What Happens On the Day? 

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of a typical LASIK procedure to help give a clear understanding of what to expect:

1. Preparation

Before the surgery begins, the patient's eyes are numbed using eye drops to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. The surgeon will also mark the cornea with a special pen to guide the laser treatment.

2. Creation of Corneal Flap

Using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea. This flap is then gently lifted and folded back, exposing the underlying corneal tissue.

3. Laser Reshaping

With the corneal flap lifted, the excimer laser is used to reshape the exposed corneal tissue. The laser removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue according to the precise measurements determined during pre-surgical planning. This reshaping is what corrects the refractive error in the eye.

4. Corneal Flap Replacement

After the corneal reshaping is complete, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap back over the treated area. The flap adheres naturally without the need for stitches, thanks to the cornea's natural bonding properties.

5. Post-Procedure Assessment

Once the flap is in place, the surgeon checks the eye to ensure proper alignment and adherence of the flap. Any excess moisture or debris is removed from the eye, and a protective shield may be placed over the eye to prevent accidental rubbing or contact.

6. Recovery Room

The patient is then moved to a recovery area where they are given time to rest and recover from the procedure. It's common to experience some discomfort, dryness, or blurred vision initially.

7. Post-Operative Care

Patients receive detailed instructions on post-operative care, including how to use prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and evaluate the success of the procedure.

It will be wise for patients to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery, as vision may be blurry or impaired immediately following the procedure. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days to a week after LASIK, although full recovery and stabilisation of vision can take several weeks.

Let's Summerise

LASIK surgery is a popular procedure aimed at correcting refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. The procedure involves numbing the eyes with drops, creating a thin corneal flap, using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, and then repositioning the flap. Patients typically experience improved vision shortly after the surgery, with full recovery and stabilisation of vision taking several weeks. While LASIK has a high success rate, it's essential for patients to understand the procedure, and potential risks, and follow post-operative care instructions diligently. Consulting with My-iClinic based in London, UK can help determine if LASIK is the right choice for improving one's vision.